Shock Fit Question

[natemoen]

Anyone know if the shocks from a 82 750 maxim would fit the 1100?

[shadowman]

According to the listings on Progressive Suspension website, they share the same shocks, but there is a different number for the spring kit that goes with the shocks. I would imagine that the xs1100 would have a heavier spring, but the shocks should be interchangeable.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com...48&modelID=990
http://www.progressivesuspension.com...48&modelID=746

[natemoen]

So they fit, anyone have an opinion on ride change and feel?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Nathan,

I can't comment on the Maxim shocks, but unless they are air shocks, then they aren't necessarily anymore special than other shocks, and so I'm wondering why look at getting something USED and OLD that could be worn out??

Several of us have gotten the generic MONZA style shocks either from Mikes XS as well as Partsnmore, and they both listed the same model # for both the XS11 as well as the 650. So...you could either assume that they are too strong for the 650, or too weak for the 1100!?

But they have provided decent suspension and shock action/control.

I remember having the OEM shocks on mine, NEW back in '83, and having the bucking bronco type action from the on/off throttle action and jackshaft effect of the swingarm/driveshaft trying to ride up on the Final Drive during even just modest accelleration! And the shocks were set to the highest dampening affect! I just got used to it after a while, rode it for 9 years.

Tranny died, sat 9 years, then rebuilt, put on the Monza shocks, and even with the little big bore kit, after break in, I noticed that when getting on the throttle rather robustly, that it DIDN'T have that bronco ride affect anymore! I weigh only 225, and rarely ride 2 up, but when I did with another 200+lb person, it would occasionally bottom out, but only on a severe bump..YMMV.

So...I'm just suggesting getting the pair for about $80.00 or so and give them a try, vs. the grab bag don't know what you may get used ones.
T.C.

[natemoen]

Part of it is that they are cheap (25 shipped) the other part is that I like the way they look better.

[Jerry]

Shocks...long

A little primer on shocks.

Most anything will 'fit' and XS or XJ 11, although the left and right side shocks have different sized inserts for the mounting bolts. Most replacement shocks come with a selection of inserts, or you can resort to using the one from the old shock. This is a relativley minor problem.

Getting the "correct" shock is a bit more difficult, since many factors come into play. Some people want to lower their bike, some ride solo while others ride 2-up some of the time.

Shocks control the action of the springs. The XS and XJ springs use a dual-rate system, which means the springs compress with less force during the first couple inches of wheel travel, but require more force to compress the last few inches. When most people ask if a certain shock will fit the XS or XJ, they generally are including the springs as well. Any change will alter the way your bike rides and handles, sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

The things one should look for are shock length (12.5 inches is stock) and you can go longer or shorter to raise or lower the bike, but best to stay within an inch or so of stock. (Remember, the shocks are not straight up and down, so wheel travel is not the same as shock movment; the wheel travels farther than the shock does.)

Spring rates can be harder or softer than the stock 90/120 units, or can be straight rate. If you ride 2-up or are a heavyweight like me, heavier (stronger) springs are a better better bet. Most after-market shock companies offer springs of different ratings to go with their shocks. Getting correct springs is really the trick to getting shocks that work.

Another issue to look into is fade. Shocks loose some of their effectiveness when they get hot. Shocks made for smaller bikes often run smaller in diameter and have less capacity to handle heat. Most smaller bike's rear suspensions do not have to deal with the added weight and mass of a final drive unit and possible heavier tire and swingarm. After several hours at speed your shocks may fade, causing handling changes. Again, if your rides are shortwr with more frequent stops, this becomes less of an issue. If you plan to travel several hundred miles a day, a more consistent-handling suspension becomes desireable.

Air shocks do not affect spring rates; they only control how much initial force is required to allow the suspension to move. I like my XJ's air-adjustable rear shocks, as I can crank up the pressure for riding in the twisties or pulling my trailer, or soften it a bit for my interstate commuting to and from work. However, air-adjustable shocks are not cheap in the aftermarket world.

So, will a given shock fit the XS or XJ? The answer is - probably - yes. Will they give you the ride and handling you want? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on your riding style, weight, comfort level, and pillion usage or lack thereof, and your choice of springs or the ratings of the springs that come with the shocks.

Personal opinion...go with what other XS owners have found to work well. That is experience talking, and it is worth listening to.

[natemoen]

Personal opinion...go with what other XS owners have found to work well. That is experience talking, and it is worth listening to.

That's why I ask!

[bikerphil]

Most factory shocks have no compression damping built into them which will make the bike wallow around corners. This is for maximum comfort. Even cheaper aftermarket units such as the JCW units have that needed compression damping and are a great improvement over 30 year old units. The back will be stiffer and handling will be improved. If the spring is a bit weak even at max preload setting, a spacer can be added but you'll need some sort of spring compressor. The best shocks I've used on these bikes are the S&W Street Strokers which show up on Ebay from time to time, sometimes listed as stock XS11 shocks. Progressive bought S&W a while back. Progressive 12 series shocks is money well spent, especially a for more aggressive riding style. JMHO, YMMV.