340mm vs 350mm rear shocks

[spacmanspif300]

I know that the 340mm/13.4" hagons are probably the most common, but I'm wondering about the 350mm/13.75" ones. Are they too long?

I'm also unsure about what spring rate to go with.

I tried fitting some used 80's honda nighthawk shocks a while back (oem tool-free adjustable damping), and they were too damn long, but then they were over 14.5".

The XS is a '75 with 34mm forks, currently dropped in the yokes about 1". Dual disc front brakes with modern calipers and M/C. I'm about 165lbs., 5'11". The bike weighs in at about 460 with a half tank of gas.

Thoughts?

[grizld1]

As far as length goes, either shock, 13.4" or 13.75", would be fine. With the longer shock you might have to raise the clamps back up a little.

[spacmanspif300]

Cool. Thanks for the reply. I know a little theoretically about suspension, but don't have much experience making changes.

Well, for those curious, apparently Omar's stocked a few pairs of extra 350mm length thinking they would sell, but they haven't so he's getting rid of em at a slight discount.

Can't beat that!