shocking

[Parr8hed]

Will shocks from a special fit a standard, or do they have different lengths?

[DiverRay]

Travis,
The shocks have a different part number from Yamaha. The standard has a "heavy duty" available for full dress bikes, and I think the big difference is the adjustments available on the standard.
I believe they are the same length, so they should work. Just make sure you get heavy duty springs on the shocks. The standard is designed to carry a little more weight.
I'm using BMW shocks on the back of daily ride. They are about 1 1/4" longer than stock, but DO have heavy duty springs.
Ray

[Parr8hed]

great info, thanks. I do not have full dress on this standard. It is a 78. I would actually like to raise it a tad for more corner clearance. The shocks that I was concidering were from ebay. I think that a member here was selling them. They are progressive so they will probably go for more than I am willing to pay anyway. Did you buy those BMW shocks used? How is the ride?

[DiverRay]

The shocks I've got are progressive. The local shop, Road Rider, had them on clearance new, with springs, for about $140.00. The big problem is the center stand no longer will lift the rear wheel. If I'm going to work on a tire, I need to put a 1X6 under the center stand.
I run the springs on the 1st or second position most of the time, as I'm 1 up with the box in back. With a secon person, I just go up 1 on the springs, and it's good. I do plan on installing the progressive front springs this weekend, and that should even out the ride.
The book lists a 12 1/2" eye to eye on stock shocks, but I think it's closer to 12". Progressive does have some nice springs for our bikes, and there is an online shop that has them at a reasonable price.
Ray

[fly]

i have a 78 standard with a sidecar. went to a special 16" rear wheel for better tire selection. used the special shocks . no problem. bolt rite on.
fly