Awhile ago I got lucky. Instead of looking for CB550 shocks I looked for CB650 shocks. CB650's were around for a few years, never as popular and the CB500 and CB550.
A company had an old pair of S&W's for a CB650, starting bid $15. I emailed the seller and asked for the length eye-to-eye. The seller did not reply. I checked some websites and CB650 shocks were approximately the same length as CB550's - 13 inches.
So I went ahead and bid on the shocks. I had the only bid and won, $15 plus $15 for shipping, $30 total. Okay, they were kind of ugly but they weren't leaking oil.
They cleaned up pretty nicely! I took them apart with my bare hands, no spring compressor required. Repainted the shock bodies black and found a Rustoleum paint - Marigold! - that matches that gold color that was a trademark of S&W shocks back in the 70's and 80's.
Here are the before and after photos:
You'll see them on the bike later. I still have to take the cases apart, paint them and put it all back together.
The holiday season is here. I've now owned the Honda for over two years and ridden it less than 1,000 miles. Once the oil started leaking on the engine it became less fun to ride. When the bike is back together with the oil leak fixed, a rebore and new pistons, new shocks and a rebuilt front brake I think it's going to be a fun ride!
