Xs650 standard replacement shocks with OEM triumph Norton?

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From the research I have done the tallest I can go is 13.5 to no more than 14 inches. Is there an oem shock out there that looks good and will work good? I heard a 13.5 inch triumph Bonneville shock off a new model worked for someone.

Thoughts?
 
I recently picked up some 2017 Speed Twin shocks. They are right at 13.3” eye to eye. They do have the correct base mount width but there is a need for custom made bushings to fill the larger mount hole. I really like how they look.
Maybe the Bonneville shocks are more of a bolt on fit ? IDK
 

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From the research I have done the tallest I can go is 13.5 to no more than 14 inches. Is there an oem shock out there that looks good and will work good?
I as well am needing to know the maximum length shock (14.0”) ? That can be used on a 78 Standard which is the same as cafetools.
These Triumph shocks (13.375) may not even be long enough to use if I do swap in the 16” rear rim. I hope to keep the rear end of the bike at or better yet above stock height.
I am considering a 18 tooth front sprocket as well and am concerned about the down side affects of too long of shocks ? Regarding the effects that will have on the chain due to altered swing arm angles.?
Thx, -RT
 
The 2017 series and up Triumph Speed Twin Shocks bottom eyes on are actually very easy to slip a stock Yamaha shock bushing into. All you have to do is press out the stock bushings of your old Yamaha shocks with aid of a lube or soapy water and turn the rubber down to approx .635 /.640 dia.
That bushing does retain a cushion of the original rubber which I will YamaBond in there :thumbsup:
Turning down the rubber took a in house insert mod. Then the rubber peeled off nicely .. few pics.
High hopes for Triumph shocks ! I bead blasted the non matching paint top mount and will polish to look XS period correct as well. Lunch .,
-RT
 

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Common to have to trim the guard a bit with non-stock shocks, chain clearance can also be an issue.
I am going to make an alloy chain guard instead of modding the stock one. I am also using a #520 DID X-ring chain, and have no chain clearance issues, even with the shocks fitted rod/spring end down (upside down compared to the stock XS shocks)

Are those Ohlins Bonneville shocks a bolt on mod or were custom bushings required ?
Thx, -RT
Cannot remember, but I purchased them from a suspension specialist, so I think I ordered them with suitable bushings.

I as well am needing to know the maximum length shock (14.0”) ? That can be used on a 78 Standard which is the same as cafetools.
These Triumph shocks (13.375) may not even be long enough to use if I do swap in the 16” rear rim. I hope to keep the rear end of the bike at or better yet above stock height.
I am considering a 18 tooth front sprocket as well and am concerned about the down side affects of too long of shocks ? Regarding the effects that will have on the chain due to altered swing arm angles.?
Thx, -RT
Be aware of chain rub issues on the swing arm when using longer shocks. Using a 16" rim will effectively lower your gearing, and make you want to use a smaller rear sprocket, which will increase chain rub issues further. If I was having a new rear wheel built, I would have ordered a 2.50-19 rim, and used a 120/90-19 tyre, if available. That would help raise the rear of the bike, as well as raise the gearing. Giving you more leeway with sprocket selection and shock length, without chain rub issues.
 
Be aware of chain rub issues on the swing arm when using longer shocks. Using a 16" rim will effectively lower your gearing, and make you want to use a smaller rear sprocket, which will increase chain rub issues further.
Agree . To perhaps help chain/swingarm interference slightly or at least not make it worse, it seems wiser to run a 18 tooth countershaft sprocket with the stock 34 tooth rear if a 16” rear wheel were to be used.
Stock 17 & 34 is a 2 to 1 ratio
17 & 33 = 1.941
17 & 32 = 1.882
But a 34 & 18 combo = 1.888
Sounds right ..
BTW I was unable to source the matching front rim to my Aluminum 16” even with a higher offer than I would repeat.
Seems for the best as the new shock length, swingarm clearance, overall bike height, and all just seem to be holding out for the original 18” rear rim now.
-RT
 
Yamaha stock Rear lower eye bushings were YamaBonded in easily and fit great ! Fronts are quite a stuff if left stock size and a simple thin bushing may just be the answer .., in the shop
:umm:
 

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Made it to the open Hardinge lathe at lunch today to finish up the Triumph shock top bushings required for using.
I had no choice after searching a hardware store to see about purchase options but there wasn’t a good answer so I made two out of Delrin plastic.
The dimensions needed are =
OD .634, ID .550, and OAL about . 765
Those do press fit snug and fit our XS frame shock mount well. Pics-
One last note is the Triumph shock top eye diameter is quite large and upon test fit does actually interfere with the frame grab loop just a bit. I stopped to think as to whether it’s best to grind clearance on the shock top eye casting or maybe the frame loop...
 

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Made it to the open Hardinge lathe at lunch today to finish up the Triumph shock top bushings required for using.
I had no choice after searching a hardware store to see about purchase options but there wasn’t a good answer so I made two out of Delrin plastic.
The dimensions needed are =
OD .634, ID .550, and OAL about . 765
Those do press fit snug and fit our XS frame shock mount well. Pics-
Only made 2, with Christmas just around the corner?
 
20200702_142014.jpg
20200703_142436.jpg
The 2017 series and up Triumph Speed Twin Shocks bottom eyes on are actually very easy to slip a stock Yamaha shock bushing into. All you have to do is press out the stock bushings of your old Yamaha shocks with aid of a lube or soapy water and turn the rubber down to approx .635 /.640 dia.
That bushing does retain a cushion of the original rubber which I will YamaBond in there :thumbsup:
Turning down the rubber took a in house insert mod. Then the rubber peeled off nicely .. few pics.
High hopes for Triumph shocks !


:cool:More Triumph Shocks made it "slowly" via USPS to my 78E today. This pair is off a 2018 T120. Chrome top trim rings look very original Yamaha like. Again the black springs look great! I will duplicate my previous bushing mod to get this pair mounted soon after the 4th holiday weekend.
;)
20200702_142014.jpg

20200703_142436.jpg

Rear rack test fit went well. Together, the shocks & rack will really compliment each other.
Front end of the 78E will be SR500 double disc'ed as the 79F was. I will be using the stock brake line junctions by utilizing double length banjo bolts under the triple clamp.
20200703_095206.jpg

-RT
 

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