Mike's XS Monza shocks?

[grizld1]

It's gonna feel like a different motorcycle, Norm. Get ready to grin real big.

[ShakerNorm]

I'm expecting it, Griz - now if I could just figure out the damn engine...... so it WOULD go.....

[jbbishop2]

>I have seen some from Forza (from Taiwan) on evilBay.... Has anyone tried them? Of course at $70/pr - the "you get what you pay for" REALLY rings the big bell.......

I know this is an old thread, but I did get a pair of Forza 14" shocks for my street tracker. I bought the last pair from Michael at 650Central.com. I can echo all the recommendations here for 650Central.com; Michael has been great. He didn't want to sell me the Forza shocks because he didn't really like them when he tried them: too harsh a ride. I bought them anyway, and he was right, they're not cushy at all. However, they are predictable and the bike (with stock forks including new Progressive heavy duty springs) is very sure on the road. Not comfortable, just handles very well. I believe I'll eventually get Progressive 412s and further modify the forks but for now it's a fun ride.

[10ecjed]

Ready to order shocks and fork springs. Tried calling Taxxion and get phone mail for someone named Carol, I think. Anyone a better number than what is on web site?

[jetmechmarty]

Traxxion Dynamics website leaves something to be desired. I had the good fortune to visit them and came away very impressed. I recently rode an XS11 that had front forks set up by them. It's amazing!

Try the number and the email under you get a response. You'll be glad you did.

[10ecjed]

I sent them an e mail and got a reply. They say they have never done one of our bike and would not know what spring rates to use and did not have anything for our 650's.
Well. I will be giving Mike Morse a call.

[grizld1]

That's odd. It's been a few years, but Traxxion had custom springs wound for my XS650 front end. If you talk to the right person and know your weight, the bike's weight and weight distribution (front and rear), and the OD of the springs, they should be able to help you. In my case, with 150 lb. rider weight and 400 lb. bike wet weight with 45% of it in the nose, .80 kg./mm. worked fine in the front. Of course back then they were picking up the phone regularly, too; hope the customer service hasn't deteriorated.

[jetmechmarty]

Jan 3, 2013 13:33:41 GMT -5 10ecjed said:

I sent them an e mail and got a reply. They say they have never done one of our bike and would not know what spring rates to use and did not have anything for our 650's.
Well. I will be giving Mike Morse a call.

This makes no sense. Somebody must be there for the purpose of answering email. Get them on the telephone and ask to speak to one of their pros. I know it's a busy place, but surely the response you got was pure BS. They set up my XS Eleven and it's a lot less common than an XS650. In retrospect, I had to get them on the phone to get things moving. It's worth the effort IMHO.

[10ecjed]

I tried to call twice today and got phone mail for Carol. Is there a new number for you?


Here is my email to them:
I need to get new shocks for my bike. I was looking at Progressive Series 12 shocks but decided to shop around.
I ride a 1980 XS650G with stock rear shocks and emulators in the forks with the mods for them. I weigh about 215 or so with all gear. What do you suggest for spring rates on 13.5inch shocks and fork springs.

This is a copy of the reply from them. I was a little surprised after reading the post here on the Garage:

HI Curtis,
Our phone number is still the same, 770 592 3823
I couldn’t find any shocks for your bike from my usual suspects, so it looks like the Progressive shocks are going to be your best bet.
We haven’t worked on that bike, so I don’t have any spring rate data.
Best regards,
Dan

[grizld1]

Sorry to know you can't get a live person on the phone at Traxxion any more; that's never a good sign of things to come.

[10ecjed]

I have not tried calling back but maybee i should. Not sure if I should bother.

[preston]

Hey Curtis, or Jim, TenEC or whatever your name is....
I may have some Yamaha 360 MX rear shocks, laying around... same length just about 13" .
Weather is supposed to be nice before the snow, if you want to ride over and get them.
best new year to you all.
Preston

[10ecjed]

Well, I bought Progressive suspension from 650 Central. Heavy duty fork springs and 13.5in gas magnum shocks. Had to go up two clicks on the rear and change my fork oil to 10 weight, backed the emulators off a little. Feels pretty good. Merry Christmas XS.