REFLECTOR

J

john69

XS650 Enthusiast
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Just wondering if anyone out there has replaced a reflector located on the rear shock on a 1981 special? I have one that is slightly damaged but I am not sure how it comes off. (in pieces?) In addition if I can manage to take it off any idea where to obtain a replacement?
 
I have a couple that arte broken. The reflector bolts on. You might be able to get a socket and universal joint up in there but I doubt it.
It looks like you need to remove the shock. Disassemble the shock. This way you can get more room to get a socket on the nut holding the reflector on.
Where to get a replacement? Good luck in your search for that.
Leo
 
Had a thought on the replacement. Once you have the reflector off the shock, you may be able the separate the reflector from the black part. If so you might be able to get a reflector the same size or one close and adjust to fit back into the black part .
I haven't measured to be sure but on my trailers they have side marker lights about that size.
If they are you might even get them to light up as well as reflect.
Leo
 
There's a steel bracket that's welded onto the upper part and you must get under the bracket with a wrench and turn a nut. I think xsleo is referring to taking advantage of a hole behind it when he talks about disassembling it. If you wanted to replace the reflector, easiest thing would be to get some "retroreflective" substance somewhere, you've seen it on kids backpacks, cut it to size, and glue it on. Or second choice would be cut out a piece of a reflector sticker like they sell at Autozone. You've seen that stuff stuck to the sides of trailers. While youre at it, stick a strip to the back of your helmet. My reflectors were broken and I broke them the rest of the way off and turned the shocks 180 so the bare bracket was on the inside. Looks great that way, but no reflector.
 
Mike's carry's replacements. They're kind of hard to spot because they use a B & W picture. I bought two of them and silicon-ed them to a set of std chrome shocks.
20190515_080133.jpg
 
I got extras of those. Maybe evendors some already off, can't guaranty the chrome is rust free.
 
For $2 it doesn't matter if they're longer, glue em' on there. Just make sure you do both. I saw a pair on Emay where they only replaced the
one and I'm pretty sure the mismatched look is why they were there for a few years. :oops:
 
5twins said:
Are 40 year old clapped out stock shocks worth putting any time and money into?
Click to expand...
No, not if they're clapped out. The aftermarket shocks that came with my bike started leaking bad. Got some some originals from ebay, as the cheapest replacement. Strapped them to the luggage carrier and they fell off at 70 mph on the way back from the post office.... Went back and got them, continued on, and installed them and they leaked badly, nothing gained. Got another pair from ebay, cost of two pairs even still less than alternative. That pair has been working fine for several years. No leaking and seems to be damping fine and is good enough for any riding I will give it.
 
Cognito Moto has a variety of what they call "Vintage Jap" shocks available at extremely inexpensive prices, $100-$110 pair new. Might be worth a look if you want inexpensive. Otherwise there's Hagon or Progressive
 
The ones I needed to replace were some expensive name, don't know which now though. The good thing about them was they were an inch or so longer, which made it easy to use the center stand. It was surprising the first time I wanted to use the center stand after... Speaking about an '81.
 
On all the shocks I have with reflectors on them the upper cover has a bracket on them. The reflector bolts on this bracket. The reflector has a black plastic body that fits the round shape of the shock cover. No way to get a tool up in to the nut.
The ones on my 75 came off the 82 parts bike has black shock covers. The 81 and 83 have chrome. All have one reflector broken off. All that's left is the bolts with a round piece of rubber.
Leo
 
john69 hasn't even replied here :laughing: the red reflectors look terrible anyway.
There are plenty of cheap 78-79 XS shocks avaliable too
20190327_054011.jpg
I am replacing my own soon for longer better shocks. -R
 
Machine said:
john69 hasn't even replied here :laughing: the red reflectors look terrible anyway.
There are plenty of cheap 78-79 XS shocks avaliable too View attachment 141008 I am replacing my own soon for longer better shocks. -R
Click to expand...
You are quite right about the reflectors appearance, not really desirable.This picture shows a nice looking shock. Are they off a 1979? Any suggestions on a good attractive replacement? I do not need any high performance type of dampening.
 
Hello john69, yes these shocks are 78/79 Special & Special II originals.
This set I bought at a swap meet because the appearance and condition were quite good still. I put them on my 78 Standard before being aware that a longer shock is actually beneficial to my bike.
These are usually on Ebay. If you do decide on shocks such as these and can't find them, PM me..
-Randy
 
Machine said:
Hello john69, yes these shocks are 78/79 Special & Special II originals.
This set I bought at a swap meet because the appearance and condition were quite good still. I put them on my 78 Standard before being aware that a longer shock is actually beneficial to my bike.
These are usually on Ebay. If you do decide on shocks such as these and can't find them, PM me..
-Randy
Click to expand...
Is the 78/79 shock longer than the 81? if so do you know how much?
 

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