CRS shocks for '67 P11

Schwany

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I replaced a set of Koni shocks with a set of Cafe Racer Suspension GS03 shocks on my road only '67 P11. The set I got more than likely would not work with a chain guard. The '67 didn't come with a chain guard, so not an issue. The P11A and Ranger did? Anyway, The GS03 can be ordered in different lengths with a length adjustment of +-10mm. For example, I got a set with a length adjustment spread of 320-330mm. Available length options range from 300-310mm to 350-360mm. I have my 320-330mm shocks set at 320mm. 16 clicks of rebound damping, fully adjustable pre-load, length adjustment, and factory compression damping. Read more here. http://caferacersuspension.com/shocks.html

Looks tight, but there is .5" of clearance between the base of the spring mount and chain. I could raise the spring mount via length adjustment and get plenty of clearance, but I want to run them shorter than 13", so they are where they are going to remain for now.

I wanted a plusher ride, but with the ability to dial in a stiffer ride if I wake up one day and am 25 years old again. My Koni shocks were set up stiff. These have 110lbs springs for a 195lbs dressed out rider and a 350ish lbs P11. It weighs less than the stock weight of 368lbs I've seen on old Norton P11 literature.

The shocks work great and are affordable. Plus they look cool.

Koni/CRS shock visual comparison.
CRS shocks for '67 P11


In place with 20mm of pre-load
CRS shocks for '67 P11
 
From the CR Suspension product page: "Special racing emulsion shock absorber with internal floating piston, nitrogen filled. Aluminium AL7005 damper body and AL6061-T6 top and bottom fittings, CNC forged, CR-MO shock shaft. Adjustable spring preload, externally adjustable rebound damping, adjustable shaft length +/-10mm"

The GS03 shocks are lighter than the Koni shocks they replaced. I did not weigh them though. No weight listed on the product page. I'll see if I can figure out a method for weighing one later and post the results.

Only negative thing I can think of for these shocks is they are not chain guard fit friendly for any Norton that requires a 13" shock.
 
The CRS GS03 shock weighs 1194 grams. 2.632319 pounds
The Koni shock weighs 1612 grams. 3.553852 pounds

1.843066 lbs lighter per pair than the Konis

I didn't buy them to save weight though. I bought them for the tunability. Big improvement all around.
 
BTW
The CRS GS03 shocks look like a copy of K-Tech shocks, or is it the other way around.
 
They don’t look that similar to me personally, but I’d venture to suggest that if anyone copied anyone, then CRS copied K-Tech.

K-Tech are a top drawer suspension firm involved at the highest level of racing etc.
 
They don’t look that similar to me personally, but I’d venture to suggest that if anyone copied anyone, then CRS copied K-Tech.

K-Tech are a top drawer suspension firm involved at the highest level of racing etc.

Sure nuff K-Tech makes the goods.

The K-Tech twin shocks I'm referring to are very similar design, features, and function wise IMO. +-10mm shock length adjustment below the rebound damping adjuster. Same shock body and spring orientation (upside down). Variable adjustable pre-load. Nitrogen filled with possibly very similar internals. Differences are: Painted all black and the shape of the top of the shock body and the rebound adjuster is different. So yeah the appearance is not identical.

I'm not sure what drawer CRS is in (club racer drawer?) but they definitely make a good product at an affordable price. The tech looked and sounded good for an old motorcycle upgrade, and the answers I got from CRS to the questions I had were satisfactory, so I bought them. I'll be buying a CRS front brake with wheel soon. Do a little last gasp testing with my old Betor forks and the new brake. Then more than likely buying a set of CRS forks shortly there after. If they sold T-shirts, I'd get one. Looks like they quit the apparel part of their program though. Sucks no stickers in the box either.
 
I’m not knocking CRS at all. It’s nice to see folk making quality suspenders for classics rather than just the (often) shockingly poor stuff from the Far East.

But the best way I can explain the difference in ‘the drawers’ is that CRS fit modern CBR 600 interlays to their forks. Whereas K-Tech design, make and sell upgraded internal for CBR 600s, amongst many others.
 
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