lower shocks

So I have seen several bikes on here that use 10.5 inch burly sporster lowering shocks, and I am wondering if there is anyone who has them on their maxim who could tell me how difficult it was to make them fit on the bike. Also which shocks fit best, the 88-03, or the 04-10 versions.

 

I have a 1982 XJ650J Maxim and I put 10.5 inch Honda Rebel shocks on it and they bolted up the same as the Maxim shocks did with no modifications. There are pics in my gallery.

 

My experience was that the 04 + required modification. Unless I got a set from a newer model than 2010. The eyes on the sportster shocks where beveled, like a V along the inside lip so I had to narrow the eyelet and also create new bushings.

 

Mooch,
Any problem with the shaft drive? Or does it have a chain? Can't tell from your pics. All are from the right side.

 

It's a shaft drive. I haven't had any problems with it.

 

mooch have you had any issues with the the fender rubbing on the tire?

 

Sometimes it does, but not that often and not that bad. I'm about 285lbs so I think that has alot to do with it.

 

oh ok thanks, i will have to look into those. much cheaper option than the sportster shocks

 

Yeah, I got mine on ebay new for $65.00.

 

I run savage 650 shocks on the rear of my maxim. also 10.5" eye to eye.

 

I would think that a pair of shocks from a 650 would hold up better and support more weight than some shocks off a 250. Just my opinion.

 

Not necessarily, weight and HP of the Savage are closer to a 250 than most 650's.

 

The Rebel weights in at 331lbs and the S40 (savage 650) weights in at 381lbs. They are close, but the 650 shock may have a slightly higher weight load. The manufacturer has to consider the weight of the bike and the weight of passengers. Considering the weight of the XJ with passengers and that the original poster said that the tire rubs sometimes with the 250 shocks, I'd go with the 650 shocks. The only way to be sure of this is to find the specs of the shocks themselves.

 

Ive got 10.5 shocks on mine. I thought i was good to go but now i know i have to becareful when driving. With my 4 into 1 exhaust it does bottom out if i hit a decent pothole. Other than that they are fine but ive only got about 3 inches of ground clearance now. If i thought i could get my system off without breaking an exhaust stud id put a 4 into 2 one back on.

 

Strat did those savage shocks bolt on easily or did they require mods?

 

the burleys work well but you will need to widen the lower mount and make a bushing for the top mount to take up the gap on the mounting stud. a quick to to the hardware store...

 

i had to pull the bushings out of the stockers and put them in the savage shocks if I remember correctly...

back when I had the rear fender still on the bike, riding two up (my wife and I) on the softest setting, I did get a bit of rubbing over hard bumps but on the middle setting I didn't have any issues. (keep in mind this is on an 85 so your results may be a bit different)

 

Hi (first post!), does anyone know if the Rebel/Savage shocks will also fit a 1982 XJ 550?

Edit: Turns out it's actually an -82 I bought, though the ad said it was an -81.