rear shock question

[russell205]

on my 1980 xs650 the rear shock spring is not tight there is travel up and down and the keeper and the reflecter on top also travel about a inch up and down it looks like there is a tensioner at the bottom but i cannot seem to make it sit tight if i lift it all up flush the small pice where the bottom keeper sits on is a inch under it is there a way to adj the travel or is my rear shock just blown its the same on both sides

 

[XSLeo]

I would say someone tried to lower the bike by taking the spring off the shock and cutting the spring. I might replace the shocks.
I don't reccomend getting a cheap pair. MMM at 650 Central will custom build you a pair to your weight and riding style for around $200.

 

[inxs]

- original rear shocks were always rather weak and these arent original anything any more-maybe someone tried a bodgie spring shortening, investing in a set of good rear shocks is something you will thank yourself for...or, simply chop her

 

[atomic22]

Umm...your shock is clears fubar'd. The shroud should not be hanging like that. I broke a jack (cheap) getting those f'er's off.