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Post by rcq92130 on Jul 29, 2015 23:26:02 GMT -5
If you own a retro scooter you obviously like the retro styling. It's fun. But it comes with a cost - pretty crappy design in some areas. The front suspension is probably the King of Crap in retro scooter design world. The underlying problem is the solid front stem (no fork tubes!). But the main culprit is the unbelievably crappy shock absorbers that are left to bear the brunt of front end handling .... and are about 1 million percent NOT up to the task. These front shocks were obviously the result of some federal government green energy design grant:   These Soros-funded contraptions provide sub-adequate shock absorption for maybe 1,000 miles, then go on permanent vacation and do nothing at all. At 60mph your retro scoot becomes either a flying machine or a death contraption. Fortunately, there is a simple cure! Someone here (sorry - can't remember who) said they knew of someone using a standard rear shock in place of the green energy joke. Well, I looked into it - unfortunately almost all rear scooter shocks are 13+ inches long, compared to the green energy jokes' length of 10-1/4 inches. A retro scoot can tolerate maybe a 1/2 inch difference with no problem --- but no way a 3 inch difference. Fortunately, after a LOT of looking around I found a perfect substitute:  They are within 1/4 inch of perfect length, both top and bottom fittings are good, and --- they actually absorb shocks !!!! Plus, they look a lot more manly on the scoot:  What a GREAT difference they make! I've had it up to 65mph with the wheels still on the ground - something the green energy jokes could NEVER handle. So what are these? Honda Rear Shock for the: nps50 ruckus, Metropolitan nch50, ZOOMER, Dio ZX, Giorno 2T, Elite S Price used on FleaBay: about $25 each |
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Post by hillbillybob on Jul 30, 2015 8:00:31 GMT -5
Very interesting......the one thing I don't like about my scoot, is that front suspension. I can't see where it is any better than a bicycle, with a solid front end. Think I might have to check into this some more.
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Post by pmatulew on Jul 30, 2015 11:40:59 GMT -5
Modern telescoping forks have their own set of issues.
The trailing link design works well enough for it's intended purpose. There are a bazillion Vespas tooling around with basically the same design. If it's working correctly it shouldn't be that big of an issue. You may want to check though that it is working correctly --> .
Those original plastic shocks on the other hand... I think when I looked at mine that there wasn't anything in there besides a spring. No damping or absorbing anything. Those Honda shocks might be a nice upgrade if you're having stability issues.
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Post by rcq92130 on Jul 30, 2015 13:50:51 GMT -5
Stability issues  ?? Anything over 60 was BEGGING to die! Now ... no problem. |
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Post by ital on Jul 30, 2015 16:01:20 GMT -5
I will have to check what I have on mine. I believe mine has the spring around it already did your stocker have that? Great find!!!
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Post by horace on Jul 31, 2015 16:52:37 GMT -5
Seems like "retro" is not your issue. An average quality chinese scooter would be more to blame IMO.......
Better parts make a better scooter....... AFAIK.
The PDI should have addressed this issue........ any shock that will fit should work just fine.......
Good on you for getting an upgrade.
Have fun and stop speeding (65 seems a bit fast) Just Joking
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Post by rcq92130 on Jul 31, 2015 17:16:51 GMT -5
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Post by horace on Jul 31, 2015 17:26:58 GMT -5
You link to a genuine honda product... A Rukus is by no means retro my friend......
Standard China part IMO made to wearout a bit quicker than OEM Japan parts. Just my humble opinion. Retro or not the same parts are used in many styles.
I could use that as a rear shock for example....... Just sayn.
A coil over shock is stiffer by design.....depending on the spring
Not trying to start a debate just pointing out universal parts. China scoots are known to have a SOFT suspension to begin with.
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Post by rcq92130 on Jul 31, 2015 17:37:05 GMT -5
You link to a genuine honda product... A Rukus is by no means retro my friend...... Standard China part IMO made to wearout a bit quicker than OEM Japan parts. Just my humble opinion. Retro or not the same parts are used in many styles. I could use that as a rear shock for example....... Just sayn. A coil over shock is stiffer by design.....depending on the spring Not trying to start a debate just pointing out universal parts. China scoots are known to have a SOFT suspension to begin with. Yes, Horace. That is the entire point. The Chinese plastic "shock" is a piece of crap - but i found a substitute the correct size and performance to replace the china part with one that is far superior, solving the problem with the poor china design. It would not have been much of an upgrade if I simply substituted in the same China part.... |
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Post by horace on Jul 31, 2015 17:46:13 GMT -5
Please forgive me, I thought the OP had already made the upgrade........
My point was it being a Retro issue only... It is not. More of a common scoot issue for many styles including my own.
I would NOT say they are crap, but instead, Adiquate for the price point. Much like most parts on a cheap scoot.
Have a Great afternoon and thanks for the Link !!!!!! I maybe buying a new set myself.
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Post by retrorider on Aug 1, 2015 7:56:59 GMT -5
That is awesome! My scoot is getting a new pair of shoes next week along with new rear brakes, and a high torque starter. I think I'll add the shocks to the list.
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Post by hillbillybob on Aug 18, 2015 20:38:22 GMT -5
After a little research, I followed rcq92130's lead, and installed a set of the Honda shocks on my Jonway, Milan style scooter. My research revealed that the original shocks are actually not a shock absorber at all, only a spring covered with plastic...with NO dampening effect at all. Now, it's not that they were worn out, but rather it's the way they are made, and come from the factory. Because of the weather, I only got a 3 mile test ride in today.....noticed a big difference just going across the lawn on my way from the barn door to the driveway. Actual shock absorbtion going on. Thanks rcq92130 for starting this thread......this is an upgrade that I can justify spending my money on.... " ![]() i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/rks3526/Front%20Suspension/f5aa12d4-70b9-4cf9-bf39-ec7a6bcc0bc5.jpg" |
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Post by jtron on Aug 18, 2015 20:46:01 GMT -5
Now if you could just figure out how to make my standard gy6 telescopic forks halfway decent lol. Mine are so soft,they bottom out easy, and just sitting on the bike compresses them considerably
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Post by retrorider on Aug 19, 2015 18:52:51 GMT -5
I put new shocks on the scoot last week along with a new front tire. I used Forsa shocks from Partsforscooters (my favorite scooter parts place). The change is really nice. The front vibration is gone, the scoot handles high speed bumps (45mph plus) much better and the steering seems lighter. How much of the difference is the tire and how much is attributed to the shocks is unknown. I would say it was definitely worth the money, and I wish I had done it sooner.   |
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Post by hillbillybob on Aug 19, 2015 19:45:26 GMT -5
Well retrorider, I almost did the same as you..change the shocks and install the new tire I have in the shop. The original front tire now has a little over 7,700 miles on it, and although it has plenty of tread left, it is feathering some, and I know it doesn't roll as smooth as it used to. I decided to hold off on replacing it until the end of this season, just so I would know how much difference the shocks would make.
Got a 33 mile ride in today, and can say I'm impressed. Much less vibration being transmitted to handle bars, windshield and such. Handling on sharp turns, such as intersections, is a lot more solid. Drives like a different scooter, I have less of that insecure feeling you get from a shakey front end.
I expect it to be even better next spring, when it rolls out of the garage with the new, higher profile, 110/90x12 Michelin City Grip installed.
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