XJ550 Maxim rear shock stock replacement?

I'm sure this may have been beat to death, but I can't seem to find much on the subject. I have an 82 XJ550 Maxim and need rear shocks. At this point, I don't have much to spend at all. Is there a stock shock I can get from another bike that is a bolt-on? Something a little newer? Later in the fall I will be able to put a little more coin in the shocks, just not right now. I'm doing the Sportster muffler swap so I'm hoping there's a similar swap for the shocks from something newer. Hell, I'd even make due with the ones that came off of the bike, but I'm doing a resto and they're too rough even for temporary use. Anyone have any ideas or nicer looking stock shocks laying around?

 

Bikebandit.com has some oem replacements if you want to go that route. I am not for sure what else would fit on you bike for a budget. I wouldn't mind upgrading my rear shocks on my 82 xj650. Does anyone have any ideas for both bikes for a low price?

 

Why replace old crappy shocks with different old crappy shocks?

I'm running Progressive Suspension 12-Series on both of my 550s; quite reasonably priced and work much better than the stockers ever did.

 

Better shocks are in the budget for fall and winter. Right now, I only want to spend $50 or so on some replacements. If I can't find some that I can shine up like new, then I'll have to paint the ones I have black. There is no polishing option for these.

 

Hey Fitz. Can you tell a big difference with the upgraded shock you have on your ride? I do some two up riding on my xj650 and have had some issues with the stock shocks. do you think this would make a good fit?

 

MAJOR difference. Even over the original set that only had 7100 miles on them.

Here's the thing: The original KYB shocks were crap to begin with. Even new, they had very poor rebound damping and gave up after about 6000 miles or less. Back in the day, I had a couple of Yamaha SR500s. The first thing I did to both bikes was to replace the still brand new KYBs with good aftermarket shocks. Back then the "Progressive Suspension" of the time was S & K.

The first thing I did for both of my 550s was to replace the rear shocks.

If you do a lot of 2-up riding, you might want to consider the "heavy duty" spring option for your bike. Your stock springs are 75/120s; the HD springs are 90/130lb. If you want a REAL improvement, replace the front fork springs too. Then it'll ride like a Cadidllyac.

ktp, there's more to shocks than how they look. Pop the springs off yours and see if they have any life left in them; I'm betting not. Worn out shocks make a bike handle really poorly, you need to be concerned with more than appearance.

 

As I'm putting this bike together, I'm putting all new parts and seals on it. The last 2 things I need to buy (major things) are the rear shocks and to have the exhaust Jet-Hot coated. Already have the sportster mufflers. It's not ALL about looks. It's just that most everything else is new or reconditioned at this point. However, on a tight budget, I have no choice but to put the stock shocks back on for now. I know they suck, I just wanted them to look a little better until I get the P.S.'s on there later this summer. I might see a few hundred miles on the old ones around the neighborhood until then. There is a huge difference in $30 or so and $265. And on a side note, I will be replacing the front springs with the progressive units too. As of now I have: Frame stripped and painted, wheels being repolished, new pads and shoes, fork seals, plugs, carb kits, petcock kit, blade type sealed fusebox, tapered rollers in the neck, air filter, taillight and seal, H4 conversion etc. All bearings repacked if applicable. I have replaced numerous worn out or missing parts also. I'm not skimping on safety, just haven't got to those yet on my budget. Thanks for your concern though.

 

I just want you to realize it's gonna handle like crap until you replace them.

 

i just replaced the shocks and used the original springs on a 750, saved some money and didn't have to think about spring rate
the price on the shocks isn't bad but with the springs it gets up there

 

I know. I've had newer bikes and a few of these older ones. The older ones when stock never handle as good as the newer bikes. I always try to be careful and don't usually ride in any kind of real traffic. At least until I'm comfortable with my mods to make it ride and handle better.

 

Bigfitz would you replace the springs as well? or just the dampers - I have same issue, just re-purchased my old xj650j Maxim 650 with only 6,000 miles but you are right the shocks have much to be desired. I'm going to take your advice and go with the PS 12 series....question.....I do sometimes have a passenger....would you go with the HD springs, I don't really get the weighting ratings.....I'm about 190

 

I am about 10 lbs. lighter and I would say yes to that. I would go with the HD ones. I got those for my XJ550 and I am glad that I did. I keep them about at a mid range setting. It is a little stiff when I ride by myself but when my wife is on the back it feels perfect. I know it is simple to change but I don't mind leaving them where they are at.