What are my rear shock options?

I have a XJ750 Seca and was wondering what my options are for rear shocks? When I bought the bike it had worn out stockers on it, it would bottom out on big dips with just my 170lbs on it. I bought some used progressives off a XS1100?? for it which keep it from bottoming out but even on the lowest setting they are too stiff. They actually feel better when riding 2 up.

I have seen Progressives in the denniskirk catalog and then there is the cheap set in the JcWhitney catalog (and on ebay). What else to I have to choose from? This winter I want to make the seat more comfortable and find some good suspension components, those are my biggest complaints about this bike.

 

I think there is only so much you can do to improve the suspension on the XJ's. Nothing quite like the mono shocks on more modern sport suspensions.

I put a set of Progressives - springs and shocks. It absorbs the bumps much easier. If you do go that route, be sure to get springs that are stiffer rated than your weight. The XJ is a bit heavier than newer bikes, and they don't take that into consideration when rating springs.

 

I have a pair of 07 Sportster shocks on my XJ. They are a little stiff ,but you would get used to it. A little modifications will be needed. And mine lowered therear about 1 inch.

 

Another option is to replace the coil springs on your stock shocks. mawonline.com has some progressive springs which will work.

 

Here comes the answer.
You have to make a BIG decision.

Cheap shocks - or - Performance Upgrade???

Nothing you get for short money are going make you happy bolted-on to the ass-end of your bike.
You NEED Maximum Rear-Suspension "Tune-a-bility"

You absolutely need to have a pair of shocks that you can adjust to riding and weight variabilities.

The dilemma is: THEY DON'T COME CHEAP

So, 25 Years ago they put some decent shocks on the bike when the made it.
Now, you have to replace those with ... at the very least ... Equal performance.

The bottom line is:

What do you and the bike deserve as the new addition to your rear suspension needs.

This is where you need to decide how much you and the bike are worth together ... divided by the miles you plan on riding ... multiplied by the enjoyment of having a rear-end that's Pre-Load and Damping adjustable.

The answer is:

Scour Salvage Yards using the Web or 800 Numbers and get a GREAT Pair of used Quality Performance Shocks.

Don't buy cheap shocks.
You'll regret their performance every time you set-up for a turn and have to "Make an adjustment in your riding" to accommodate for the problem at the rear wheel."

 

Oh, I'm not expecting cheap. I figure that if I can get some nice shocks and seat then that will hold me off from buying a new bike for a while. So I guess I am going the cheap rout, $350 on shocks is cheap compared to the $8,000 for a new Suzuki Bandit 8O .

The only "good" rear shock option I have seen is the progressives, no other brands; I haven't heard much about them for motorcycles but for ATV's they seem to be a good shock but there are lots of better choices. My brother got mixed in with them Honda CB-F Super Sport riders (I tried to convert him :wink: ) and he said that for the CB’s the progressives are ok but there are better shocks out there. So what brands are there for the XJ?

 

www.pro-action.com stop in, there on 37th street, i think they sell progressive

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html
has XJ's listed

 

Try here :
http://www.yssusa.com/products_yss.html
Surprisingly good quality at 'a bit cheaper' pricngs Also Emulator valves to "improve' the typically pathetic Yama pogo stick tech Front forks.

 

Great idea, I totally forgot about Pro Action!

I haven't found a price for the works yet but good to see them listed. Right now I think I will wait till spring when I have the bike out and take it over to Pro Action, see what they recommend. Maybe they can rebuild/spring my progressives so that they are setup for me and my bike specifically. I guess it is time to start saving, they could be a nice graduation present to myself.

 

@BigMeany what mods did you have to do to make the harley shocks fit?

 

Another option

http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/i ... l#ikon-usa

I'd look at getting stronger springs from somewhere first though .....you may not need completely new shocks

 

This is a 5 year old thread by the way

 

Oh no! Doh! Must have forgotten my tablets this morning!