Honda CA160: Disassembling the Rear Shocks

Check out this story on CR4 and private-message the author. He may be able to help.

I've got a CB77 that is (slowly) being restored and I don't think that the shocks on that will come apart. There are parts available from Japan that will do the trick or you can just call Progressive Suspension.

I would think if the bottoms need to be re-chromed that the shock mechanism is in pretty bad shape as well. What I'm finding with the CB77 is that time is not kind to the seals, especially with the materials available at the time.

I didn't think they came apart either, however there are replacement tops avaliable in some ebay stores from Asia.??

I'll have to take a hard look at it, I have the shocks lying on the bench but I haven't gotten to that point yet.

They dont come apart. you could remove the chrome and existing paint by wire brushing and sanding and then repaint. but as they are a feeeewww years old I would suggest they should be replaced for saftey reasons. You can repaint the tops to match your bike.

After a bit of traveling today I found out the skinny on the CA 160 shocks.. With the proper compression tools, they did come apart.. The bottom must be kept from spinning as the shocks are compressed at least 3/4" . That allows the top to be screwed off.. The chrome on my shocks is "almost" perfect, however for a frame up restoration It was a must for me to restore everything which includes re-chroming everything.. Thank you for your help, and taking the time to reply to my question.. fredster..

GA for you

Hello Mr wire,

you are a proper Gent Sir!

I just happened on the right site that's all. It took a couple of hours though!

My uncle had one of those and I though, well, it looks like it was made in two halves, and has to come apart somehow for maintenance right? That is what me keep looking. It took about half an hour to find a file protocol which allowed me to enlarge it more, and copy that enlarged image. I think they are pretty cool and very clear and large compared to any 4" schematic in a book, that is for sure. Sites like that deserve to be inundated with business because they do there job so well.

Take care.....

Hello Fredster,

Have copied all 24 schematic files.

And I have done 7 of the PARTS NUMBERS-PRICE LISTS.

I thought I was not going to be able to copy the part number files.

However, through lots of tries, I found I could paste them into Word, then copy and paste then in a file similar to the one with the schematic in.

Forgive me for telling you what may be obvious. (It is not to me) I have saved the schematic files as Thumbnails of the drawings. I find I can right click on one then click edit, and the 1"x1" thumbnail is full sized (about 297mm x 410 (A3) the clicking edit opens them in my Paint apps. I am not sure what it will open in on your computer, so you may have to play around a bit.

I know I sent the other one via CR4. Did you copy it to your computer. And, if so were you able to view it?

Keep in touch.

take care........

Thank you babybear,! You have been a big help to my restoration project.. Yes I did recieve the schematic you sent.. I knew they came apart, I just didn't know how? I went to a Honda dealer that had a fellow that had work for Honda for 35 years. He promptly opened his tool box and pulled out an old compression tool and took the shocks apart in minuets.. Thank you again.. fredster.

Hello fredster:

Really pleased for you and, so lucky to find that bloke from Honda! Would have saved you a lot of time if you had known him in the first place? See, its perhaps, not what you know but whom, that often counts!

Did you copy that schematic from CR4 to your own files? And, if so could you see it full sized?

I would like to send the two files, both of 24 separate files. One with the drawings. One with the part numbers and prices, to you, but want to see if you can open the thumb prints to full sized as I can, do you know if you can open them? Otherwise, I will ask CR4 if I can publish them to the site.

Take care..............

Please send me the files you have. I may not be able to open them but my girl friend is a computer guru and can figure out how to open them.. I haven't yet, but believe I can access the web site you mentioned earlier to get the info. If you ever need to obtain info about OSSA motorcycles/ parts/ repairs/etc.. please don't hesitate to contact me.. that is my specialty....When I'm not building custom cabinets/wood work.... Fredster. 828-692-2070 N.C.

Hello fredster:

My Father was a wizard with wood. He could make you anything. And made most of the furniture in our house.

I have always wanted a little writing box. With space inside for a few pens, paper and envelopes. Don't suppose I will ever get one but, I can always dream, can't I?

ASSA bikes? Are they a 'trials' bike? Or what you could call a cross country bike?

Take care..............

That would be OSSA motorcycles.. Trials, enduro, motocross.. In the earky 70's they were the poop ! Give me the specs on your writing box wishes..