Rear Shocks

[imcgyver]

Hello, I have a 1980 XS1100LG and am looking for a new set of rear shocks, I found some on MikeXS part number 06-3607, was wondering if anyone tried them, or any other replacements that are good?
any good replacement front springs?
Thank you for your time and response.
Ron

[fredintoon]

Hello, I have a 1980 XS1100LG and am looking for a new set of rear shocks, I found some on MikeXS part number 06-3607, was wondering if anyone tried them, or any other replacements that are good?
any good replacement front springs?
Thank you for your time and response.
Ron

Hi Ron,
with shocks as with much else, you don't get what you don't pay for.
Best to get good quality shocks of the type which have a choice of springs and get the heavy springs suitable for a heavy bike.
Progressive sells a fork spring kit suitable to all XS11s. It has a cut to length spacer that allows the Standard length spring to work in the Special forks.
BTW, when you have the forks apart is a good time to replace the fork seals.

[jetmechmarty]

Ron,

How big a boy are you? Do you ever ride two-up? I think you would find those Mike's XS shocks/springs inadequate. I never tried them, but I'm willing to make that assumption. The XS11 is relatively heavy. You're going to squash those springs pretty good if you like a spirited ride.

If money is the issue, find some good used shocks as discussed in previous threads. If you want new, you're going to have to come off the hip with some $$$.

I am not a fan, but Progressive is a reasonably inexpensive option, both front and back. I have their springs on the back in 140/200 rate. That's what it took to correct my laden sag. I'm not crazy about the shocks, but they're on there and they're better than worn out stockers.

I like straight rate springs. I got mine from Traxxion Dynamics. The price is $100 to $150 for the correct springs for you. I highly recommend them. They got mine exactly right.

Matt Wiley of RaceTech recommended YSS shocks as a good economical replacement for my old Japanese motorcycle. RaceTech does not sell these or any economical shocks.

[Elevener]

I just happen to have a set of progressive less than 1000 miles on them. Spring rate 105/150. They are all black.

[imcgyver]

Hello, I might be interested in those shocks.
PM me with info.
Thank you for your time and response.
Ron

[Bonz]

Here's a link to a thread from the past few years about SHOWA rear shocks from a Honda Shadow 1100.

Can't believe this stuff isn't searched out more when folks are looking for recommendations.

These shocks have been fantastic on my 80SG.

Read on... http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...t=showa+shocks

[webbcraft2150]

I just happen to have a set of progressive less than 1000 miles on them. Spring rate 105/150. They are all black.

Pm me if he dosen't want em.

[motoman]

Here's a link to a thread from the past few years about SHOWA rear shocks from a Honda Shadow 1100.

Can't believe this stuff isn't searched out more when folks are looking for recommendations.

These shocks have been fantastic on my 80SG.

Read on... http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...t=showa+shocks

Your a GOOD testament(test dummy) for those Howard........I need binoculars talking to ya, at 6'11" and 300lbs.(IIRC).......That's bout the cherriest original Special I've seen since riding one a friends some 30yrs.ago! Was a neighbor, and we used to ride and swap bikes regularly...same year, same model.....anyway, having followed you for a few miles, bike looks to handle very normally with those shocks, and they look good on it.

[Bonz]

Brant, yeah the old girl is a good looker and runner. You gave me a few more pounds than I actually own, I'm about 265-270 but you got the height right on the nose. So is there going to be another Colo rally this summer? What ya think about doing one?

[b.walker5]

Dunno about others but I'm not sure I'd be real comfortable about fitting second hand shocks to something I was riding regularly. You might get lucky and find a good set, but you're more likely to find a worn set which could be worse than you've already got.

Considering the job they do I'd be inclined to err on the side of ride safety and buy new. Just sayin'.

In saying that the Showa's look like a good replacement option. Head down to your local honda dealer and check them out.

[Bonz]

If you aren't comfortable, for sure don't do it.

Looking at the other threads on the forum that deal with replacing shocks, and the Showa's in particular, no one has had issues that I can see with "second hand" shocks.

I would speculate a pair of good used Showa shocks would be a far better set of shocks than the replacements that cost under $100 for a set of new ones that started this thread.

I'd think you would use up the inexpensive shocks meant for a bike (XS650 if you get them from Mike's) that weighs at least 100 lb less than an XS with about half the power/torque going to the ground pretty quickly IF you ride regularly, so saying that "going new" for these shocks on a bike you ride regularly just doesn't hold water in this instance, IMO.

I read back through some other threads before I did the Showa shocks myself, and there are enough guys saying they weren't overly impressed with the inexpensive shocks they bought, even though they are better than worn out old ones initially. But many guys did fine.

Like it was said earlier, you get what you pay for. The Showa shocks are a much better shock used than most low cost new shocks, I would venture to guess, though I've never ridden a bike with the low cost shocks.

And for me, I wasn't going to pony up for a $400+ set of new Progressive shocks, even though I know I would be happy with those. Did my homework, found what would work, and the Showa shocks excel.

If you've bought used stuff before, you know you have to do some leg work, on ebay you can very easily contact the seller with questions (which I did). I am absolutely confdent the likelihood of getting something good far outweighs any negative by a huge margin when it comes to buying used and doing it correctly.

Plus, I have shocks made for a bike of the XS's weight and engine torque in the Showa's.

[motoman]

Brant, yeah the old girl is a good looker and runner. You gave me a few more pounds than I actually own, I'm about 265-270 but you got the height right on the nose. So is there going to be another Colo rally this summer? What ya think about doing one?

Well, was close. Anyway, I've heard others using these with content results also. Progressive's are good, but also have seen members complain when using the heavier rated ones on their lighter Specials. Apparently work fine, but the stiffness may be much, even set on the lighter dampening. Who knows, they may be fine on a heavier loaded dresser, which BTW happens to be some 140lbs. more for my Venturer than a naked Special. Plus the handling and response between the two scoots is like nite and day, litteraly! Short answer to both your questions Howard.....could easily be arranged, even on short notice. PM me if wanna kick around some ideas such as being based outa my location having the high mountain twisties and the close-by Moab and Canyonlands high desert...... or 'over the hill' on your end....ALL great secondary roads and scenery and THE best VARIETY of riding the lower 48 have to offer, IMO, having been to all but Maine and Florida........PM me your thoughts.

[cywelchjr]

Everything I've read says the showa's are a good match for our bikes. If I hadn't already chosen a set of XJ air shocks, which BTW work very well on my bike, and make the ride and handling so very muck better, I may have gone for a set. The other nice thing is that the XJ shocks can be rebuilt, which is nice thing since the stock ones are not.

[b.walker5]

If you aren't comfortable, for sure don't do it.

Looking at the other threads on the forum that deal with replacing shocks, and the Showa's in particular, no one has had issues that I can see with "second hand" shocks.

I would speculate a pair of good used Showa shocks would be a far better set of shocks than the replacements that cost under $100 for a set of new ones that started this thread.

I'd think you would use up the inexpensive shocks meant for a bike (XS650 if you get them from Mike's) that weighs at least 100 lb less than an XS with about half the power/torque going to the ground pretty quickly IF you ride regularly, so saying that "going new" for these shocks on a bike you ride regularly just doesn't hold water in this instance, IMO.

I read back through some other threads before I did the Showa shocks myself, and there are enough guys saying they weren't overly impressed with the inexpensive shocks they bought, even though they are better than worn out old ones initially. But many guys did fine.

Like it was said earlier, you get what you pay for. The Showa shocks are a much better shock used than most low cost new shocks, I would venture to guess, though I've never ridden a bike with the low cost shocks.

And for me, I wasn't going to pony up for a $400+ set of new Progressive shocks, even though I know I would be happy with those. Did my homework, found what would work, and the Showa shocks excel.

If you've bought used stuff before, you know you have to do some leg work, on ebay you can very easily contact the seller with questions (which I did). I am absolutely confdent the likelihood of getting something good far outweighs any negative by a huge margin when it comes to buying used and doing it correctly.

Plus, I have shocks made for a bike of the XS's weight and engine torque in the Showa's.

I wasnt suggesting for a minute that cheap (and nasty) shocks ,i.e. MikesXS, should be used, just that secondhand on such a crucial piece of the bikes handling equipment isn't such a good idea IMO.

I like the Showa's and I would absolutely use them if I was looking for a replacement, but I would certianly shell out the dollars and buy new ones. Theres absolutely no way I would compromise my safety, and the safety of my passenger, with something of unknown quality. (as in how worn they might be)

Last thing I want is my rear wheel bouncing on the bends under power, when I least expect it.

[Bonz]

b.walker5, good to have the discussion with you and others.

I see what you are saying, just not that much of a problem in my mind.

I have never seen or heard of a catastrophic shock failure of the type of magnitude that is suggested would be the reason for not using a good used shock.

That's like saying it's a bad idea to put a tire from one bike onto another bike, even though the tire was perfectly good when it came off the previous bike.

Anyway, good thoughts and discussion.