Are the rear shocks that were on the 85-87 XR's physically the same as what came on the 88 and up models except for the external canister? I guess I'm asking, do they have the same top and bottom mounting points and bolts? I realize the frames are different due to the early dual carb setup. Can an aftermarket 88 and up shock without the external canister be adapted to the 85-87 model? Thanks
XR600 rear shock differences
Started by xr600rman, Feb 20 2010 07:42 AM
18 replies to this topic
Posted 20 February 2010 - 07:42 AM
Are the rear shocks that were on the 85-87 XR's physically the same as what came on the 88 and up models except for the external canister? I guess I'm asking, do they have the same top and bottom mounting points and bolts? I realize the frames are different due to the early dual carb setup. Can an aftermarket 88 and up shock without the external canister be adapted to the 85-87 model? Thanks
Posted 20 February 2010 - 12:28 PM
"Question",,
Can an aftermarket 88 and up shock without the external canister be adapted to the 85-87 model?
Answer,,Don't know as I haven't tried putting a more modern one on any of my early models.. All I can say is ,,it should be ok...May be a slight difference in the bottom bolt size but nothing major..I've found that virtually everything to do with the swingarm/shock is the same with all models in the RFVC family..(well certainly in the early models ).500XR..600XR/XL..350XR..all interchangble..Difference in some is just a lighter spring is used on the shock. or a larger/smaller bolt on the swingarm attachment..ie 350-R spring is lighter thus the rear sags to much if you try using one of them on a 600,,replace the spring on the 350 shock with the XR600 one and its the same shock...PS,,I thought all the shocks on the XR's come with an external canister,,some are on a lead some are on the body of the actual shock..Whether they'll fit all comes down to the twin carb issue and position of the canister mounting on the shock body.
Either way issues with an aftermarket shocks attachment can all be sorted out with a Grinder and a Drill..
Can an aftermarket 88 and up shock without the external canister be adapted to the 85-87 model?
Answer,,Don't know as I haven't tried putting a more modern one on any of my early models.. All I can say is ,,it should be ok...May be a slight difference in the bottom bolt size but nothing major..I've found that virtually everything to do with the swingarm/shock is the same with all models in the RFVC family..(well certainly in the early models ).500XR..600XR/XL..350XR..all interchangble..Difference in some is just a lighter spring is used on the shock. or a larger/smaller bolt on the swingarm attachment..ie 350-R spring is lighter thus the rear sags to much if you try using one of them on a 600,,replace the spring on the 350 shock with the XR600 one and its the same shock...PS,,I thought all the shocks on the XR's come with an external canister,,some are on a lead some are on the body of the actual shock..Whether they'll fit all comes down to the twin carb issue and position of the canister mounting on the shock body.
Either way issues with an aftermarket shocks attachment can all be sorted out with a Grinder and a Drill..
Posted 20 February 2010 - 05:14 PM
Short answer, maybe.
The 85-87 shock has a wider top shock mount than the 88+ shocks by about .200" which could be overcome by adding more washers. The bottom mount is the same width and uses the same bolt from the 85-87 shock as it does in the newer 88-90 and 91+ shocks. The length of the shock is roughly the same length, maybe ~.25" different in length. The biggest problem you will face is the shock diameter. The 88-90 shock uses the same shock spring and has the same diameter as the 85-87 shock but the 91+ shock uses a larger diameter shock spring and it might not fit between the dual carb airbox boots even if there is no piggyback resevoir.
The only aftermarket shock I know of that comes with no resevoir is the "works" company shock, and it has very little adjustability. For the price you'd be better off ebaying another used stock shock and using it or rebuilding it if required.
The 91+ shock has a lot more adjustability with the rebound and maybe even compression settings than the older shocks and I was very pleased when i rebuilt one and put it on my 88 bike.
The 85-87 shock has a wider top shock mount than the 88+ shocks by about .200" which could be overcome by adding more washers. The bottom mount is the same width and uses the same bolt from the 85-87 shock as it does in the newer 88-90 and 91+ shocks. The length of the shock is roughly the same length, maybe ~.25" different in length. The biggest problem you will face is the shock diameter. The 88-90 shock uses the same shock spring and has the same diameter as the 85-87 shock but the 91+ shock uses a larger diameter shock spring and it might not fit between the dual carb airbox boots even if there is no piggyback resevoir.
The only aftermarket shock I know of that comes with no resevoir is the "works" company shock, and it has very little adjustability. For the price you'd be better off ebaying another used stock shock and using it or rebuilding it if required.
The 91+ shock has a lot more adjustability with the rebound and maybe even compression settings than the older shocks and I was very pleased when i rebuilt one and put it on my 88 bike.
Posted 21 February 2010 - 05:36 PM
I have an 85 350, does anyone know what year after 91 had the 'best' rear shock in terms of adjustability?
Posted 22 February 2010 - 09:46 AM
MindBlower said:
I have an 85 350, does anyone know what year after 91 had the 'best' rear shock in terms of adjustability?
The 91-2000 XR600 shocks are all the same.
Posted 29 January 2012 - 02:54 PM
Can someone tell me the stock eye to eye length (center of each mount eye/hole) for the XR600 (1996)?
Posted 29 January 2012 - 05:40 PM
I did this with the help of the info here on tt and those who have posted before me.
You can put a later model(91 and up) on an 88-90 framed xr600.
You can also put an XRL shock on 88-90 years.
85-87 Have a longere eye to eye length as well as having a different shock mount on the frame dyue to twin carbs.
The info I found was 85-87 are 16.75 and 88-90 as well, 91 and up are 16.5 eye to eye.
The eyes and mounts are the same for at least 88 and up, dont know below years.
Here is a pic and comparo between an 88 shock, and a sweet REVALVED and rebuilt XRL shock valved to my specs and ridning style/weight
The pic is deceiving the shocks are exactly the same lentgh, maybe a couple mm more on the xrl shock lentgh:
And a pic mounted on my 88 xr600!
Its a tight fit, but moving the airbox back a bit was enough with the slack on the mounting holes
Thanks to the info found here I was able to do this upgrade...
I still need to test ride, but so far its firm yet compliant and much more well planted...I.E more traction...My boinger on the 88 was pathetic, yet I somehow managed to ride...jajaja!
Good luck
You can put a later model(91 and up) on an 88-90 framed xr600.
You can also put an XRL shock on 88-90 years.
85-87 Have a longere eye to eye length as well as having a different shock mount on the frame dyue to twin carbs.
The info I found was 85-87 are 16.75 and 88-90 as well, 91 and up are 16.5 eye to eye.
The eyes and mounts are the same for at least 88 and up, dont know below years.
Here is a pic and comparo between an 88 shock, and a sweet REVALVED and rebuilt XRL shock valved to my specs and ridning style/weight
The pic is deceiving the shocks are exactly the same lentgh, maybe a couple mm more on the xrl shock lentgh:
And a pic mounted on my 88 xr600!
Its a tight fit, but moving the airbox back a bit was enough with the slack on the mounting holes
Thanks to the info found here I was able to do this upgrade...
I still need to test ride, but so far its firm yet compliant and much more well planted...I.E more traction...My boinger on the 88 was pathetic, yet I somehow managed to ride...jajaja!
Good luck
Posted 29 January 2012 - 05:41 PM
xjz, on 20 February 2010 - 05:14 PM, said:
Short answer, maybe.
The 85-87 shock has a wider top shock mount than the 88+ shocks by about .200" which could be overcome by adding more washers. The bottom mount is the same width and uses the same bolt from the 85-87 shock as it does in the newer 88-90 and 91+ shocks. The length of the shock is roughly the same length, maybe ~.25" different in length. The biggest problem you will face is the shock diameter. The 88-90 shock uses the same shock spring and has the same diameter as the 85-87 shock but the 91+ shock uses a larger diameter shock spring and it might not fit between the dual carb airbox boots even if there is no piggyback resevoir.
The only aftermarket shock I know of that comes with no resevoir is the "works" company shock, and it has very little adjustability. For the price you'd be better off ebaying another used stock shock and using it or rebuilding it if required.
The 91+ shock has a lot more adjustability with the rebound and maybe even compression settings than the older shocks and I was very pleased when i rebuilt one and put it on my 88 bike.
The 85-87 shock has a wider top shock mount than the 88+ shocks by about .200" which could be overcome by adding more washers. The bottom mount is the same width and uses the same bolt from the 85-87 shock as it does in the newer 88-90 and 91+ shocks. The length of the shock is roughly the same length, maybe ~.25" different in length. The biggest problem you will face is the shock diameter. The 88-90 shock uses the same shock spring and has the same diameter as the 85-87 shock but the 91+ shock uses a larger diameter shock spring and it might not fit between the dual carb airbox boots even if there is no piggyback resevoir.
The only aftermarket shock I know of that comes with no resevoir is the "works" company shock, and it has very little adjustability. For the price you'd be better off ebaying another used stock shock and using it or rebuilding it if required.
The 91+ shock has a lot more adjustability with the rebound and maybe even compression settings than the older shocks and I was very pleased when i rebuilt one and put it on my 88 bike.
Thanks to your posts I managed to upgarde my bike too, so thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 30 January 2012 - 09:16 AM
hey guys my bad:
measurements are 1 inch off:
My 88 from center of eye to center of bearing(top) is just under 15.5 inches.Just measured it now.
So the xrl is right at 15.5 or so.
Overall length is longer on the 88, so Im assuming the same goes for 85-87, the measurements I got maybe are for overall lentgh...
cheers
measurements are 1 inch off:
My 88 from center of eye to center of bearing(top) is just under 15.5 inches.Just measured it now.
So the xrl is right at 15.5 or so.
Overall length is longer on the 88, so Im assuming the same goes for 85-87, the measurements I got maybe are for overall lentgh...
cheers
Posted 30 January 2012 - 07:29 PM
nope wont fit...
you have answers on here and adv...stock xr600 91 and up shock is 15.25 or so inches..this one is 15, the length is not the issue...
the reservoir on this ohlins you have is offset to the front and will hit the frame...
not only that but how do you plan on modifying the bottom of this ohlins? is there a bolt on fork adapter for the xr600 linkage?
looks like a lot fo work man
good luck!
you have answers on here and adv...stock xr600 91 and up shock is 15.25 or so inches..this one is 15, the length is not the issue...
the reservoir on this ohlins you have is offset to the front and will hit the frame...
not only that but how do you plan on modifying the bottom of this ohlins? is there a bolt on fork adapter for the xr600 linkage?
looks like a lot fo work man
good luck!
Posted 30 January 2012 - 08:59 PM
Yep you're right. Too much work.
So what's the hot ticket for upgrading the rear XR6 shock then? Just simple revalves?
So what's the hot ticket for upgrading the rear XR6 shock then? Just simple revalves?
Posted 31 January 2012 - 07:54 AM
I dont know about all the options but yeah a respring and revalve on a good stock xr600 shock is the way to go.
For the xr650r guys its the modified cr500 shock piston and internals in a xr650r stock body.
I dont know but I heard there are a couple of afermarket shocks available, the only ones I could find where the WORKS PERFORMANCE that I could find some info on...
The thing is I could only find very vague reviews and from those with experience I heard a GOOD suspension shop can make the xr600 shock perform equally or better...
Good luck
I need to fine tune my revalved XRL shock which by all means is waaaaaay better than my stock 88 shock.
I do need to fine tune the clickers for my riding style but if it helps you make a decision then yeah a revalve works wonders man!
Cheers
For the xr650r guys its the modified cr500 shock piston and internals in a xr650r stock body.
I dont know but I heard there are a couple of afermarket shocks available, the only ones I could find where the WORKS PERFORMANCE that I could find some info on...
The thing is I could only find very vague reviews and from those with experience I heard a GOOD suspension shop can make the xr600 shock perform equally or better...
Good luck
I need to fine tune my revalved XRL shock which by all means is waaaaaay better than my stock 88 shock.
I do need to fine tune the clickers for my riding style but if it helps you make a decision then yeah a revalve works wonders man!
Cheers
Posted 31 January 2012 - 06:44 PM
http://www.progressi.../465/index.html
Someone told me about Progressive shocks, & how they respond so well to the adjusters. I called Progressive , but they dont make a XR600 shock. I told them they ought too consider because of age & starting to wear out. Maybe if some of you guys call & ask, Maybe enough calls will convince them.
Someone told me about Progressive shocks, & how they respond so well to the adjusters. I called Progressive , but they dont make a XR600 shock. I told them they ought too consider because of age & starting to wear out. Maybe if some of you guys call & ask, Maybe enough calls will convince them.
Posted 31 January 2012 - 06:56 PM
i dont know but progressive is an OK shock...
respring revalve the stocker will give you way better performance, that and most progressive shocks dont offer adjustment for both compression and rebund...
same for the ulracross shock...there is one on ebay right now...looks great though...but it has fixed damping on both ends...
anywhoo
respring revalve the stocker will give you way better performance, that and most progressive shocks dont offer adjustment for both compression and rebund...
same for the ulracross shock...there is one on ebay right now...looks great though...but it has fixed damping on both ends...
anywhoo
Posted 01 February 2012 - 05:26 PM
My compression adjuster doesn't seem to be noticeable , in or out?
Posted 02 February 2012 - 09:13 AM
have you ever rebuilt the shock?
just a change in fluid will get you an adjustable shock again...that and you probably need another 200psi nitrigen to get the shock to work well again
I guess what Im saying is suspension is the most overlooked aspect of these bikes...
Cant say enough praise for NEIL HORES at Hitchcock racing in denver...had a friend on adv send both his ohlins(for an xrl) and my xrl shock(for my xr) and had them revalved and rebuilt and new piston, seals etc..
massive difference...
Case in point, I got my shock with clickers in the middle from neil, 100mm race sag...I felt the compression was a little too much as I was stacking a bit(or compressing to slowly on bumps and felt kind of slow going) so I turned my compression clickers all the way soft...
then counted 7 clicks clockwise and went for a ride...imediate noticeable difference..
Next is adjsuting the rebound...I feel I could use a little more so its not too bouncy when rebounding off rocks and bumps and stuff and to minimize kickback...so that next for me...
hope this helps!
cheers dudes
just a change in fluid will get you an adjustable shock again...that and you probably need another 200psi nitrigen to get the shock to work well again
I guess what Im saying is suspension is the most overlooked aspect of these bikes...
Cant say enough praise for NEIL HORES at Hitchcock racing in denver...had a friend on adv send both his ohlins(for an xrl) and my xrl shock(for my xr) and had them revalved and rebuilt and new piston, seals etc..
massive difference...
Case in point, I got my shock with clickers in the middle from neil, 100mm race sag...I felt the compression was a little too much as I was stacking a bit(or compressing to slowly on bumps and felt kind of slow going) so I turned my compression clickers all the way soft...
then counted 7 clicks clockwise and went for a ride...imediate noticeable difference..
Next is adjsuting the rebound...I feel I could use a little more so its not too bouncy when rebounding off rocks and bumps and stuff and to minimize kickback...so that next for me...
hope this helps!
cheers dudes
Posted 02 February 2012 - 07:27 PM
Yup, had it rebuilt by a guy in Fl who does them on site at races, with a big box truck. Most all the racers say he's good. So I sent mine off to him. I even had the pressure double checked by someone else, & told them to reset to manual specs,175lbs of nitrogen.
