rear shock measurements

[crabman]

Hi
I desperately need the measurements centre to centre for the rear shocks on a 1981 Maico 490. Please can anyboday help ? I purchased works suspension ex the USA and now I have a hybrid Maico /Harley softail.
I have waited for two months to get the shocks, notwithstanding these shocks may not be wasted, I may  possibly use one of the two sets on a Maico  440 I am building.
Does anyboday know the specs on your YSS rear suspension?  can you buy them set up to your weight say 120 KG/ 250 POUNDS ? ARE THEY REBUILDABLE ?
New Maico 1981 Race shocks now available with 20 click hi-speed compr adjustment , 20 click low speed compression adjustment , 60 click rebound adjustment ,Threaded Preload adjustment , 16 mm hardened shaft , longlife sealblock , 36 mm honed bore , 7000 series alu billett housing. The closest thing to a linkage bike- I have to be sure in terms of the measurements centre to centre of shock mount eyes. School fees are expensive in terms of wasted costs taxes and shipping
I am  now sick and tired of purchasing ex the USA and continually either getting short shipped/ billed in anticipation and the paying duties and VAT TWICE.
We are having the equivalent of our first Classsic Dirt in South Africa 14/ 15 June 2008 hence my urgency ?
gavin williams   -  [email protected]

[090]

Hi Gavin.
My standard Corte Cosso's are 385mm eye to eye.
If you pm YSS he will set you straight on his shocks. Yes they are rebuildable and yes he has an over the counter set to suit the 490's so you can buy them to suit your weight.
Cheers, Brad

[crabman]

Hi Brad
I am confused, I have two Maico 490's. One has a nickel plated frame with a Thor swingarm and the other has a standard frame and swingarm. I would be so brave as to say that both  bike have a need for eye to eye measurements of around 44cm. I have a set of Ohlins, I am not happy with them hence the decision to buy the Works Performance.
I have just spent half an hour on the phone to the USA and the techical specialist at Works Performance has said that he has only once before built a 44 cm long rear shock centre to centre ( mounting bolt eye holes). his suggestion is to move the mounting plates on the swingarm forward by about 10 cm (29,2 cm centre swing arm bolt to centre lower shock mount.
I am greatful for your and any other help.
Regards
Gavin

[YSS]

Can do , no problem .  Just spoken to Les from Mainly Maico

[firko]

Gavin....You were making a retrograde step going from Ohlins to Works Performance shocks. Works shocks feature old school technology first seem in Curnutts in the 60s. I've had dealings with Works over the years and have found them to be OK as far as after sales service or setup advice goes right up until something goes wrong or, God forbid, you dare to criticise their product. After that all forms of communication go downhill pretty quickly.
You won't have that problem with YSS. Walter not only produces a superior product that are seem by most to be superior to Ohlins and Reiger, he also backs his shocks with great after sales service and personal feedback and advice. Like Brad wrote, PM Walter and he'll quickly sort out your problem. You could also contact Les Richters at Mainly Maico  ( [email protected]) who is Walters "right hand man" and a Maico authority. He'll have the ideal setup for you.

[crabman]

Firko
Thanks for your advice. I have had the Ohlins serviced. I have found out something interesting - one of my 490's has the shock mountings on the swingarm placed closer to the axle than the conventional spacings. This in turn has caused complications in that other than by special order all ''Maico 490 '' shocks would be to short. Fortunately I have two sets of Ohlins that are about 45 cm long centre to centre at the mount position.
I intend to mount them over the weekend and I will post a picture accordingly. Throughout the world everybody is amazed at the standard swingarm configuration.
Fortunately I am restoring a 440 Maico so the Works performance will not go to waste. I will post a picture of my latest beauty- my KTM 175 Jackpiner.  I intend to have finished by end of August a rM 370, 1978 cr 250.
I am looking forward to starting the Ducati- your input has been significant- I am reading and researching. It is my intention to travel to OZ next year and I would love to coincide it with your Classic Dirt 6- I intend to bring the DUCATI if finished.
I appreciate your input such that your comments re the 490 pictures - I have redone the bike - I will post a pic when graphics are on the bike.
Chow from Africa

[maicomc490t]

Hey Crabman,
Measurements for 81 are 15" Corte Cosso and 15 and 1/4" Ohlins - both were factory items.
Old school shock choices are;
Ohlins
Fox Piggies (generally very expensive and still require a total rebuild)
Corte Cosso retro fitted with Ohlins internals
Like Firko said Works are crude by comparison
From what I have seen YSS are one cool shock so for a modern equivalent, but beyond that I can't offer comment but heaps of guys rave about 'em, and both Walter and Les actively support the sport.
Cheers,
Dave Mac

[YSS]

Well said Dave , with your support we will continue to do so .

[mxmaniac]

Dads Ohlins on his 490 maico handle like a dream.. Krooze tune in melbourne set them up i am pretty sure. The rer suspension is as good as our 2007 crf450 we had i believe. we had works shocks brand new from the USA on the 79  :-\440 magnum and they got the arse not long after.