TOPIC:

As seen on Ebay: Anyone using these? Comments? Pro's/con's ?..............

KAWASAKI KZ1300 365MM JBS REAR AIR/NITROGEN CELL SHOCK ABSORBERS BLK





Brand New Pair of JBS Air/Nitrogen Cell Shock Absorbers
Produced by ISO9001 Compliant Manufacturer
Excellent quality Item
Prefilled with Nitrogen
Ready to bolt on and go!

Total Length: 395mm (15 1/2")
Eye to Eye: 365mm (14 3/8")
Eye Diameter Top: 14mm
Eye Diameter Bottom: 14mm
*Other eye sizes available on request
Eye Width : 21mm
Spring thickness: 8.10mm
Spring Width: 63mm
Working stroke: 60mm
Spring Preload adjustment length 25mm
Damping can be adjusted by air (nitrogen)
Nitrogen Pre-filled
Eye tensile strength of over 2000kgf
Max loading: 300kg / 650 lbs

Those are the same generic shocks all over eBay under different brands. I've seen lots of guys use them with generally positive reviews but they usually go like "I've had them on for three days and so far they are better than my blown shocks from 1975". There's a guy who tears them down and rebuilds them but I'm pretty sure he doesn't actually modify anything he just gets the pressure right and such. With a bike as heavy as these I bet they aren't to great. I've seen where they were written off as not enough to handle the weight of a sportster , ~560lbs, combined with the weight of a 220lb rider.

Hmmm. A noticeable abscence of comments here....which could be speaking volumes. I put some S&W air-shocks on within first 2 yrs after the stock shocks could no longer carry 2 and some gear without bottoming-out. With such a small air-volume capacity the problem with the S&W's is they are either too hard or too soft. This winter I added a "volumne-bottle" to see if the additional capacity will translate into a more compliant ride. At least another 6-8 weeks before insurance, to see if the idea works !

So what was the question ? Is it about these particular shocks - the JSB- or are looking for some suitable replacements. ?
There seems to be a large choice available as evidenced by what is available on ebay right now.
I'll look for photo's over lunch hour - then post.
I also did cartridge conversion with pre-load on the front forks.

Just looking for some feedback !

Hey Scotch,

I have actually bought a set of these shocks for my bike. I have put them on and they look awesome. This of course does not translate into the shocks being any good. Unfortunately I am still in the process of getting the bike back on the road and have not had a chance to ride the bike and try them out.
I am also aware of the old adage of you get what you pay for, however if they are no good they will suffice until such time as I can get something better.
Sorry I am not much help to you at the moment