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Longer shocks for 82 seca

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Taylo105, May 26, 2017.

  1. Taylo105

    Taylo105 Active Member

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    So last night I finished my custom seat and put it on the bike and hopped on. For riding solo, it feels amazing! However I'd like to be able to ride 2 up. I've modified the rear of my frame to incorporate a brat seat. (Not bobber) photo attached. (Seat is now upholstered)

    The issue is with the stock 12.5 shocks, and then pre load all the way, riding 2 up causes the tire to hit my seat with even a little bounce. So it's not really equipped for riding 2 up.

    I've tried seeing what people have done with longer shocks but wasn't able to get s solid answer. Wanted to see what the largest shock that has been successfully put on. My thinking 13.5 to avoid binding of the axle as I've heard going up 2 inches to 14.5 causes issues. I'm also thinking of a slightly more low profile tire to save a little extra size.

    Thoughts? (Please no posts about how I shouldn't have modified my frame. Thank you )

    [​IMG]
     
    kerriskandiesinc and chacal like this.
  2. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    Those are the original 30+ year old stock shocks?
    They died 29 years ago - buy some new Progressives.
     
    k-moe likes this.
  3. Taylo105

    Taylo105 Active Member

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    @chacal looks like I might be sending you another order here soon. Haha

    Any input on the standard vs heavy duty? Has anyone tried both? I'm assuming heavy duty is the way to go?
     
  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Some key questions to guide you. No need to answer them here.

    How much do you weigh?

    How much does your passenger weigh?

    How much does your gear/luggage weigh?

    How often will you be riding 2-up?
     
  5. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    k-moe has the correct questions............you don't want to go "overkill" on shocks, these are motorcycles not cement trucks! Most of the time the standard shocks are okay for occasional 2-up riding.....you can always adjust them for the extra weight.
     
  6. kerriskandiesinc

    kerriskandiesinc Active Member

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    THE best shocks I ever used, on the XJ's ( and my GPZ900R...but thats another story) was the amazingly expensive, but light as a feather Fournale air shocks....they also increased my rear tyre mileage by a good 2-3,000 miles......

    They cost the earth though, and are hard to find, over here.....
     
  7. Taylo105

    Taylo105 Active Member

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    Oh my. Yes, those do look a little pricey. But you get what you pay for. I was hoping that my build budget was wrapping up as I encountered a few unexpected expenses along the way. Originally, I was thinking of looking at a set of 13.2" shocks to add a little extra length to my setup, without going to large from a shop like dime city cycles ($100). But after doing some more research, i'm thinking I might just pony up the extra cash and pick up the progressive shocks since everything i'm finding is pretty positive reviews.

    For my riding, i'm 200 and will be doing primarily solo riding with no luggage a good jacket and helmet, but I'd like to be able to take the girlfriend (150) out for some rides along the coast. Since I have to take advantage of living in Southern California and would like the rides to not be back breaking.

    Chacal, i'll probably send you another "final order" after the next paycheck comes in.
     
    kerriskandiesinc likes this.
  8. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    might want to look into air shocks like a goldwing or some such thing
     
  9. kerriskandiesinc

    kerriskandiesinc Active Member

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    Pricey as all hell!!, yes.......

    But, I took some of my XJ's and the 900R through Europe....more than once, the Fournale mono shock, on the 900, and the twin shocks on the XJ never let me down, ever....fully loaded, two up, autobahns, mountain passes , I don't think (in the 80's/90's) you could get a better shock...probably outclassed now, for the Sportsbikes, but probably not THAT outclassed for street bikes, and THE lightest I have ever used.....like I said, I genuinely saw my rear tyre mileage, on both bikes, rise by 2-3,000 miles.....more so on the heavy rear ended XJ!!
     
  10. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    I have progressive on my seca and have both standards and heavy go with the heavier spring for occasional 2 up it rides a bit firmer solo but keeps driveshaft windup under control
     
  11. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

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    I ordered the stiffest spring Progressive offered for my sidecar combo.
    All though perfect for this I wouldn't recommend it on a solo bike. Much too stiff.

    On dirt bikes you want about 4" sag in the suspension with rider aboard.
    Road bikes I'm not sure.
    Set up the bike the way you'll be riding it most often.
    Have someone help hold up you straight up and another compare measurements with a tape measure.
    Measure the top shock mount to the ground before loaded up with rider and after. You want about 4" difference on a dirt bike, road bike again I'm not sure.
    Old sacked out shocks may be on it now so you might have to help lift it to the top of the suspension travel for the unseated measurement.
    If it is the OEM shock/spring you should be able to find the spring rate.
    A knowledgeable suspension shop selling PS shocks & springs can recommend your ideal spring rate.
    Fork springs are limited to one size stiffer fits all type of thing.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2017
  12. DenCon509

    DenCon509 Member

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    An easy way to measure suspension sag:
    1. Snugly (not too tight, allow it to slide but not slip down by gravity) attach a cable tie to the shock shaft with suspension fully unloaded
    2. With the help of a friend (or supernatural balance skills), sit on the bike in the position you normally occupy
    3. Hop off the bike, fully unload suspension, measure how much the cable tie was pushed down on the shaft
    You can do the same with forks, on the fork tube.
     

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