Rear shocks on an I/S

[hoosier jaybird]

How do you know if the shocks are OEM on an 99 I/S? How do you measure the height? Center to center at the bushings under no load? Discussion about going d/s takes into account shock height for under fender clearance. I don't know just what I have, purchased the bike used. Thanks, Jaybird.

[old2soon]

The search function on the tech board has photos and modifications needed to go D/S. Stock shocks have a smooth upper cover in plain shiny aluminum and the lower is smooth shiny aluminum. Stock shock height IS 13". I use a 205-65-16 D/S rear and the nut cage mod has been done. When you pull off the top shock bolt look at how the shock bushing looks. If not centered you need new shock bushings. RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

How do you know if the shocks are OEM on an 99 I/S?

They are solid chrome, no springs showing like almost all aftermarkets (but air shocks may also be solid),  OE is 13" center to center.... or they were when new.

OE (mine still had the red SHOWA stickers on them)


Aftermarket (440)


Air aftermarket.

[hoosier jaybird]

Old 2soon and Jess, thanks for your help. My shocks have the Showa sticker on them also and measure 13" c/c. I put new bushings in last spring so they look pretty good. I will look in the past posts regarding the nut mod and any other issues to address. I am looking serious at the Austone taxi tire and it sounds like sidewall clearance is not a problem with that one. Thanks again for helping me out, Jaybird.

[old2soon]

hoosier jaybird-I had a LOT of help from this board on a lot of technical issues concerning these fine machines we are privileged to ride. When I run into a problem I grab a clean rag come into the house get on my computer and go to the boards. If I feel I know or have the correct answer to a question or a problem I try to answer the question to pay it forward. Sides-with me being in the terminal stages of P M S it actually helps to talk about our ladies-BUT I'd rather be ridin!!  Somewhere on the first page of the tech board is more about the Austone Taxi tire. RIDE SAFE.