Vino rear shock length

[Vino A Go Go]

What's the real story on shock length for the '03 2st Vino? Manual says installed length-166.5mm and limit 170mm. I got a set of 3x10/3.5x10 tires to install and picked up a new black & chromed TGB shock that I thought would work...got it on but couldn't pull the plug and caused trouble with airbox frame clearance. A certain scoot dealer in BC Canada sells a red one at 220mm but not really fond of red for my scoot style. I would like to find a chrome or black one that will give me the tire clearance needed and at a decent price. Any ideas?

[sooznd]

If I remember correctly, I installed one of the MDI shocks & it was 245 mm. It was a tad long & I needed to have a piece of metal welded to the bottom of the center stand so it wouldn't tip. Other than that it worked great.

[sooznd]

here is a link to a photo of both the oem and the mdi shock with a description of the size difference. Too bad the mdi is no longer available. Back in 2004 a bunch of us were able to get them from a seller on ebay for $18 plus $5 shipping--a real steal.
http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/theyamahavinoclub/photos/view/5203?b=4