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Maxim Air Ride rear shocks best for XS850 Cafe?

Discussion in 'Other Motorcycles' started by taildragger, Dec 30, 2011.

  1. taildragger

    taildragger Member

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    Are the Air Ride XJ Maxim shocks a suitable alternative for performance riding?

    I ride a fairly quick XS850 weighing 520 lbs. + myself at 230 lbs.

    The southwest has some great hot-shoe / scenic roads and yet some of the worst roads in the country condition-wise (not a rant just reality). Even with decent dial-up 850 shocks set on firm one can be suddenly on the ragged edge.

    This question pertains to those riders having experience installing & using either rebuilt or new 'better grade' air shocks on their big bore / old school Yama iron bike.

    By this I mean exper. with an XS850, XS1100, XJ1100 Max ridden at a brisk pace.

    Would like some recommendations for upgrading the rears to a better air shock (or conventional type) that doesn't cost $1,900 for custom built remote reservoir units.
     
    taildragger, Dec 30, 2011
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  2. FJ111200

    FJ111200 Active Member

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    Location:
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    I've got 2 XS1100's and 2 XJR1200's and i use Hagon shocks and fork springs on all my bikes. Even had one of their monoshocks on my FJ1200.
    I always ride with a pillion and these shocks are very good. Well up to the job and are a good price. Fully adjustable and re-buildable.
    I don't know where you are based but here in the UK there are some pretty fookin' awful roads to deal with.
    I think they will deliver worldwide.
    Here's their website. http://www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/
     
    FJ111200, Dec 31, 2011
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  3. taildragger

    taildragger Member

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    Heard of Hagon shocks but never really looked them seriously until now.
    Great tip.

    Cheers, Robt.
     
    taildragger, Dec 31, 2011
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  4. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    I use the stock XJ1100 air shock on my XJ11, XS11 and V-Max. I like them because they are rebuildable and adjustable in height and dampning. Change the shock oil to suit your needs. I did a ride on the Dragon this fall and they preformed wery well. I have never used a aftermarket shock so I can't compare to those. The Yamaha ones do just fine for me.
     
    mlew, Jan 7, 2012
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  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    You don't have to go crazy, expenditure-wise, to improve the rear shocks.

    Since it's a relatively heavy, shaft-driven bike; I'd recommend something with adjustable damping, at least for rebound. IKONs aren't super-expensive and are available for old Yamahas without having to do any "customization." http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront
     
    bigfitz52, Jan 7, 2012
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