Shorty rear shocks/what’s what?

Runninlean

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Hey y’all, I’m needing some info on if anyone knows what this guy in the pic is running for these shocks and if anyone has done this? Does it suck? Does it matter? I know stock shocks are 12 something inches. Those look to be like 8-9 inches.
 

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Short shocks would definitely suck in my book. In fact, the stock shocks suck as well. Hey, even Hagon shocks in stock length suck.
On the other hand, My 343 mm long Øhlins shock work great.
Function over "style" any day :)
 
Everything sucks depending on Your weight. Ohlins ( owned now by Yamaha ? ) are the most expensive on earth
and are usually fully adjustable for dampening and rebound. Shocks about 1/2" longer than stock seem to be an
improvement on the XS.
 
Everything sucks depending on Your weight.

I'm glad you said that. Most vendors make it impossible to buy the correct shocks. The questions that should be asked are:
1) What kind of motorcycle do you have?
2) How much do you weigh and do you ride with someone on the pillion?
3) How do you ride, or what kind of riding do you do?

I am not going to just buy "shocks for XS650" because it's highly unlikely they won't suck. I want the proper spring rate for me and my motorcycle. Anything else is a waste of money. (Unless I don't plan to ride it)
 
Hey y’all, I’m needing some info on if anyone knows what this guy in the pic is running for these shocks and if anyone has done this? Does it suck? Does it matter? I know stock shocks are 12 something inches. Those look to be like 8-9 inches.
Back to your question. If you plan to ride this thing, if you lower the suspension it's very likely going to drag hard parts when you round a corner. Generally, it will corner poorly. That low, when you put the sidestand down, the motorcycle will fall over to the opposite side. I have to agree it will suck.

JAT, brat styled motorcycles look really cool and they will drive out properly if you do it right.
IMG_8204-400x300.jpg

https://www.bratstyle.com
 
Everything sucks depending on Your weight. Ohlins ( owned now by Yamaha ? ) are the most expensive on earth
and are usually fully adjustable for dampening and rebound. Shocks about 1/2" longer than stock seem to be an
improvement on the XS.
Quite correct, sort of. I got the Hagons made for the XS. At least it said so on the box. Admittedly, I'm quite a bit heavier than I should be, at around 95 kgs. Now, the Hagons have a 3 position preload adjuster, I guess intended for solo, solo with luggage, and for 2 up. Even on the stiffest setting, they were too soft riding solo, so not very good at all.
My Øhlins are the Basic version, for a new Bonneville, no reservoir or adjusters, just spring preload adjustment. They actually were too stiff, even when the XS and the Bonnie are about equally heavy. Fortunately, there are two alternative spring rates available from Øhlins. So I just ordered a pair and swapped them. Much better.
 
Quite correct, sort of. I got the Hagons made for the XS. At least it said so on the box. Admittedly, I'm quite a bit heavier than I should be, at around 95 kgs. Now, the Hagons have a 3 position preload adjuster, I guess intended for solo, solo with luggage, and for 2 up. Even on the stiffest setting, they were too soft riding solo, so not very good at all.
My Øhlins are the Basic version, for a new Bonneville, no reservoir or adjusters, just spring preload adjustment. They actually were too stiff, even when the XS and the Bonnie are about equally heavy. Fortunately, there are two alternative spring rates available from Øhlins. So I just ordered a pair and swapped them. Much better.
The right vendor can get you the proper springs for your Hagon shocks.
 
Everything sucks depending on Your weight. Ohlins ( owned now by Yamaha ? ) are the most expensive on earth
and are usually fully adjustable for dampening and rebound. Shocks about 1/2" longer than stock seem to be an
improvement on the XS.

Owned by Tenneco since 2007 I believe? I may be wrong, I thought it interesting that Yamaha had purchased Ohilns so researched it quickly.

Daniel.
 
Owned by Tenneco since 2007 I believe? I may be wrong, I thought it interesting that Yamaha had purchased Ohilns so researched it quickly.

Daniel.
At least some point in time, Yamaha was owning part of, or all of Øhlins. But I believe they sold out again. In any case, they make good stuff. "Swedish Steel" :)

More to the point, regarding OP's question: Stock shocks or stock length aftermarket replacements, at 12.4" have around 3" of travel, which gives around 4" of rear wheel travel on a stock XS swingarm. More modern bikes tend to have 5 to 5 1/2" rear wheel travel. 1st gen Ducati Monster has just over 5 1/2". Shorter shocks necessarily must have less travel, or the tyre will hit the fender and frame parts. If retaining the stock clearances, a 9" shock myst have zero travel, so is just a rigid strut. My Øhlins shocks are longer than stock, so have 4" travel. Which mostly is a good thing.
 
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