Rear shocks interchangeable between years?

[Shuriken]

So, do the 78 standard shocks work on a 79 special and vice-versa, and/or are other years interchangeable?

I had an 80g but don't remember if the rears were a bit taller with the larger rear wheel? And the 80g and 78e should have had the same length of shocks right? So perhaps the special doesn't interchange with the standard?

I have 1 leaker on the rear and I can't live with one side damping and one side not. I need good rubber and good suspension if I'm going to add something to the "Who owns the fastest XS" thread.



Ben

[Pat Kelly]

The shocks are the same. They even interchange with the XS750-850's. At least the mounts are the same.

[Ken Talbot]

I think the only shocks that were different were the ones that came on the '81 Standard with the full dress Vetter package. The 80-81 Supplement in Clymers lists those shocks as heavy duty, but they still bolt on the same. The trouble with swapping shocks from another 25 year old XS is you're apt to end up with the same tired old shocks that you already have....

[Shuriken]

Well, with a close examination of my 79sf shocks, just one is faulty (leaking). I just need one good rear shock.
Ben

[pggg]

A7, I wouldn't even consider putting on stock XS11 shock absorbers as, even brand new, they're just junk. Tacked on by the factory as an afterthought like all earlier japanese musclebikes were. State of the art motors - garbage for suspension.

[Shuriken]

What brand (and vendor) is a good value for replacement?

[tommystinson]

Count me in on ae7f's last question about "best value"! Progressive makes pretty nice stuff, should I just order 412's in black to save some $$$?

[DiverRay]

I run the progressive shocks on my 79 standard. I did get the "longer" model, so the center stand won't lift the rear tire any more! I do like the ride, and have a little more ground clearance.
Road Rider in San Jose, Ca had the shocks, with the heavy springs, for about $190.00.

[gaffer77]

Koni is a highly rated shock in the uk cost $$$ tho cheaper black than chrome got em on mine well happy!!look great too!!

v max shox will fit!! i am told??

[Shuriken]

Well... one thing's for sure: I do have a budget. I got the ol' girl for only $450, so there is a bit of room for growth. I had to pay $650 for my original 80g.

That said, I need tires, paint/polish, tach, and maybe a decent seat. If I throw new suspension in the mix, I'm really running up the tab.

I think I would appreciate a new braking system, tires, and paint more than suspension. But then again, I know nothing but stock suspension.

If the squirreliness in the turns is helped by good shocks, I'd strongly consider them. I'm bothered by the fact that when I'm only in a 40-50mph turn the bike feels squirrely.

Right now I think I need to just stick with an OEM replacement, at least for now. I hate to say that but paint and tires are very expensive. Paint and polish add the most appeal to me, but I need tires and breaks for performance, too.

I know the shocks are high up on the list for performance upgrades but I think for now at least I'll put the $200 in paint, and another $200 in tires.

Seems I've seen suspension for under $100 new. Is that any good?
Ben

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Ben,

When I did my rebuild over 4 years ago, I put the JCW then $69.95 shocks on, and they work very well. Both you and I rarely ride 2 up, and even then, they work acceptible. I rode 2 up in NY with my MOM on the back, went thru a nice set of tight twisties and didn't have any trouble handling it, even though I scraped both the center stand and the muffler in the turns!! Several others have gotten the same style, either from Partsnmore, or MIkesXS. I think you'll be happy with them over the old OEM's!

I remember almost from the beginning of riding my XS11 back in 86 when it was fairly new, and having that riding bronco feeling every time I would roll on and off the throttle. With these new shocks, the rear is very stable, great dampening effect, no more bucking bronco!!!
T.C.

[gaffer77]

7992424597 ebay these are for the sport (after market ones i think??)which is a cross between a special ,standard and an xj (swirly wheels,low bars,
special tank)
4568315433

[Shuriken]

Guess there are a lot of options:

JCW

Mikes XS Part #06-3612

DK Progressive