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Rear shocks

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Johnius, Aug 17, 2015.

  1. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    Simple question: should the rear shocks let out an audible hiss when you sit on the bike?
     
    Johnius, Aug 17, 2015
    #1
  2. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    no that would be a leak
     
    XJ550H, Aug 17, 2015
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  3. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    Maybe if you weigh 500 lbs
     
    Polock, Aug 17, 2015
    #3
    Luis likes this.
  4. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    Hey now! I'm a little self conscious about my 160lb figure! ;) Guess I better order the heavy duty shocks...
     
    Johnius, Aug 17, 2015
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  5. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    Progressive makes a nice replacement that fits my 81 XJ650 Maxim.
    What bike do you have?
     
    Stumplifter, Aug 17, 2015
    #5
  6. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    '81 750 Seca...
     
    Johnius, Aug 17, 2015
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  7. Haapala

    Haapala Member

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    Are you sure that it's the shocks, and not just the seat? :)
     
    Haapala, Aug 17, 2015
    #7
  8. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    If it is the shocks hissing then you probably don't have any oil in them anymore. A used replacement set should be fine if you're on a budget. I have yet to come across a set that have worn out. Most have low mileage, and the seals don't get exposed to sunlight. Yours are an anomaly (but check the seat out, they can hiss if the foam has broken down).


    Unless........ Do your shocks have visible coil springs? Someone may have swapped out the air shocks from the Maxim, and if those are hissing then it might be a loose fitting.
     
    k-moe, Aug 17, 2015
    #8
  9. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    Haapala: I let the air out of the seat a long time ago. E.g. the vinyl has a big tear in it.

    K-moe: OEM shocks with visible springs. I got rid of my car, so there is no budget per se. I was looking at the progressive 412 or 430. Not sure the difference other than a couple hundred bucks.
     
    Johnius, Aug 17, 2015
    #9
  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    k-moe, Aug 17, 2015
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  11. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    Not bad, though I meant I get to spend /all/ my money on my XJ because I don't have to try to keep a car on the road, too. :D
     
    Johnius, Aug 17, 2015
    #11
  12. tabaka45

    tabaka45 Well-Known Member

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    Don't spend money you don't have to spend. Stock is good. Besides, you may need to spend it on something else more expensive. These bikes are 30 years old and as good as they are they still require good maintenance and an occasional replacement part.
     
    tabaka45, Aug 17, 2015
    #12
  13. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    I forgot I posted this so long ago. I bought a used set. I now have three bad shocks and one good one. My dad just pulled a set of 11" 412s off his *cough* Harley-Davidson. The metal spacers don't allow a direct bolt-on, but if I pressed them out, I think the rubber grommets would fit just fine. I know they're 1/2" short. Does anyone see issues with fitting them?
     
    Johnius, Feb 22, 2017
    #13
  14. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    1/2" will just make the back slightly lower..... The difference in rake/trail will be minimal. I put virago shocks on my 700 when I go to the pseudo-bob look.......I can feel a slight difference, but a few miles and a couple minutes--and I've adjusted to it.
     
    hogfiddles, Feb 22, 2017
    #14
  15. Johnius

    Johnius Member

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    Also forgot the saddle on the right side isn't wide enough for the shock to fit in. I'm hesitant to bend it, but I also see how grinding the eye would be dangerous, too.
     
    Johnius, Feb 22, 2017
    #15

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