Lowering... shocks anyone?

[Kurt]

I am in the process of lowering the rear of the xs. I am going for about 2-2.5 inches. I need a set of shocks that will be about 10-11 inches from center to center. If anyone has anything that will work please let me know.

It is currently a hard tail right now and I don't want to keep it like that for very long.

Thanks!!

[John]

I have lowered an 81 Special by about an inch and a half, and I would recommend not going any lower. The first problem you are going to encounter is having to shorten the side and center stands, and the possiblity of dragging the mufflers in a sharp turn. Another problem I have is the pads, or feet, of the center stand hitting the ground on large bumps or just pulling into my driveway.
I used 11 inch shocks, and by means of handlebar risers, I raised the fork tubes about an inch in the tripleclamp. I did this so my 'vertically challenged' wife could ride it, and be able to put both feet on the ground when stopped.
Here is a link to my post describing how I lowered the bike.
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...t=the+lowering

[Kurt]

No lower than...

Thanks John. Yeah I realized about the kickstand when I took it off the centerstand. I set a 31" tire next to it all night so that it would not fall over. I have since cut it down. I can see where the centerstand will get in the way more too.

I have shorter legs than arms, so I will just need to lower the rear.

Where did you get your shocks? I found a pair on Fleabay for $175, but would like to get them cheaper of course.

[John]

You can buy shocks of most any length at JC Whitney, which aren't very expensive, or you can search the web for Progressive brand shocks, and get a good set for around $225-$250. Look at harley shocks on ebay. You can find some 11-11.5 inch Progressive shocks there. I have been looking for a steal on some Progressives on ebay, but no luck yet.

[Kurt]

Progressive shocks...

Here you go John. I think I found a different set.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Progr...23499548QQrdZ1

[dragons_thunder]

Lowering

Hey guys I have a friend that is vetically challenged. He took his seat to an upholstry shop. They took 2 or 3 inches of foam out of the seat. He was then able to reach the ground. I owned the same bike later, and didn't notice the lack of foam, until he told me. Just a thought.

Dragons Thunder

[strom]

I have two standards.... one with stock shocks and one with v-max ones. Both grind all sorts of stuff in the corners if riding two-up. So lowering is hardly an option, unless for solo riding of a featherweight mouse.
Lowering the seat is a better option IMO.

LP

PS: Sorry guys for not posting more in the forum.... kinda busy lately. The new old 79 1.1 standard runs like a champ, must have bout 25kkm on it now The 78E is fully dressed and waiting for me to work on the mufflers a bit, since I put the stock headers onto the 1.1
And the tranny.... 5th gear skips a bit... need new bottom half of the crankcase. But since the other bike runs so nice, im in no hurry

[Kurt]

Ive already shaved the seat. Still tippy toes... crap.