virago xv535 replace rear shocks? Advice needed

Hi. I have a 1996 XV535 that has done about 5k miles. I find the
suspension harsh over small bumps, typical of urban streets, these
aggravate my back something rotten. I recently rode 170 miles around
Samos in Greece on a 125cc scooter, on some very rough roads with no
problem at all, I doubt I would have lasted a quarter of that on the
virago. I'm about 6 ft tall, and weigh about 75 kg and am thinking
about changing the rear shocks having already tried setting the
preload to the softest setting. Hagon seem a good choice as they are
reasonably priced and can do custom jobs to order. I am thinking of
slightly softer shocks as I only take a pillion occasionally, and
longer ones to both extend the travel of the shock, and height of the
saddle slightly. Standard shock length is I think 11.25", and am
thinking of extending to say 12.5". Is this sensible? Opinions/
suggestions gratefully received.

 

Hi, thanks for advice. Yes, have already set them to the softest
setting.

 

Hagon are good, yes.

That's quite a change. It will almost certainly result in quicker
steering, which may or may not be a good thing. It will also increase
ground clearance, which is no bad thing on a cruiser. However, I would
not make that radical a change if it was my bike.

Sounds silly, but have you tried adjuster the standard shocks to a
softer setting?

 

FFS. We all know what he meant.

No, you don't.

Which means welding new mounts to the frame, you silly bastard.

No you don't, not for a Virago. You try some softer shocks and see how
it feels.

 

Typical tale of OEM suspension units. Most of my bikes have had their
suspension units replaced with Hagon. Do it, you won't regret it. They are
a good compromise between price and performance. On the Virago, before you
go fitting longer units, trawl the owners forums for posts relating to any
issues.

 

My experience completely. I've got them on my 400 Four and have had them
on other bikes. They're surprisingly well finished, too. Better than a
lot of Far Eastern stuff.

Good advice.

 

In reply to my own question even, I just came across the Progressive
US website that lists products for the XV535, and what they suggest
is:

- A4 The shock recommended is slightly longer than stock. This may
alter the head angle slightly and give somewhat quicker steering.
A16 Approximate stock shock length is 11.75" -

Sizes offered for this bike are from 11" to 12.5", with the largest
choice of options being for the 12.5", so I am guessing that is their
suggestion.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=1996&makeID=48&modelID=511

 

Buy a stock length shock. Buy Hagon. Cheap, reliable, work well, and the
company knows what it's doing. Forget all this guff about measuring
springs - order a pair from Hagon, and they'll delight you with the
improvement over stock.

A 535's suspension is compromised enough as it is, so you'll never get
it to feel like a plush tourer.

Nice bike, the 535. My favourite small Jap custom bike.

 

Thanks very much for the advice and help - it's not a simple decision
as funds are fairly limited. What I will do I think is check non-
loaded length, static sag (no rider) and sag with rider (me) in riding
position, and see if the standard shocks with my weight tally with
what is generally considered normal for most bikes. Then have a word
with Hagon and see what they suggest - I agree, that they will
possibly just want to sell me whatever, with possibly little in the
way of research in terms of effects; what is clear is that I need a
good idea of how whatever I choose to do with it will affect handling,
and how spring rates etc will affect the general behaviour of the
bike. I am tempted towards changing the length and stiffness a little
because if I don't I might then wonder it it might have been better to
do so; and of course on the other hand there is the issue is that the
stock length and spring rate is how the manufacturers originally
designed the bike to be made and set up for riding.

Will post again and let you know.

 

That's not a bad route to take.

Trouble here is that cruisers are generally set up with softish
suspension, whereas sports bikes aren't. There's no hard and fast rule.

I think you're doing them down unnecessarily. Believe me, they *really*
know their stuff. I was in their factory/warehouse about a month ago.

Hagon will advise. Listen to them.

Yes and no. Standard isn't always best (cost constraints, plus the fact
that riders differ widely in terms of weight and riding style) but it's
usually a pretty good place to start.