Lowering The XS1100

[Steve P]

I have a 1980 XS1100SG. I'm a short rider and feel like I'm sitting too high on the machine, (I've cut down the width of the steel seat frame and have minimal padding and can just barely get my feet flat on the ground). Years ago I seem to recall riders that would extend the fork tubes up through the top tree about an inch or so to lower the front end and help keep the front wheel down under hard acceleration. Would like to know if this would be advisable to put me closer to the ground without compromising handling or safety. If I drop the front an inch, do I have to drop the rear an inch also?

Thanks

[btchalice]

if you dont your rake and trail will be altered some

[DiverRay]

If you do a search, there are a few threads about lowering the XS1100. You can put a 12" rear shock/spring on the back, and with "bar backs", lower the front about 1". A few of the riders on this forum have done it.
Ray

[John]

Here's how I did it

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6801&highlight=The+lowering

[kennewick58]

rear shocks

I just want the rear lowered and I noticed that Mikes XS has a set of progressive 11.5 inch shocks and springs.

It gets hard to understand what will work and not work. I have read all the threads and they kinda jump around a bit. What do you guys think will these fit my 81 XS special and what can I expect from the mod?

By the way I changed out the buck horns for a set of 77 goldwing bars and man what a differance. Thanks!

Where can I get a guage and pump for the air forks?

[kennewick58]

Ask again.

The 11.5 inch from mikes xs. will these work on my 81 special. does anybody know?

Also just what is the plastic that comes on them wound around the spring?

I have a 12.5 set and a 11.5 set of progressives. realizing that this is a 650 site I was wondering if the weight diff was a problem?

[TopCatGr58]

Bruce,

Aside from the length of the 11.5" shocks, vs. the stock size, the model # is the same that is listed on PNM site for the XS11. These are the same shocks that I got for my 81SH, but I got the stock length from JCW. Monza brand, JCW says preload settings vary from 160 lbs to 190lbs. With the specials smaller rear tire, you have a bit more room to allow a shorter shock with less chance of hitting the rear tire into the fender well during bottoming out of the shocks. You might try bouncing the rear enough to compress your OEM shocks until they bottom out and see how much room you have between your tire and fender, if it's more than the 1.25" difference in length between the 11.5" and the 12.75" shocks, then you should be able to use the shorter shocks! The damping affect is very good for being inexpensive!

The plastic is a separator between the 2 different springs.
T.C.

[kennewick58]

Great info

Thanks. I had never seen these plastic deals. I take it they stay on the shock?