M2L or Gen 1 Showa Shock?

[Primordial]

I have a Gen 1 Showa shock on the way. It already has the reinforcement kit installed, but I'm not 100% sure of the condition/status of the shock. I plan to use the front bracket for a 14" shock to lower the bike a bit (I'm only about 5'6" and need all the help I can get).

If memory serves me correctly, the Gen 1 Showa shocks are 16.5" long, and M2L shocks are 15.8" long. Also if I remember correctly, the longer the shock, the lower the bike will sit with our Buells. If these figures and this understanding is correct, it would seem that I would be better off with the Gen 1 Showa as it would lower the bike more than the M2L shock. Is there anything about the M2L shocks that make them stand out versus the Gen 1 Showa that I'm missing? I hate to buy another shock that's shorter (and would raise the bike a little vs. the Gen 1 Showa) if I don't have to, but if it's by far a better shock and the difference in height is negligible I may just do that and sell the one I have.

I look forward to your comments!

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Primordial]

Not sure if it really matters but i forgot to mention this is going on an X1...

 

[rkb58]

Just went trough getting a used shock for my X1. Wound up replacing a reinforced 16.5" with another. Think you are correct, a longer overall shock length will lower the bike.

Spring length, rate, and ride height adjustment would affect ride height, also.

I would think the much shorter shocks would affect the height too much without the modified bracket.

 

[Primordial]

Is there anything special about the M2L shock though, or am I just as well off with the 16.5"?

 

[Red93stang]

I have a M2L if you need me to measure anything I can. If my memory serves me right the shock and bracket are unique to the M2L.

 

[Primordial]

Okay so I've done some more research and found a couple things out. The M2L shock, at least the ones I've been looking at, are the same style as the "newer" 14" shocks but measure or to about 15.8" so they're right in the middle lengthwise. They have the benefit of the newer design but nothing really special to them from what I've seen.In an interest of saving money up front I think I'm going to stick with the 16.5" shock I have now and see how it goes.

Are they worth upgrading (i.e. gold valve, different spring, etc.) or would I be better off just getting a better shock when the time comes?

 

[Red93stang]

Are they worth upgrading (i.e. gold valve, different spring, etc.) or would I be better off just getting a better shock when the time comes?

I have a WORKS performance on my S1W and it gives a much better feel or feedback through the corner. The M2L has a Showa stocker, softer ride and hardly any feedback or road feel. But I could be comparing apples to oranges their.

 

[Primordial]

I have a WORKS performance on my S1W and it gives a much better feel or feedback through the corner. The M2L  has a Showa stocker, softer ride and hardly any feedback or road feel. But I could be comparing apples to oranges their.

Yeah something like a WORKS Performance shock might be an option down the road but it's way out of my pocket book range for now. The wife would probably prefer the Showa setup but we'll see what happens down the road.

Anyone have any input on the gold valves like Race Tech sells or a similar upgrade to the stock units?