Showa vtx1300 Shocks for the XS?

[Orange4]

Looking for a cheap replacement for my 37 year old shocks. Found an almost new set of vtx1300 shocks for $20 with the same eye to eye length. VTX weighs 660lbs. They are Showas. I had been looking for Harley shocks but these are probably better. Thoughts?

[jetmechmarty]

How can you go wrong for $20? I wouldn't be surprised if the VTX was undersprung. They might work well.

[Orange4]

As long as the ride isn't too soft although I just realized for that price they could be a touring set. I can research and wait for a deal on a sport set in the meantime. I just wanted a second opinion on suitability in case they were totally wrong. I guess since the vtx weight is greater the damping and the springing will bee heavier for the XS which is the better way to go as opposed to under sprung/damped.

[Schming]

Hi Oarnge4,

If your interested in air adjustable shocks I've done some research and found that the XJ 1100 shocks aren't the only option.

Trying to stay true in my quest for the use of OEM Yamaha parts, for any mods or upgrades I'm doing, I've found the rear air shocks from the '83 XJ 650LK Seca Turbo are a perfect fit for our Elevens.

The '83 XJ 650LK Seca Turbo is the same weight, give or take a pound, as our Elevens.

This link has the specs:

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yam...turbo_1983.php

I've purchased two sets one for my XJ 750 and the other for my XS 1100SF from ebay and there's more to be had:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...Text=&_sacat=0

These turbo shocks have a nice chrome finish and the adjustable damping is made easy as the whole top of the shock rotates instead of the thumb wheel that the Elevens have.

Also the air hose is longer than the XJ 1100 shocks which makes installation easier.

I believe they are rebuildable also.

HTH

[Schming]

Edit

Ran out of time to correct and include more info.

Correction: The Eleven weighs in at approx. 630lbs. as found in this link:

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yam..._1100_1978.php

So at over 50lbs. heavier than the XJ 650LK Seca Turbo I still think the shocks will suffice as riders can differ in size that much.

I have them on my SF with 20 to 30 psi. and the stance of the bike looks good and they feel good although I haven't ridden the bike yet as it's on the table for a complete makeover.

I will be using a second set on my XJ 750, that is my interim DD, and as soon as the weather breaks I'll give an update.

[IanDMacDonald]

Lol, I have two of those Turbos in my mom's garage.

[IanDMacDonald]

Lol, I have two of those Turbos in my mom's garage. But, I like the chrome "lowering" shocks for Harleys, that are a Chinese knock-off of the Showa's.

[Schming]

Looking for a cheap replacement for my 37 year old shocks. Found an almost new set of vtx1300 shocks for $20 with the same eye to eye length. VTX weighs 660lbs. They are Showas. I had been looking for Harley shocks but these are probably better. Thoughts?

If you go with either of your mentioned shocks, be prepared to adapt the "eyes" for the Yamaha stud and bolt sizes as I don't think they would be a direct fit.

[Orange4]

Those Seca shocks look smaller than the XJ ones and sure are cheaper. looks like the rubber boots are the hard part to find in good nick. most of the Ebay ones are missing.

good tip on the eyes

I'll watch this space to see how the turbo shocks work for you.

[Orange4]

Score!!! 0 miles. Were taken off at the dealer and replaced with a set of progressives. Still have some of the protective shipping wax on them. There may be a way to remove some of the chrome to make them look more stock. I think there's a standard shock somewhere under all that bling.

[Orange4]

Here's a takedown someone did to lower their VTX:

[Schming]

Those Seca shocks look smaller than the XJ ones and sure are cheaper. looks like the rubber boots are the hard part to find in good nick. most of the Ebay ones are missing.

good tip on the eyes

I'll watch this space to see how the turbo shocks work for you.

Here's some comparison pics of the stock XS1100SF, XJ1100J and the XJ650LK rear shocks in order from left to right - notice the smaller "eye" on the bottom mount as these are all shocks for the right side of the bike - shock "eyes" on the left side shocks are the same size as the top right "eye":



Without their gaiters:



Mounted on my SF right side, sorry for the blurry pic:



And the left, I'll need an ell for the proper hose positioning :



And a closeup of the damping adjuster:



Gaiters can be had from various sources if good used prove hard to obtain, although I found two decent sets on ebay.

Nice score on the Showa's, hope they work out for you.

It's not good practice to cut the spring to lower shocks, as it compromises the design and will result in poor performance.

For handling purposes it would be best to aquire the desired length.

[Orange4]

I'm not planning on lowering them. I was just hoping I could make them look more stock. OTOH they are a nice looking shock so why am I making more projects for myself?

Thanks for all the info on the air shocks. They look good and rebuild-able is a bonus. Is the air like preload? I have never used them.

[Bonz]

Cobia did this years ago and I followed suit.

Showa shocks from a Shadow. They work great!

No air to mess with, no air hoses and ride awesome one up (290# with gear) or fully loaded for a Rally.

Heres the link from a search...

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...t=Showa+shocks

[Orange4]

Thanks for that. I'm chomping to give them a try. My bike isn't insured yet. It's still too cold out for a skinny guy like me.

Since I got them so cheap, I'm that much closer to a set of emulators for the forks. Can't wait to hit the twisties with some confidence. The way it is now, it feels like I'm riding on a spring mattress and not in a good way