simple question anout lower shocks

DogBunny

1979 XS650.
What are the lowest shocks that you can put on a stock frame without issues or problems (other than a harsher ride).

I'm looking for the lowest safe eye-to-eye measurement. If you want to talk brands, that's fine, and cheaper is better, but all I really want to know is what is the lowest shock measurement that will work.
Thanks.

nj1639

I'm running 11"ers on mine.
Last time I was weighed -176 lbs. Haven't had any tire rubbing the fender issues though sometimes on a hard curve I'll scrape something, centerstand?

cpotts454

These are 10 in eye to eye. I weigh in about 200 lbs or so. No rubbing issues, I just get nearly thrown off the bike on ever hard bump.

DogBunny

Thanks for both responses.
cpotts454 -- nice pic, the rear end height looks good. So what shocks are those, Honda Rebels?

cpotts454

Actually I bought them second hand from a guy on these forums. I have no idea where he got them or what they are for. If I had to guess they are for a sportser. I think I might have accidentally lied to you though, I believe the shocks are 10.5", but when I measured them with weight on them it measured to 10".

DogBunny

Thanks, that makes sense a couple of different levels. It seems that everyone is lowering with Honda Rebel or Suzuki Savage shocks, both of which are 10-1/2" eye to eye.

Aussie650

Yeah, I just bought a set off ebay, I really wanted a 10.5" pair but all the after market ones are 11.5"? I'm close to 100kg so we'll see how they go? Really love the hieght of your bike cpotts454.

DogBunny

Yes, I found the same thing on eBay, so I am looking at buying a used 10-1/2" pair.

The other possibility is aftermarket Sportster shocks, such as 10-1/2" Burlys. That would probably require new bushings and rubbers in the eyes, and maybe thinning the width of the eyes, but looks very simple and straightforward. Anyone done this?

Aussie650

Yeah that was my other option, but this one was cheaper Embarassed

Will def keep my eye out for Rebel originals. Keep us posted if you do manage to find another 10.5" replacement?

cpotts454

Thanks Aussie. Another thing I did was raise the front forks threw the triple trees about 3/4 of an inch. This leveled the bike out a bit. So the rebel shocks are 10.5"? Are the eye widths the same? If they arent and you have to modify them I would go with the sportster shocks just for the simple fact that the rebel weighs like 250 pounds.. God only knows what kind of dampening their would be.

Aussie650

As fair as I know they are a direct bolt on replacement. Same width eyes. Might be whats on yours? I also had my concerns about the wieght of the rebel compared to the XS, but all reports are that the Rebels are pretty stiff and up to the job. I have some wierd Front forks tubes on mine that appear longer then usual, already have them pushed up. Next on my list of things to do! Thread - 650rider.com/index.php...pic&t=7383

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650