Better rear shocks...

I don't know if its these lousy chicago streets but there's got to be a better way. Some of these bumps cause the bike to bottom out so bad, I think the rear tire is going to pop. I cranked the springs to the 3rd setting from the lightest but the problem seems to be no damping. It rides rough now and the big bumps are still very bad. Is there any aftermarket shocks that solve this problem?

 

Tons of em. Progressive makes some really nice ones that'll give you a great ride and better adjustability.

Out of curiosity, are your shocks oem? I ask because I've never had mine bottom on me and I've hit my share of bumps. What kind of weight are you putting on the bike?

 

SHOCKS-R-US:


SHOCK ABSORBERS:

Well, let's face it, it's been 25-30 years since your bike was first sold and operated, and your rear SHOCK ABSORBERS:

a) were not all that great to begin with, and....
b) pretty much completely worn out by now.

Factory-installed motorcycle shock absorbers cannot always be considered top-of-the-line from either performance, comfort, or endurance standpoints----and of course, this is a typical situation for most mass-production vehicles, as they end up being a "compromise" product that will (hopefully) suit "all buyers, in all conditions" and are usually selected for production bikes with an eye towards cost efficiency and savings (the exception being the original XJ900RK Seca rear shocks, which ARE a true high-performance design).

Stock fluid- or gas-filled, spring-assisted shock absorbers are good for about 10,000 to 20,000 miles of typical use before they are ready for that large XJ graveyard in the sky. Air shocks, on the other hand----as originally used on the XJ650 Turbo and XJ1100 models----have an almost indefinite lifetime if they don't develop internal leaks.

So if it's time for a newly shocking experience, then lucky for you, because shock absorber technology and performance has improved dramatically since these bikes were built.

Progressive Suspension has been making motorcycle shock absorbers for over 20 years and is acknowledged as one of the leaders in the industry. We are now offering their line of replacement shock absorbers that not only perform exceptionally well----and are designed specifically for these model bikes----but also come in a variety of performance levels to fit almost any budget.

WARNING: although there are a number of extremely low-dollar "generic" shock absorbers that are available at large retailers, we caution you that such shock absorbers are not specifically valved, nor are their springs designed for the characteristics of XJ-series bikes (or, really, for ANY bikes). They are inexpensive because they are generic, and although that keeps their cost down, it also tends to keep their performance and durability way down, too.

All shock absorbers listed below are sold as fully assembled pairs, and come with all mounting adapters and bushings, as well as illustrated mounting instructions. You will be pleasantly, and perhaps amazingly surprised, just how much of a difference a set of true performance shock absorbers will make in the ride and handling quality of your bike.

NOTE: Progressive recommends the use of their HEAVY DUTY shock absorbers for single riders who weigh more than 200 pounds, or if most of your riding is done with a passenger or with heavy loads (such as in saddlebags, etc.).


Four-Twelve Series: are the most popular shock in the Progressive Suspension line, and feature double-walled BLACK steel shock bodies, chrome springs, chrome upper and lower spring cover caps, black lower 4-position spring pre-load cam-adjuster, black upper and lower shock eyes, and a full assortment of installation bushings, a packet of adjuster grease, the cam adjuster tool, and complete installation instructions. NOTE: Customer experience and use seems to indicate that use of the 412-series heavy-duty shocks on almost all XJ650 and larger models seems to provide a much better level of performance and handling at a minimal sacrifice in comfort.

These style shocks can be seen pictured here:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... rt=15.html


HCP9401 Progressive Suspension 412-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ550 and XJ650 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 259.95

HCP9402 Progressive Suspension 412-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome springs, HEAVY-DUTY application for all XJ550 and XJ650 models, and STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ750 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 259.95



HCP9403 Progressive Suspension 412-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ700-X and HEAVY DUTY for all XJ700 non-X models, stock height. Pair:
$ 259.95

HCP9414 Progressive Suspension 412-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome springs, HEAVY DUTY application for all XJ700-X models, stock height. Pair:
$ 259.95



HCP9404 Progressive Suspension 412-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ900RK and XJ1100 models, and HEAVY DUTY for all XJ750 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 259.95

HCP9415 Progressive Suspension 412-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome springs, HEAVY DUTY application for all XJ900RK and XJ1100 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 259.95

NOTE: XJ900RK models require the use of suspension travel limiters when using any of the above shocks:

HCP9440 Progressive Suspension shock absorber TRAVEL LIMITER, required for use on all XJ900RK models. Pair:
$ 10.95




Four-Sixteen Series Air Shocks: can be used as stock replacements for the XJ650 Turbo and XJ1100 models, although they differ a bit in appearance compared to stock. These shocks have a heavy-duty BLACK steel shock body, a chrome upper spring cover, and full-length black rubber accordian lower boots. The aluminum air chamber, in conunction with the heavy-duty spring and combined with their velocity-sensitive, multi-stage valves insure precise control and adjustability to suit your specific needs. These shocks come completely assembled, and with all the air lines, fittings, instructions, and installation bushings needed.


HCP9421 Progressive Suspension 416-series AIR SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome covers and black lower boots. Although only the XJ650 Turbo and XJ1100 models used rear air suspension originally, these shocks will also fit all of the XJ550, XJ650, and XJ750 bikes, too. Pair:
$ 369.95

HCP9442 Progressive Suspension 416-series AIR SHOCK ABSORBERS, with chrome covers and black lower boots. These shocks will fit all XJ700 models. Pair:
$ 369.95




Four-Eighteen Series: these are not just the "big daddy" of the in the Progressive Suspension line, they are the "800-pound Gorillas" of the aftermarket shock absorber world! The feature ALL the goodies: huge aircraft-grade aluminum bodies, gas-charged for fade-free performance, a 5-position adjustable rebound rate damper, double-walled CHROME steel shock bodies, a 4-position spring pre-load cam-adjuster, hard-chromed 4130 steel shafts, and a full assortment of installation bushings, a packet of adjuster grease, the cam adjuster tool, and complete installation instructions.

NOTE: Progressive recommends the use of their HEAVY DUTY shock absorbers for single riders who weight more than 200 pounds, or if most of your riding is done with a passenger or with heavy loads (such as in saddlebags, etc.). However, with these 418-series shocks, their heavy-duty designation is overkill on the smaller XJ550 and XJ650 models, and we do not recommend nor offer them for those applications.


HCP9422 Progressive Suspension 418-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with BLACK springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ550 and XJ650 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 459.95

HCP9423 Progressive Suspension 418-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with CHROME springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ550 and XJ650 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 459.95



HCP9426 Progressive Suspension 418-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with BLACK springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ700-X models, and HEAVY DUTY application for all XJ700 non-X models, stock height. Pair:
$ 459.95

HCP9427 Progressive Suspension 418-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with CHROME springs, STANDARD DUTY application for all XJ700-X models, and HEAVY DUTY application for all XJ700 non-X models, stock height. Pair:
$ 459.95


HCP9429 Progressive Suspension 418-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with CHROME springs, HEAVY DUTY application for all XJ700-X models, stock height. Pair:
$ 459.95



HCP9431 Progressive Suspension 418-series SHOCK ABSORBERS, with CHROME springs, HEAVY DUTY application for all XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models, stock height. Pair:
$ 459.95

NOTE: XJ900RK models require the use of suspension travel limiters when using any of the above shocks:

HCP9440 Progressive Suspension shock absorber TRAVEL LIMITER, required for use on all XJ900RK models. Pair:
$ 10.95

 

Chacal,

Given your comments, would you suggest I not look to replace my XJ900RK rear shocks. It's a big bike and I aint a big guy, so I was planning on looking for something shorter so I can get my ass closer to the ground!

oby

 

Hey Oby....well, beauty is in the eye of the buttholder, I mean be-holder!

Anyway, the stock 900RK DeCarbon shocks are real high-performance units, and unless your bike has lots of miles on it, then you may want to stick with them, although the HCP9431 aftermarket shocks are a great hi-po shock.

Just as an aside, although I don't have them listed, the original 900RK shocks ARE available, but they aren't cheap.......$439.00 each!

And of course, neither one will lower the bike. For that you're going to have to do something custom, and I just don't have any expertise in that area, so you may have to ask around on the forums forsomeone who has. You can't lower these bikes too much, as it will introduce some funny (and perhaps dangerous) handling and braking characteristics, which you certainly don't want.

 

Back to the original question, it WOULD be a bit easier to help if we knew exactly what XJ you're working on, but Chacal is right--OE shocks (other than as mentioned) were crap right off the showroom floor, replace 'em. You won't believe the difference, honest.

 

Chacal ... My 400 has a rear Mono shock system, do you know of anything decent out there as a replacement?

 

Gosh Ghost, I sure don't........progressive doesn't seem to offer anything for your bike but maybe someone else does? Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

Ya, was thinking this one may take some searching

I was thinking as long as the mounts are similar and the unloaded distance near the same, they should work. There are a few newer bikes with mono shocks out there....