Question on Shocks

My XJ 650 Seca has a set of air shocks on the rear (please look at the picture in my gallery). The adjuster and air valve are at the top of the schock...they look to me to be upside down! They are FoxShox but I can't find any information on any website that has any reference to FoxShox or even see any that look like these shocks. I want to lower them but can't figure out how its done...any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.

Also, can anyone provide a picture of how the starter solenoid is wired? Sorry, but I can't seem to get any answer from the "XJ-CD" guy so I'm forced to ask these minor questions till I get a manual. Thanks.

 

Wierd - they do look upside down, no matter though as the orientation doesn't really make a difference... but is that bit of gold/brass at the top an air valve? Most air shocks I've seen have a hose running between them to balance the air pressure in them, and that would account for why they're mounted that way.

Never heard of those shocks either - and if net searches aren't pulling up any info, I'm thinking you got some kind of knock-off replacements somewhere along the line. I'd be looking for some others...

But failing that, best I could offer would be to play with the adjusters a bit, let air pressure out, and see what works for you. Oh - and the normal length for our shocks is 12.5", eye to eye.

 

I would agree, they do look upside down compared to most I've seen. The adjuster ring is usually at the bottom of the spring. To lower them, what little you can, you want to adjust the ring so the nub on the shock tube is seated on the shortest groove on the adjuster ring. This will soften the suspension and lower the bike a little.

I believe thats about the best your going to get without buying shorter aftermarket shocks (if they even make them ???)

 

Only reason I can think of that would have somebody hang shocks upside-down:

The leaked ... and you only have the springs doing the suspension work.

FoxShox are unfamiliar to me; too. I'd start looking for some different shocks and put them on there - right!

 

I used these on my RD-400 race bike back in the day. They had really stiff damping. The schraeder valve is for nitrogen; forgot what the correct pressure was. They were made to be mounted upsidedown; to reduce sprung weight on the suspension (the heavier shock bodies were stationary, mounted to the frame, instead of going up & down with the swing arm...). S&W Freon Cell shocks were mounted that way also.

 

Thanks for the replies. Now that I know what they are I can change them in good conscience. Strange shocks to be putting on this motorcycle, no?

 

Not really strange; heck a parts guy at the Yamaha shop I worked at put Ohlins on his 750 Seca back in the day-that's overkill!!