Not sure where to put this so I figured I would go here. I am working on a custom build and I found out a rear shock from the 83-87 is era XL 600 is the length I need. Unfortunately the bike I am working with will be about 140 lbs heavier. Will a stock shock be okay you think?? Is there a spring to compensate?? or should I rethink?? Thanks
The weight of the bike isn't really that important for figuring out the spring rate. Most important are the swingarm leverage and amount of suspension travel, followed in distant third by the rider's weight. The type of shock doesn't really matter for spring rate anyway. Custom springs aren't that much more expensive than standard parts and can be made to a wide variety of weights. I'd worry more about whether it's easy to get parts for and easily serviceable and tuneable. If you're on a tight budget, figure out if standard car/buggy springs will fit. I used eibach 12x2.5" springs on a project and they were really cheap. What are you building?
Good info. Thanks a lot. It is for a Virago turned Street tracker. I just want less stuff on it so I want the Air adjust shock to go away
If I'm not mistaken, the XR/XL bikes had a super goofy link ratio and super stiff springs/valving compared to regular dirt bikes of the, or any, era.
The XL shock is a POS with a super weak spring. Your best bet is to order a custom shock or buy an aftermarket one.