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82 XJ650 Maxim Rear Shocks?

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by unreconstructed, Jun 12, 2007.

  1. unreconstructed

    unreconstructed New Member

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    Location:
    Central Florida
    I just got an 82 XJ650 Maxim and I want to fix it up before I ride it.

    I want to replace my rear shocks so I did a search on "rear shocks" and it seems there are two recommendations: 1. I should get 13" shocks. 2. Many have used Harley shocks such as off a Sportster as many of these Harley owners took off the original shocks only to replace them with more expensive shocks e.g. upper end progressives.

    It is my intention to purchase a set of these "used/new off" 13" Harley shocks.

    Will any 13" Harley shock work? If not, what year and model Harley or part number should I be looking for?

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Ease

    Ease Member

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    Location:
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    I got mine off of a 2006 sportster.
    The owner figured they were worthless so I got em on an even swap with a flask of rum.

    The shocks were actually 1/2 inch to an inch shorter than stock, and I had to insert new bushings - it was a bit of a hassle trying to get the new bushings in and the shocks on at the same time. I ended up putting the bushings on the studs (on the bike) for the 3 without the metal collar, and pressing the shock on over the bushing with some silicon lube. The one with the sleeve - you can just save the sleeve out of your old bushing (or all the bushings out of your old shocks if they're in good shape) gets popped into the shock before install (right side swingarm bolt).

    As far as finding the shocks, I'm sure you'll find some on e-bay... but if you're lucky like me you'll find someone with a sporty who is just swapping out his shocks and has no need for the old ones! Keep an eye out locally, or ask around at a harley / chopper shop.
    1 x 12 dollar bottle of rum = new shocks for me!

    P.S. when I lowered the back with the sporty shocks, I also let the forks come up through the trees by ~ 1/2 inch. You should be able to achieve this with whatever bars you have on there (I did it with clubmans), and it will level off your bike real nice + give you a slightly lower stance with the shocks. You will notice a slight change in handling - bike will be easier to lean with counter steering - which I like alot, in fact i'd like to lower the front just a little bit more.

    Lowering the front end is real easy. Just loosen the 3 bolts on the fork, and push it up through. Make sure you have it exactly the same on both sides or you'll have some trouble.

    Hope it helps!
    - Ease
     
  3. Altus

    Altus Active Member

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    I'm pretty sure the stock shock length for our bikes (being the 80-83 650 Maxim's) was 12.5", not 13".

    That's what mine are -- so if you're replacing with 13" ones, your rear geometry is going to be out just a tad.
     
  4. unreconstructed

    unreconstructed New Member

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    From what I read on the forums even though our shocks are 12.5," it is better to replace them with 13"

    Any advice? Should I stick with the 12.5" or go for the 13". By the way, I'm 6' and about 290 lbs. I also plan on adding saddle bags so I can take it on road trips.
     
  5. rd337

    rd337 Member

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    I just bought my bike this summer and my rear shocks are made by fox racing........ strange eh?

    One of them is leaking bad and I don't wanna throw on the old ones that the guy gave me along with other old spare parts.

    I don't know if i can find just a replacement shock or a rebuild kit. I sure could use help with that if anyone knows where i should be looking


    and im really interested in what you ended up doing to your's and how you feel about it!

    Thanks
     
  6. Coty

    Coty Member

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    Old post I know! But how did the Harley shocks work out?
     

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