Stock Rear Shock Length

[bpd106]

On an '81 XS650, Special II? I am measuring roughly 12 1/2" from center of eye to center of eye. I don't know if these are stock or not cuz I can't find any info on stock shock length.

Thanks,
BPD

 

[xjwmx]

I think the stock shock for your year has a rectangular red reflector built into the top cap. Probably no aftermarket shock would have that. I think I know the stock length but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[bpd106]

Yes, they do have the red reflectors on the top cap. I want to put some lower shocks on it, which I think are available from what I found. I could have sworn that I read somewhere that the stock length is 12 3/4", but for the life of me, I can't find where I read it again.

 

[XSLeo]

Yours might have been 12 3/4's when new, the springs can sag after so many years. Any shock in the 12 1/2 to 12 3/4 inch length is probably stock. The next step down is about 11 1/2 inches, some like 10 1/2. As you shorten the lenght watch to see if any thing rubs, tire on fender, chain gaurd on frame, stuff like that.

 

[Rodguy1938]

I have a 1980 650 special. Mine measure 12 1/2 eyelet to eyelet with red reflectors.

 

[xjwmx]

Mine are old replacements styled like stock but w/o reflector. 13 1/2" lol