Best Shocks For Big Guys

[LakeOber]

I have been riding my 80' Special (SG) for about a month now and have been enjoying it for the most part. The only issue I am having is the shock that goes through me when I hit a large bump in the road. I am a big dude (6'4" 280lb), so I am sure I am maxing out the capacity of the bike. Also, when my wife rides with me (she is about 190lb), the ride is even rougher. When we hit large bumps I am pretty sure I am bottoming out the shocks. I am looking at replacing the rear shocks. I have read many postings on here about shocks but the opinions seem to vary. So, I was wondering what shocks you would recommend for a 1980 SG with a total rider weight of about 500lb. I see that the Progressive 412HD's seem popular. Is this the best option? Also, how hard is it to swap the shocks out? Is it doable in a few hours without any special tools?

Thanks!

[mlew]

I have the same bike and I am the same size as you. XJ11 rear air shocks will be an direct fit. You can up the air pressure to hold more weight. They are easy to get and are rebuildable.
Here is a article on rebuilding them.
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13400

[LakeOber]

I have the same bike and I am the same size as you. XJ11 rear air shocks will be an direct fit. You can up the air pressure to hold more weight. They are easy to get and are rebuildable.
Here is a article on rebuilding them.
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13400

That's neat to know those work on the XS's. I saw that you can pick up a nice pair on eBay for about $100. I will consider this option for sure... especially considering it is a direct fit. How long have you been riding with them on your SG? Any downside to using them?

[mlew]

They have been on for at least the past 5 years, probably more. Have not had any problems with them after replacing the seals. Don't expect a used set to be a bolt on without some work. Replacing the seals and O-rings is what most of them need. Last time I did a pair it cost me around 40$ for the parts.

[jetmechmarty]

If you want the correct spring, you should buy new from a reputable dealer who will fit you with the correct spring.

I bought Progressive Suspension shocks because I was attracted to the price and the pretty chrome. I bought them specific for XS Eleven and "Heavy Duty". They keep the tire on the road, but the springs were inadequate for my 240 lbs plus passenger. I went to Michael Morse at 650 Central for the correct spring and that fixed it, but now I'm in them for so much money that I could have got something much better for less.

Next time I'd go to Traxxion Dynamics, Hagon USA, or YSS. I'm not one to be messing with 35 year old shocks, though I'm not putting down those who do. I want performance and plug n' play. There was a post that said the XJ shocks had my seal of approval. They don't, because I never tried them and it's unlikely that I will. Kudos to those of you who get them working for ya.

BTW, at 280# and pax, those front springs aren't up to the task, either. (If they're stock)

[MPittma100]

Shocks

I can also recommend Traxxion Dynamics for fork reprogramming and rear shocks/springs. They revalved forks and matched rear shock and springs to what I needed for a 1979SF (Special). Much improved suspension and handling. A call to them would steer you in the right direction.

[mlew]

Yes Marty very true, if you still have stock front springs they are not up to the task of handling a big load. I have replaced mine with heavy duty springs. I am satisfied the way my 80SG handles but I do have a hard time keeping up with you on the twisties in the mountains.

[Bergman16]

I put Showas on the back of my SG last year, but then a bunch of stuff happened (I work in politics) so I didn't really get a chance to ride much. However, I intentionally went over one bump that would have jammed my spine with the old shocks and it was noticeably better, and this is on the lowest setting. I'm about 210 lbs.

I believe the Showas were on Hondas but there are lots of threads here that talk about the swap. They fit perfectly, and I like chrome, so there's just that much more of it. Hope to find more time this year to ride.

[e30 gangsta]

Just hit up dave Quinn cycles. He can get you a pair of custom valved hagons for your weight with the proper spring rate for low $200's. Good luck.

[adelii]

Have you guys seen the shocks on ebay and amazon that are a piggyback type system? They seem to be fillable with air or nitrogen.

[motoman]

Have you guys seen the shocks on ebay and amazon that are a piggyback type system? They seem to be fillable with air or nitrogen.

That type in the moto-x world are known as 'piggyback gas shocks'. They been around for some 5 decades and were initially used on moto-cross bikes. The earlier Maicos and a couple other Euro manufactured moto- cross bikes had them installed. The piggyback style gas shock displaces heat build-up better.....least that was the theory behind them. Olhins(spelling likely not correct) used to be the major manufacturer of those.

[adelii]

i have seen them with the air setup heres an ebay link

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391389007965

[Schming]

i have seen them with the air setup heres an ebay link

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391389007965

Those are CFC shocks.

Hagon, Ikon, Bitumo, Ohlins and some others all produce remote reservoir and piggyback shocks that are worth the scratch

[LakeOber]

Thanks for the info everyone! I have done some looking around and I think I may try the Hagon route. They seem to have a decent reputation. I like the idea of the air shocks, but not sure if I feel like purchasing a pair on eBay and then rebuilding them. I would prefer something that is ready to go and is new.

Just hit up dave Quinn cycles. He can get you a pair of custom valved hagons for your weight with the proper spring rate for low $200's. Good luck.

Thanks for this. I just sent him an email with all of my info to see if he can help.

[Schming]

But . . .

Like most of us if you don't want to invest that much other UJM's share the same bolt patterns as the XS.

I'm using a set of Seca Turbo air adjustable rears on my SF build.

They can be had at a decent price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-1982-...RYf~MT&vxp=mtr