Shock?

[Nubian]

Being that Standards tend to be heavier than Specials are the shocks the same strength and interchangeable?

[DGXSER]

Very interesting looking at part numbers for the shocks through the years and models. Typically, Mommy Yammie only changed the part number to reflect the model no if the part changed some how. For instance, some of the SH parts have the 2H7 E model nomenclature as the part is the same throughout.

For the shocks however, every single year and model the part number was updated to reflect that model 2H7, 2H9, 3H3, 3J6, 3H5, 4RO, 4R1. Which would indicate the part is different for every year and model in some way.

Now, I have swapped shocks from SG to SH with no problems. And I am certain you could do the same as far as bolting up between a STD and a Special. I doubt there is any real difference in the shocks ability to carry the load. For a real upgrade I highly recommend the XJ air shocks.

[crazy steve]

Being that Standards tend to be heavier than Specials are the shocks the same strength and interchangeable?

The weight difference is pretty small.... But yes, they all interchange.

[motoman]

Very interesting looking at part numbers for the shocks through the years and models. Typically, Mommy Yammie only changed the part number to reflect the model no if the part changed some how. For instance, some of the SH parts have the 2H7 E model nomenclature as the part is the same throughout.

For the shocks however, every single year and model the part number was updated to reflect that model 2H7, 2H9, 3H3, 3J6, 3H5, 4RO, 4R1. Which would indicate the part is different for every year and model in some way.

Now, I have swapped shocks from SG to SH with no problems. And I am certain you could do the same as far as bolting up between a STD and a Special. I doubt there is any real difference in the shocks ability to carry the load. For a real upgrade I highly recommend the XJ air shocks.

Load carrying ability IS different and greater on the Venturer. It is 'one of a kind' in many ways. This IS one of them. From the factory, it had progressive front springs and heaviier load carrying rear springs on the rear shocks, along with of course the five position spring rate and five position re-bound dampening.
Definitely stiff enough that I normally run my Venturers spring rate on two and dampening on three.
BTW, the two models(Special/Standard(Venturer)) also handle TOTALLY different. The Special/XJ being more nimble at cornering ability having the leading front axle and sisteen inch rear wheel.
The Venturer was a one-off model to somewhat competed with the Wing back in the day. It didn't quite live up to that, but was a tourer on steroids.
Rode both back in the day before purchasing my Venturer new. It definitely was great knowing I had the badest, quickest existing tour bike of the day. Trust me, many of ALL types(Kaw.6cyl. Voyagers, Wings and comparible dressed KZ's and GS's) tried 'hanging' with it....wasn't even close, even two-up.
As stated, the XJ's air shocks DOES give the H model a nicer ride for your back-side.