Shock Absorber Question

[Neil955i]

I'm shopping for new aftermarket (YSS?) shocks for my 2019 X-Town 300i (Euro 4) and wonder if the shocks on the DT300 are the same dimensions?  I've found a suspension expert locally prepared to help me if I can supply him with the dimensions of my X-Town units, but also said things would be substantially easier if there was an equivalent unit among the Downtown range!

[CROSSBOLT]

I'm shopping for new aftermarket (YSS?) shocks for my 2019 X-Town 300i (Euro 4) and wonder if the shocks on the DT300 are the same dimensions?  I've found a suspension expert locally prepared to help me if I can supply him with the dimensions of my X-Town units, but also said things would be substantially easier if there was an equivalent unit among the Downtown range!

I don't know. With the Honda/Kymco part numbering system one needs a sample of each side-by-side to determine this one....

[Ruffus]

Guess this are your parts...
I 'm quite happy with YSS shocks on my GD 150, inexpensive and stable.

[Neil955i]

Guess this are your parts...
I 'm quite happy with YSS shocks on my GD 150, inexpensive and stable.

How so Ruffus?  No mention of the X-Town 300i on that list?  I've just emailed YSS UK for them to check.

[Ruffus]

No difference between X-town and Downtown shocks here in Italia.

[Neil955i]

No difference between X-town and Downtown shocks here in Italia.

Well if you’re sure on that Ruffus, that’s my answer, thank you. There’s an Italian company selling YSS that will ship to the UK so happy days!

[Ruffus]

@Neil, here you go...
..same part # 52400..

[Neil955i]

That's brilliant thanks Ruffus, I can go ahead and order now.  I had this back from my UK supplier this morning too:  Hi Neil,

I wouldn't be at all surprised if they do share shocks to be honest. The YSS shocks for the 2009-2017 Downtown 300i measure...

Shock length (centre to centre): 390mm
Top mount eye width: 21mm
Top mount bolt diameter: 10mm
Bottom mount fork width (internal): 26mm
Bottom mount bolt width: 10mm (threaded mount)

If they do indeed match up, we can get the attached shocks to you in a couple of days. They are £208.96 inc. VAT and delivery for the pair and we can get them to you in a couple of days. They're adjustable for preload.

[Ruffus]

@Neil, in natura this shocks are a little bit over 390mm, close to 400 which does not make a difference when mounted.

[Stig / Major Tom]

OK, my shock absorber question:

If the aftermarket shock does not add to the suspension 'travel' of the original - which it probably can't, seems to me, or things will be hitting or suspended 'up' at rest or when riding....

I'm thinking all scooters would have a better ride over rough surfaces if they had more suspension travel - but they are built to have only @ 2.75>4 inches.....which is less once you sit the saddle.

Then what you are looking to improve with an aftermarket shock is the damping behavior of the compression and rebound?
Yes/no?

Stig

[Neil955i]

What I'm hoping for Stig is a more progressive shock than the OEM units.  So, if it is as good as the ones fitted to my Honda PCX, then I expect a less bouncy ride without being bone-jarring.  YSS seem to hit this "sweet spot" pretty well.  If (as Ruffus suggests) it raises the ride height by a few mm so much the better.  Preload options will allow better for my bulk too!

The biggest plus to the units fitted to the PCX were the ride height increase which stopped the centre stand scraping around bends!

[Ruffus]

Hmmmh, for clarification.
The dampers (which brand ever) first and most important job is to keep the rear wheel  in permanent contact with the surface you whatever ride on.

This is for any damper (shock) a high stress challenge, for it compresses and decompresses approximately (parameter depending) 6000 times per minute.

This job fulfilled, it relaxes driver, co-driver by giving the impression to seat and ride horizontal in a way and not a bucking bronco.

To achieve this, several companies came to different results, which shows
a SHOWA, WILBERS, WITHE POWER shock ansorber etc. product on the upper end of our price range, which can easily be €2.000,- apiece.

What I wanted to express, is:
Any brand has its plusses and minusses, but does'nt make sense to put a €1.000,- shock in a scoot worth  €1.500.

[Neil955i]

So a €250-ish pair fits the bill eh Ruffus?

[Ruffus]

@Neil, yes IMHO. Non racers will not feel a huge difference in their scoots behaviour.  Except the length of stopp-way is considerly longer with bad rear shocks

All works between our ears.

[Neil955i]

Well I’m not a racer, but did notice such an improvement with the YSS shocks when fitted to the Honda PCX 125 that I’m hoping for similar on my X-Town.