Best Shocks For Big Guys

[LakeOber]

After talking to Dave Quinn, I am not sure if the Hagon's will be an option. It sounds like the difference between my solo weight and my 2-up weight is too great for their standard non-dampening shocks. The shock would be too rigid with just myself riding it. So, it sounds like I may have to try something like the air shocks.

[jetmechmarty]

The Progressive Suspension on mine will carry the load when I dial in preload. I can add 200 lbs. Solo, I have 35 mm laden sag. If I run over a dime, I can tell if it's heads or tails. Yes, straight rate for me solo would be ideal.

[LakeOber]

Does anyone know what the max weight the XJ1100 air shocks can support is?

[LakeOber]

I looked in the XJ manual to find the following chart about the air pressures for the air shocks:



So, it says that the max PSI for the rear is 57 PSI. However, it does not say the weight that this is recommended for. Does anyone know what weight they are suggesting 57 PSI for? I only want to do the air shock install on my 80 Special if it is going to be able to support my wifes and my weight.

Thanks!

[jwhughes3]

I first went with a set of Extra Heavy Duty progressive rear shocks/springs since my wife and I match your dimensions - but I went to the XJ air shocks too and it is a nice ride. FYI - I am 290 and my wife PLUS some extra stuff equals 225 (of course her weight is less).

John

[LakeOber]

I first went with a set of Extra Heavy Duty progressive rear shocks/springs since my wife and I match your dimensions - but I went to the XJ air shocks too and it is a nice ride. FYI - I am 290 and my wife PLUS some extra stuff equals 225 (of course her weight is less).

John

Awesome! Yeah that should work perfect then. Did you rebuild your air shocks when you got them? What PSI do you put them out when you ride 2 up?

[3Phase]

Number Crunching

There's a discussion here with some weight numbers for my '80G with XJ air shocks but they should be similar for other models. Post #23 in the thread (LINK) Long Trips has numbers and discussion.

It really depends on what you have with the bike. Diver Ray's dressed '78 XS11 was 820 lb on the scales without him with a higher GVWR from the factory touring suspension. Crazcnuk got 680 lb (309 kg) for his dressed '80G, I don't remember if the suspension was changed from stock.

Using a Front/Rear 45%/55% weight distribution for a roughly 600 lb soaking wet naked machine with one 220 lb rider, a Max load of 150 to 200 lb on the rear would be the range for your 57 psi in XJ11 air shocks.