Xj Rear Shocks

I am new to this site and a new owner of a 1985 yamaha maxim. Im running into the question if I was to change the rear shock from a 14" stock to a 10" would that mess with the bike such as the drive shaft?

 

Hey new person; welcome to the club. I have no idea, but I thought I'd say hi and best of luck anyhow. Which Maxim is it? 750?

I'm visualizing the back of my bike, and I just don't see 4" of room to drop. Maybe it's just me though.

 

How/why in the world do you have 14" shocks on there to begin with!?!?

dave

 

I have 340mm(13.6") shocks on my '81 650 with spring rates to match. They're excellent. I can say, on my bike, I would not suggest 10" rears unless theyre welded solid, lol. There isn't enough room for proper clearance. My buddy had 10.5" shorty shocks on his 750 bobber. They worked with about as little clearance as possible when at full compression. Total shock length vs. compression stroke length vs. spring rate vs. total weight of the bike (rider included) will dictate how low you can run a shock. You're driveshaft will function at this height. There's a point where the driveshaft becomes parallel with the input on the motor. The steeper the angle of the driveshaft, the more stress induced on a driveshaft cross/U-joint. Considering youre even asking about 10" shocks, i won't get into suspension geometry as you can throw proper handling in the scrap bin. Do you have an aftermarket seat of some sort or modified rear fender?

 

My 85 Max (700) has 13.75 shocks. Were you thinking Sportster shocks? I believe that mod has been done with success. I personally wouldn't go less than 11-1/2 inches. You'll want to have some travel for weight and potholes.

 

I tried 10" shocks on my xj650, it can make the shaft grind under certain conditions. I have no idea about other models, but it's not a good idea on a 1981 xj650.

Aside from the mechanical issues, the ride with properly sized Progressives is FAR superior to the 10" shocks I tried.

 

Hmmm.....guess I'd better go check the length of my shocks again. I don't remember them being that long.

Dave F

 

And wear a kevlar diaper. (just incase your ass gets a rubbing )

 

Go figure.

I can't break XJBikes Law #2 or I'd say something here...

 

I believe his 14in is measured from the top to bottom of the shock not eye to eye.Our stockers end up being 12 3/4 ish if i remember right eye to eye. I went with 11.5 (290mm) and its a big drop. I dont have any driveshaft issues but i know if i dropped it anymore id start getting worried. I also dropped the front about an 1in to make up some of the difference and im very close to the ground.
If he's measuring the 10in from top to bottom id say no way but if the 10 is eye to eye its still too low i think.