V-Max Shocks

[MotoMartin]

It appears that V-Max shocks will fit my 78 Standard. It seems like many V-Max owners switch to shorter shocks so there are quite a few low price, good condition units available on E-Bay. My questions are: Do they bolt right on, with no additional bushings or washers, etc.? The V-Max shocks seem to have a larger diameter at the top. I assume as the bikes are similar weights and the shocks are adjustable that they can suit a wide range of riders weights/riding styles?
Has any one out there used V-Max shocks on a similar bike to mine?

[Mathh]

Been there, done that. They do interchange without probs, but the V-Maxes' stock shocks are even worse than those on a XS1100. A friend of mine with a Max has even switched his with the airshocks from a Maxim to get a better ride.
A far better choice are the ones from an XJR1200 / XJR1300 as this is a much sportier bike. Best choice here is the Öhlins clone from the sportier SP. The bottom left rubber mount has to be pressed out and changed however (Stock Yam part and stock öhlins part) . Done that conversion on my girl friend's Special.
These shocks are also available with black springs.

[MotoMartin]

Yes, no doubt a set of "piggy back" Ohlins would be much much better, like on an old Husqvarna MX bike. But a quick look at E-Bay showed many V-Max shocks for about $35, a set of XJR Ohlins $650 Though, I'm sure you get what you pay for

[Mathh]

Originally posted by MotoMartin
Yes, no doubt a set of "piggy back" Ohlins would be much much better, like on an old Husqvarna MX bike. But a quick look at E-Bay showed many V-Max shocks for about $35, a set of XJR Ohlins $650 Though, I'm sure you get what you pay for

you're absolutely right, quality comes with a price. That is also proven by the 35$ asked for the V-Max shocks. But as I already mentioned, the standard xjr shocks without the expensive Öhlins logo do about 250 dollar around here. What do the Maxim1100s' air shocks cost over at your place? Their quality is also better than V-Maxs'.