Good deal on shocks?

Check these out, Anyone have any thoughts on this brand? Thanks

ebay

 

I'm having some technical difficulties here trying to insert a hyperlink, sorry i'll try again

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-SHOCKS-Yamaha-RD400-XJ750-Maxim-Seca-Mini-Chopper_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ012QQitemZ220085398604QQrdZ1

 

Well this sucks, ebay item #220085398604

 

That's an OK price for what they are, a replacement for the OEM units.

But these shocks aren't much of an upgrade.

 

I was thinking of purchasing some similar shocks. What shocks do you recomend bosozoku? Also, would these shocks fit on an 82 XJ650 seca?

 

Damn, they look suspiciously like the ones under my bed waiting for the snow to melt.

Oh well..

 

Decent shocks, new, will set you back about $300.00. You may get lucky on Ebay, but it'll still put a dent in your wallet for good shocks that are set up properly.

Ohlins, if you can find a set, ~$500.00

Ikon, ~$300.

Works Performance, what I'm using, ~$300.00.

Ebay, ~$150, possibly spending almost as much more to freshen up the shocks and get the proper springs for you.

There are other sources, but the choices for XJs are slim, as that type of shock is slowly disappearing. Any decent aftermarket shock with the correct springs will be a noticeable improvement over the stock units.

If you do buy new, some suppliers can give you a slightly different length if you request it: I had mine made 1/2" longer to help with ground clearance problems...now all I drag is the footpeg ends

It's some of the best money you'll ever put into your bike.

Now worries, they'll still be better than the tired ones they're replacing. Just don't go play Ricky Racer chasing new bikes, or you'll scare yourself.

 

Bos, I'm looking to lower the rear about 1/2 to 1 inch so I'm gonna look into what you are using. Have you already upgraded the front as well? As I am getting ready to rebuild my forks and was going to go with the Progressive springs.
I was going to buy the seals etc. from my local dealer because from what I have read, aftermarket seals will be a problem, there price for everything is about $70.00, The Progressive site says to use the existing spacers... Also the dealer said that if I'm going with Progressive springs, I should not have to charge the shocks with air. basically the springs would more than make up for having an air charge. sound ok or hoky?

 

My forks have cartridge emulators, and I use 5W oil. I've carefully set the sag for both ends, as I weigh ~250# ready to ride.

The right springs are far better than air shocks. Air adjustment is easier, but the seals grip the fork tubes harder (more stiction) with increasing air pressure. Fork seals are pressure-activated, just like piston rings, so the greater the pressure difference the tighter they seal. That's good for piston rings, but bad for suspension seals...it makes the fork less compliant, and ride quality takes a trip to the toilet.

The parts you're buying are a great way to start. Be sure you order the right springs, or have the option to exchange the springs if you need to...just stacking in more pre-load is not an answer. The right spring will give you better handling and better ride quality at the same time.

No matter what parts you end up using, this will help you set up your suspension: http://www.race-tech.com/articles/SuspensionAndSprings.htm Do it right, do it once, and you'll be very happy with the results.

 

Now worries, they'll still be better than the tired ones they're replacing. Just don't go play Ricky Racer chasing new bikes, or you'll scare yourself. [/quote]

That was my reasoning. I keep feeling the back shocks bottoming out, and air doesn't stick around long enough to keep pumping them up.

As far as the racer comment, I gave myself a good start last summer doing about 170kmh when I crested a hill, and looked down about a 12% grade on the other side that had turned immediately into a dirt road. So much for backroad antics. The bike has a nasty weave after 140 anyway, so I rarely take it up past 120 or so. Frankly, Ive put too much money into this thing already, so I wasn't going to go ape with a new set of shocks, just something to get me through till I get a newer bike.

 

put some good rear shocks on and you'll probably find that weave will dissapear

 

No, the threshold of the bobbing and wandering just gets ~5 mph higher when cornering on less than perfect pavement. 8O

Hitting a bump or undulating pavement in a corner used to make my bike misbehave at anything much over 70 mph. Now things stay calm until the same thing happens ~80. Finding for the smoothest path always helps, but having decent suspension lets you ride quickly without as much drama when the pavement is sketchy.