That is a very easy, bolt on shock option. Those shocks need to be identified as to which model Triumphs came equipped with them.
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Xs650 standard replacement shocks with OEM triumph Norton?
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I’ll look a little closer to see if there is a part number. Or possibly look at my eBay purchase history if it goes back that far.
Sorry, no part numbers. Only marking I found were laser etched behind the top mount was the number 866. A history search of my eBay purchases shows the listing of T100 Bonneville, but couldn’t pull the details since I bought them in April’19. I looked for similar offerings on eBay but couldn’t come up with anything definitive. Based on the chart previously listed it would appear they are 02-15 Bonneville shocks at 340mm. Mine were new take offs and in great shape for $40 shipped. Hope this info might help.
Oh ya, I should add there is minor contact with the chain guard on the very bottom spring. Not sure if it can be spaced any to clear the contact or not. I may mess with it more when I swap out the wheels.
Lunch time lathe play completed the top shock eye bushing adapting.
Delrin plastic was found and barely enough to make 4 sleeves.
I used .635- as an OD, .550 as an ID, and .775- for length this time.
Glad its done, because I do like the shocks looks.
Can't wait for the day the 78E gets dressed up! I'll be sure to post when that does fit in.
-R
Attachments
SEd27
XS650 Addict
View attachment 171583
Lunch time lathe play completed the top shock eye bushing adapting.
Delrin plastic was found and barely enough to make 4 sleeves.
I used .635- as an OD, .550 as an ID, and .775- for length this time.
Glad its done, because I do like the shocks looks.
Can't wait for the day the 78E gets dressed up! I'll be sure to post when that does fit in.
-R
View attachment 171589
Machine,
How is the ride on these? Been taking a serious look for a while as an replacement for the MixesXS units I have now.
Unfortunately, shipping to Canada bumps the price quite a bit.
View attachment 171583
Lunch time lathe play completed the top shock eye bushing adapting.
Delrin plastic was found and barely enough to make 4 sleeves.
I used .635- as an OD, .550 as an ID, and .775- for length this time.
Glad its done, because I do like the shocks looks.
Can't wait for the day the 78E gets dressed up! I'll be sure to post when that does fit in.
-R
View attachment 171589
Nice work Randy! I really like those shocks.
I’ve done some research, and after messaging a few sellers on eBay and collecting the measurements they sent me, I’m 99% certain the shocks @willis has fitted are the T-100 shocks 02-15.
The differences between the T-100 and the Standard/SE shocks are mainly the extra 10mm in shock length and the use of a progressive spring. Both should mount up fine with a new bush installed.
@Machine You have the newer 16+ shocks, with a 6mm larger diameter eye hole. It will be interesting to see how they mount up, as there’s a couple available on eBay over here that were taken off brand new bikes and have zero miles on them! They would be ideal.
These shocks are made by Kayaba (KYB) which I believe may have been the O.E manufacturers of the shocks on the XS-650. I think this the reason the shocks look so well on the XS.
For now anyway I’m going to chance the 340mm T-100 shocks. I can get a set in perfect condition for €50 delivered so it has to be worth a shot at that price. I will check back in when they arrive.
The differences between the T-100 and the Standard/SE shocks are mainly the extra 10mm in shock length and the use of a progressive spring. Both should mount up fine with a new bush installed.
@Machine You have the newer 16+ shocks, with a 6mm larger diameter eye hole. It will be interesting to see how they mount up, as there’s a couple available on eBay over here that were taken off brand new bikes and have zero miles on them! They would be ideal.
These shocks are made by Kayaba (KYB) which I believe may have been the O.E manufacturers of the shocks on the XS-650. I think this the reason the shocks look so well on the XS.
For now anyway I’m going to chance the 340mm T-100 shocks. I can get a set in perfect condition for €50 delivered so it has to be worth a shot at that price. I will check back in when they arrive.
nhsteve
XS650 Addict
I've been watching this thread, as I enjoy the machine work and good reporting & photos.
Please forgive my lack of understanding, but you wanted to increase the shock length because...?
Was it the appearance factor (they do look nice, and retain the look of the stock shock absorbers), or some change in the handling and/or geometry?
Just curious really!
Please forgive my lack of understanding, but you wanted to increase the shock length because...?
Was it the appearance factor (they do look nice, and retain the look of the stock shock absorbers), or some change in the handling and/or geometry?
Just curious really!
It’s a bit of both. Increasing the length of the rear shock will decrease the steering angle and tip the weight of the bike further forward.
In theory this can make the bike handle better (this is exactly what Triumph did with the Bonneville, the T-100 was a sportier model, so they jacked the rear 10mm and fitted a progressive spring).
The XS-650 should benefit likewise, however there are other factors at play, and you can go too far and make the bike twitchy. For €50 I think its worth the experiment anyway.
In theory this can make the bike handle better (this is exactly what Triumph did with the Bonneville, the T-100 was a sportier model, so they jacked the rear 10mm and fitted a progressive spring).
The XS-650 should benefit likewise, however there are other factors at play, and you can go too far and make the bike twitchy. For €50 I think its worth the experiment anyway.
Nice ! Glad to have contributed an option for XS owners to consider. The first pair (2017 Speed Twin) were found in a very local "offer up" post. The gal sold em for $100 bucks and the look of them with the chrome/ black spring just looked right. I've sat and bounced on new Triumphs, felt fine. Face it our 70's shocks are mostly all dead. These look vintage yet muscular and period correct. Many new Triumph owners have a bigger bike budget than me and they seem to like to upgrade to Hagon shocks. So there are takeoffs to be found for cheap. The T120 owner reports I've found seem to conclude that the T120 340mm shocks are "too soft" For A T120 ! , I'll take that as a positive for my own XS Standard.
Yes, extra length. Besides the nice stance of lifting of the rear end, Threads do tell of handling improvements by lifting the rear. Again, a win. The ride ? Just a bit so far on the 79 Special II. Intentionally over a few speed bumps. So far so good. Time will tell. I say in all cases, "only time tells the truth."
beano, and everybody, those earlier era Triumph shocks are shown to be a much easier almost "bolt on" mod.
The newer shocks I've found were convenient to me. That and I have access to machines to create any type of bushings I want. I just kept it as simple as I could, by turning down the original XS bushings for example, to show others what it would take to use these. It is after all, a "custom fit"
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