new shocks for '81 XS1100H

[robywan_kenobi]

Where's a good place to get aftermarket rear shocks for my '81 XS1100 Standard? Preferrably, inexpensive.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there R_Kenobi,

You'll soon find that there are many topics/threads that aren't shown in the first page you see, and a little searching will yield several threads of already discussed topics, quite often with many answers and suggestions!

For decent inexpensive shocks, several places to get essentially the same shock, JCWhitney, Partsnmore, MikesXS. They're around $70.00 a pair, good quality for price. I put a set on my 81 several years ago. Several folks have gotten them and had good results.

Or, if you want to spend several hundred bucks, you can go with progressive, from Dennis Kirk, IIRC.

Welcome, and happy shopping!

[satanloses]

Progressive Shocks

Hey Guys I am the CMA Chaplin in the Waycross Georgia USA area 1ST post. Were can one buy Progressive shock parts online I went to their website but I couldn't seem to find parts listing for a set of 1600 Progressive air shocks I need new mounts and plastic nuts that attach the air feed line to side of shocks. Please Help we are starting to get some good riding day down here in South Georgia and i gotta a itch to ride

[andreashweiss]

Shocks

I have a pair of showa mf8-003 in my parts pile. Not sure what off but have standard mount positions for left/right side. Length is 15.5 inch long.chrome and alum with flat black springs. good useable condition. Price includes shipping. $25.00 both e-mail to andreashweiss@yahoo.com

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Satanloses,

The only thing I found was a balancing set, which had caps and hoses to connect the pair of shocks together to equalize the pressure, made by Progressive, listed in their accessories section of their web site. Was ~$24.95, but I didn't find any dealers that carried it.!?

Also, didn't find any reference to your model # of shock, only the now 416 series of air shocks! Hope this helps your searching!?
T.C.

[robywan_kenobi]

O.K. I have done some searching, but still unable to find specific info for my bike on this subject. Will this shock https://www.partsnmore.com/item_inde...art_unique=558 fit my 1981 XS1100H (standard)? The site says all 79-81 XS1100S - all models. I am haveing a hard time finding anything that specifies the "H" model in their parts descriptions.

[Snow]

If I'm not mistaken, the shocks should fit any XS11 and possibly XJs. I've got a '79 F (Standard) with the partsnmore shocks on it.

[MartyA]

Do a search for shocks, you should find lots of info. Watch the eyelet style and you can get anything to fit. I prefer 15.5" but the 14.5" work well. Heck, I have a pair of used Harley shocks that fit. Got 2 sets of Special that fit.

I put on a set of new Parts n More shocks - $75 IIRC - and they were fine even with Sally on back. But, when we took a local twisty we scraped everything. The ride got too soft and too low. Even with me alone I seemed to develop a couple of, er, stripes on the side of my muffler. The ride was fine, just couldn't get too agressive. Oh ueah, I'm a bit over 250.

So I went for the Progressive heavy duty set as indicated on their website. I got the shocks and springs (ordered separately, and yeah, a bit pricey) at accwhse.com. A friend had a spring compressor so that was easy.

The change was terrific. We can go 500 miles in comfort now. I really like them. Now all I scrape is the pegs. If you can get them I recommend them.

[robywan_kenobi]

Thanks for the info MartyA. I would love to go to the Progressive shock, but unfortunately, they are just to pricey for me. I was hoping to find something in the $100 or less price range which the partsnmore shock fit into. At this point anything would be an improvement over what I have. The damping action of my shocks is completely gone, I'm riding on nothing but the springs. Very bouncy and when I get the wife on the back they almost bottom out and so I believe the springs are pretty much gone to. I'm guessing these are the original shocks and the bike has a little over 69k miles on it. Unless I get some better info, I'm probably gonna go with the partsnmore shock.

[DiverRay]

Your bike has the dress kit? if so, the stock shocks and springs are designed to carry more weight!! If you have the room, go for a little longer spring/shock combo. They should help with the weight, and give you a little more travel.
I'll be looking for shocks next fall, and I have the same problem, a dress bike with old shocks. I'm probably going to go for 13.5" to 14" shocks, with HEAVY springs. You may be able to get something like that from partsnmore, if you look at their selection. Try to find a LARGE bike that has about the same bolts size, and use that.
I'm 5'11" and 220lbs
Just my $0.02

[robywan_kenobi]

DiverRay, yes my bike has the dress kit. Does anyone know if the shock Part #06-3601 from MikesXS https://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-susp...ategory_id=6.1 will fit the '81 1100H? This is the 13 3/16" shock on that page.

[DiverRay]

robywan_kenobi;
The shocks will probably fit, but don't use them. The 650 is a lighter bike, and the springs won't carry the weight of a loaded 1100. I would try partsnmore, JCW, or one of those companies to try and get something inexpensive.
You will need a pair of shocks/springs that will carry a minimum of 800lbs. That will give you a little leeway. I know they are out there, as roadrider, my local parts store, carries a few different brands and sizes.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Robywan,

I got the el cheapos from JCW, same ones as the Partsnmore, and they worked very well. I, too, had the bucking bronco style ride, up on accel, down on decell in the rear. These cheap ones have progressive/variable rate springs, and a preload adjuster, and the damping effect it pretty good. They are rated for the XS11, so you should be happy with them, especially for the price!
T.C.

[Rubba]

Those lengths seem long. I have 13.5" shocks on my SH and wouldn't want to go longer; the bike is leaning waaay over while on the sidestand and fell over one time while on the centerstand. I love the ride though.

[satanloses]

shocks

Thanks for all the suggestions. The Progressive shocks that I have are MAGUMATICS i would still like to use them I have worked out the air line situation local hardware has the nuts brass with hole in them to hold the plastic line in place.these are better than orginal if they have the same thread pattern? I will know soon as I buy them. I haven't found a source for shock mounts yet. The orginals are made out of what appears to be urethane the look like they would have done a good job but they are crysalizing and falling apart. The XS will be making it daybew in Alma Ga at the Waycross Ride Group "Run for the Son" May 7th which is also the Alma Blueberry festival. All are invited for a 100 mile ride suppose to be great weather this Sat. C Ya Ride this ride is DONATION only. YALL COME