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Scooters - 125 to 300 => Downtown 300 => Topic started by: Neil955i on July 23, 2022, 08:39:25 AM

Title: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Replacement with YSS
Post by: Neil955i on July 23, 2022, 08:39:25 AM
YSS shocks on order. Next question, how much plastic has to be removed to get at the unit top end mounts?  I ask as I have “previous” for snapping fairing mounting pins! 😫
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: mrmike on July 23, 2022, 09:27:20 AM
YSS shocks on order. Next question, how much plastic has to be removed to get at the unit top end mounts?  I ask as I have “previous” for snapping fairing mounting pins! 😫



According to my Cyclepedia for the X-Town, the following have to be removed. Seat, luggage box, center cover, and body cover
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on July 23, 2022, 09:32:28 AM
Thanks Mike, looks like a good half day job then?
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 23, 2022, 12:38:10 PM
One cravat (like caveat..but easier to spell) to cyclepedia instructions.....they like to remove many panels and parts which are not necessarily mandatory to access some things you're trying to do.
The 2nd time you do a rear shock swap....you'll remember that.
🙃

Stig
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: An Orange Crush on July 23, 2022, 08:47:51 PM
Are there any aftermarket shocks for my 2011 DT300 that`ll make the ride less stiff and choppy?
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: mrmike on July 24, 2022, 11:57:27 AM
Are there any aftermarket shocks for my 2011 DT300 that`ll make the ride less stiff and choppy?
 



Are you aware that your factory shocks probably have several pre-load settings? You may just have to re-adjust them to your liking.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: An Orange Crush on July 24, 2022, 02:27:43 PM
 



Are you aware that your factory shocks probably have several pre-load settings? You may just have to re-adjust them to your liking.

Yes I just about wore out the tool from adjusting them so much when I bought the scoot, just trying to find that sweet spot.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: agilebda on July 25, 2022, 02:54:31 AM
Are there any aftermarket shocks for my 2011 DT300 that`ll make the ride less stiff and choppy?

The Honda SH 300 is a direct for the Downtown and the GTI from what I'm told. Do a search on ebay for SH300 shocks and you'll find loads of options. They can get up to the high hundreds $$$ for a good set.

HONDA NSS Forza EX (MF08) 250 2005-2007         
HONDA NSS Forza X (MF08) 250 2005-2007         
HONDA NSS Jazz 250 2001-2004         
HONDA NSS Jazz ABS 250 2001-2004         
HONDA SH (NF0211 / NF02A) 300 2007-2010         
HONDA SH (NF0211 / NF02A) 300 2007-2010         
HONDA SH (NF0221 / NF02C) 300 2011-2014         
HONDA SH ABS (NF0212) 300 2007-2010         
HONDA SH ABS (NF0231 / NF02D) 300 2011-2014         
HONDA SH ABS (NF0231 / NF02D) 300 2011-2014           
HONDA SH ABS (NF05A) 300 2015-2020         
KAWASAKI J 300 2014-2015           
KAWASAKI J ABS 300 2014-2015           
KAWASAKI J ABS 300 2014-2015           
KYMCO Downtown (V21000) 125 2009-2016           
KYMCO Downtown (V21000) 125 2009-2016         
KYMCO Downtown 200 2010-2015         
KYMCO People GTI IE 200 2010-2015           
KYMCO Xciting (T71000) 250 2004-2005           
KYMCO Xciting I (T71010) 250 2006-2008           
KYMCO Downtown 300 2009-2017           
KYMCO Downtown 300 2009-2017           
KYMCO Downtown ABS 300 2009-2017           
KYMCO Downtown ABS 300 2009-2017           
KYMCO People GTI ABS E4 300 2016-2016           
KYMCO People GTI IE / ABS 300 2010-2016           
KYMCO Xciting I 300 2008-2012           
KYMCO Xciting IR 300 2008-2014           
KYMCO Xciting I 400 2012-2013           
KYMCO Xciting 500 2005-2006           
KYMCO Xciting I 500 2006-2012           
KYMCO Xciting IR 500 2007-2014
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on July 25, 2022, 09:44:30 AM
Are there any aftermarket shocks for my 2011 DT300 that`ll make the ride less stiff and choppy?

YSS definitely do adjustable shocks for Downtown 300 models - I've just ordered a pair for my X-Town 300 which shared the part number with the Downtown - thanks to @Ruffus for pointing this out to me.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on July 28, 2022, 10:49:48 AM
YSS definitely do adjustable shocks for Downtown 300 models - I've just ordered a pair for my X-Town 300 which shared the part number with the Downtown - thanks to @Ruffus for pointing this out to me.

Toys have arrived!
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Iahawk on July 28, 2022, 12:30:11 PM
they look nice!!
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Ruffus on July 28, 2022, 03:44:25 PM
Look good to me.
 There should be an adjustment tool come with.
If not, try a 6mm steel bar, could also be a 1/4 inch tool. But watch out for something which fits very tight, otherwise those holes are ruined easily.
Do NOT use a hook spanner, scratches all over.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on July 28, 2022, 09:13:26 PM
Look good to me.
 There should be an adjustment tool come with.
If not, try a 6mm steel bar, could also be a 1/4 inch tool. But watch out for something which fits very tight, otherwise those holes are ruined easily.
Do NOT use a hook spanner, scratches all over.
The 6mm bar came with them 😀
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 28, 2022, 10:56:38 PM
Photos please of how much plastic has to come off, if any, to get at both ends of the shocks.

Stig
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on July 29, 2022, 07:24:26 AM
If I do it, then I will Stig. Thing is it’s due the annual service so I may get them to fit the shocks while it’s in the ‘shop? 

Edit: Yep I’ve taken the soft option. Scooter is booked in for its annual service for Monday so I’ve asked them to fit the shockers too! Will report on results before long.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on August 01, 2022, 03:46:01 PM
Well, they're fitted!  Only covered 8 miles so far so review later.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on August 01, 2022, 03:46:40 PM
Well, they're fitted!  Only covered 8 miles so far so review later.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Iahawk on August 01, 2022, 09:27:13 PM
shocks look great..eagerly awaiting a full ride report! (and while we're at it, can we talk a little bit about the dirt I see on your scoot?..my cleaning OCD makes me want to get out the detail spray and microfibers....but..must...resist..)
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on August 01, 2022, 09:55:02 PM
Well done Neil -! Know you have to be happy.

Hawk is excited with their appearance ...but don't they look just like the stock shock turned end for end?

Nevertheless - they are to improve your ride. So, well done getting them purchased and installed!

(https://i.postimg.cc/XYWyfV86/shock.jpg)

Stig
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on August 02, 2022, 07:02:41 AM
shocks look great..eagerly awaiting a full ride report! (and while we're at it, can we talk a little bit about the dirt I see on your scoot?..my cleaning OCD makes me want to get out the detail spray and microfibers....but..must...resist..)

Hawk, I feel your pain, but not enough to get out the bucket & leather!  You can’t keep a bike pristine in the UK if you use it regularly, there’s just too much rain & murk.  It gets a good clean maybe once a month.  Perhaps I’ll send you a photo after the next one 😂  Here's one I did earlier:

PS  See that scrape just below the foot board I tried to cover with a sticker?  Over enthusiastic cornering at a roundabout!
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Neil955i on August 02, 2022, 07:05:35 AM
See where you’re coming from Stig, USD forks I’m familiar with, but rear shocks?… Went over familiar bumps and potholes yesterday with far less drama so hopes are high.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Question #2
Post by: Iahawk on August 02, 2022, 01:07:22 PM
Hawk, I feel your pain, but not enough to get out the bucket & leather!  You can’t keep a bike pristine in the UK if you use it regularly, there’s just too much rain & murk.  It gets a good clean maybe once a month.  Perhaps I’ll send you a photo after the next one 😂  Here's one I did earlier:

PS  See that scrape just below the foot board I tried to cover with a sticker?  Over enthusiastic cornering at a roundabout!

nice - Clean looking scoot! Love the floorboard scrape, too, that means you're out enjoying it!
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Replacement with YSS
Post by: Neil955i on August 03, 2022, 02:51:52 PM
I promised a review of the YSS shocks, so after about 50 miles on them here are my initial thoughts.  Are they better than stock?  Yes, but not by the transformational amount I saw when I did the same upgrade on my Honda PCX 125.  No down side, but I'd describe the improvements as noticeable without being outstanding. 

Have they raised the ride height at the back?  I think yes, but only by a cm or two.  Cornering clearance does seem a little better as I tried hard and failed earlier to scrape the centre stand!

Do they soak up the bumps better.  Yes.  Now this is noticeable as I have tracked down some local well known bumpy roads and rather than losing any more fillings, I am finding the bump absorption to be much kinder on my coccyx!  Seriously the old shocks were bottoming out on these bumps where the YSS are soaking them up.  I'm still to test this aspect 2 up.

Worth the money?  For me, yes as I was beginning to dread long rides on bumpy roads with all the punishment my back was taking.  If you only ever ride silky smooth tarmac (but how many of us have that luxury?), then probably not.

Overall I'm glad I did the upgrade.  Although the improvements are incremental, the way they tackle the rough tarmac has made it worth it for me.
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Replacement with YSS
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on August 03, 2022, 05:56:48 PM
and that is what it's all about!
Better ride over bad roads.
I don't think my pair of shocks on my Kymco are worse than my single Piaggio shock - but the ride, with a much firmer stock seat, on the big wheel Piaggio is so much better over the bad roads than is the passage on the 12" LIKE200i wheels! The Piaggio sounds and feels like it's undergoing much less punishment!

Frankly - I look forward to the Piaggio days, as I continue to alternate rides between the two scooters.
There is just this one section of my route that I cannot avoid - and the LIKE really does not like those 4 blocks!

Out on the open roads - the big wheeled Piaggio feels very motorcycle-like in its tracking & stability. Like you'd be able to take your hands off the bars and steer with your knees while you make a tuna sandwich. I skip lunching on the Kymco.

Stig
Title: Re: X-Town 300 -Shock Absorber Replacement with YSS
Post by: Neil955i on August 03, 2022, 06:41:33 PM
😂. Like that closing reference Stig.