XJ11 shocks on an XS11

[DGXSER]

I wanted a softer ride, my stock XS11 shocks were a bit worn and becoming a bit of a kidney buster. So, I found some XJ11 shocks on the bay. Sorry, but I did not take pics on this one.

IT is a pretty straight forward swap. The one modification I found was needed is swapping which shock goes on which side. The way they arrived, the air line interfered with my helmet lock. The only thing that determines which side the shock goes on, is the size of the bushing on the bottom of the shocks.

So I had to create a press to push the rubber bushing out of each and push it back into the other. It is a tight fit and took some serious effort to push them out. I even snapped one of my older cast iron C-Clamps in the process.

After the effort to swap them out, I got them installed and adjusted the air pressure and damper settings, and got out for a test ride. So far I like the feel of these shocks, seems like a softer ride, but so far did not notice any loss in handling.

[BA80]

Mine fit right on after I removed the helmet lock. It never gets used anyway.

The hardest part I found was snaking the airline in under the seat. I like the way they ride and handle too.

[ddragon63]

I've Got XJ shocks on Old Man. I have the air inlet in my license plate. works great and I can adjust between pressure for 2 up or single rider in minutes before I head out.

[ddragon63]

let me correct that... I have air shocks on Old Man, I do not know if they are actually XJ shocks

[WSL91]

I wanted a softer ride, my stock XS11 shocks were a bit worn and becoming a bit of a kidney buster. So, I found some XJ11 shocks on the bay. Sorry, but I did not take pics on this one.

IT is a pretty straight forward swap. The one modification I found was needed is swapping which shock goes on which side. The way they arrived, the air line interfered with my helmet lock. The only thing that determines which side the shock goes on, is the size of the bushing on the bottom of the shocks.

So I had to create a press to push the rubber bushing out of each and push it back into the other. It is a tight fit and took some serious effort to push them out. I even snapped one of my older cast iron C-Clamps in the process.

After the effort to swap them out, I got them installed and adjusted the air pressure and damper settings, and got out for a test ride. So far I like the feel of these shocks, seems like a softer ride, but so far did not notice any loss in handling.

Its funny how the grass is always greener on the other side. The XS guys want the XJ shocks because they are better/newer, the XJ guys want the Shadow Showa shocks because they are better/newer, the Shadow guys are buying progressives (I was a Shadow guy).......

I also ride a Honda VTX which halfway through its life Honda quit putting badges on the tank and went to stickers. The Badge guys pull them off and proudly state that they are de-badged (even in their signatures). The sticker guys are always looking for the badges that were pulled.......

[DGXSER]

Funny you mention the Showa shocks. That was my other item to consider for an "upgrade".

Honestly, the air shocks seem pretty nice. But my old ones were used and abused like the bike when I got it, so I am sure they were long overdue. Its not the grass being greener as much as the amount of green it took to upgrade.

[Poprock]

Roger that, DGSXR. XJ units were the low buck solution for me as well. Mine were bouncy till I finally pulled the air hose off, drained the few ounces of old oil and refilled with fresh 5W. I like the adjustability. I'm running mine @35# and 3 dampening. Firm but not harsh. Tires are @ 4# under max inflate for solo riding. I'd air up to max and probably 50# in the shocks for 2 up. Don't do much of that kind of work, and the XJ set up is working fine for my style of riding.

[natemoen]

Got a pair of Fox Racing air shocks this weekend for $5 bucks. They cam off an xs11 but we shall see how well they handle the fat xs11. Fox Racing seems to do mostly dirt bike stuff.