Want to change shocks

Gentlemen (possibly ladies??)
I have an 82 xj1100j maxium, was thinking about changing the stock air shocks to a conventional shock, anyone done this?? what is is the most adaptable shock anyone has changed over to

 

I haven't done this mod but I would measure from eye to eye on your current shock and see what I could find on ebay.

 

You get what you pay for when shocks are concerned so don't buy the cheap $79 model everyone is selling, they are next to worthless. They have a poor ride because of bad damping since they have a lot of resistance going in but come out easily so when you hit a bump you get a jolt as they are compressed but then you get tossed up in the air when they extend again. Also, they will wear out quickly on the heavy 1100.
On the other hand you probably don't want to spend $400 for a set of high quality shocks either, I didn't so I got a used set for $50 at the local Harley shop.

 

change them if they're defective but those XJ air shox are pretty nice and can handle a wide range of loads. I agree with ArizinaSteve; i wouldn't replace them unless i opted for a >$500 (retail value) shock set up.

jasonajwilson offered an accurate suggestion as well but i tried a (1"?) longer shock on an 81 XS 11 and liked them, they raised the rear and made the handling more aggressive...nowhere near sportbike twitchy though. the piggybacks i tried were originally from a ZRX 11 but the resivoir pinched the brake line against the caliper when it bottomed out. (i had to hit a dip pretty-darn hard to bottom it; there may be a way around this issue, i deferred the project after second gear quit on me.)

good luck, let us know how you proceed.