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Squeaking Rear End and Lowering Ride Height

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  • #1

    Squeaking Rear End and Lowering Ride Height

    Hello,

    When I back my bike out of my parking space, there is always this "squeak squeak" sound coming from the rear wheel, I don't know if it would be the bearing making that noise, or a rubbing brake.

    Also, I was looking into ways to lower the back end of the bike, as I would like to make it into a low rider.

    I saw Mike's XS has handlebars for sale, how hard is it to swap handlebars?

    Thanks ~~ Darrek
    1979 Eleven Special - 26,000 miles.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Mine does ths too. It is also sometimes audible when I coast in forward.

    I am trying to figure out what it is.

    One of my front rotors is warped, and it rubs for about a 3rd of it's diameter, but I don't think it is the one squeaking, it makes a different noise.
    Nice day, if it doesn't rain...

    '05 ST1300
    '83 502/502 Monte Carlo for sale/trade

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    • #3
      Hello,
      What I did to isolate sounds at the rear cause I had a similar situation was, place the bike on the center stand and spin the tire by hand and pour water on the rear rotor only and see if the sound changes...
      1979 XS1100SF "Sakura Natsuhiboshi"

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      • #4
        Any comments about lowering ride height or the handlebars?
        1979 Eleven Special - 26,000 miles.

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        • #5
          Swapping the bars would be fairly straight forward as long as they are 7/8 " bars.

          Lowering the rear end can be done by going to a shorter pair of shocks. Several members here have done this. I forget how low you can go and you may need a bushing for the lower shock eye on the right side.
          Paul
          1983 XJ1100 Maxim
          1979 XS1100 Standard
          1980 XS1100 Special

          I'm not a motorcycle mechanic but I play one on the internet.

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          • #6
            handlebars?

            No big deal...but
            need to pay attention to the cables and brake hose length and routing.

            mro

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            • #7
              When I back mine up it makes a groaning sound, it's old like I am, it is the rear brake rubbing on the rotor, no big deal just makes people look and ask how old is that bike!

              Just make sure it is not dragging when going forward.
              1980 Xs1100 MNS Sold for $1800
              2004 Roadstar XV1700
              45 to 50 MPG
              Ask Jesus for Forgiveness before it is too late!

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              • #8
                Seeing as noone really addressed it...

                We dropped my bike 3" by using 11" shocks on the rear and then customizing the fork end caps and sliding the forks up to the handle bars.
                The problems that you're going to have when lowering one of these bikes are:

                U-joint strain-must lower the front, not just the back.

                Loss of travel in the suspension-this can be an issue depending on how heavy you are, if you are riding solo, if not-how heavy SWMBO is. With my fairing, I have about 6" of travel before it hits the fender. I weigh 140# and noone will ever ride with me-I am safe to have the bike this low.

                Kickstand/centerstand height-must be adjusted(cut off and reweld). The bike will stand almost upright and the kickstand won't be as stable as it once was. Your centerstand will be useless until you modify it-well, unless you're Hercules!

                Handling characteristics-Low speed manuverability(these bikes don't do that well with it anyway)is a little nose heavy once you drop the bike. Sort of like a wheel barrow. It's not a big deal, but it will take some getting used to.

                Brake lines up front will have to be rerouted or changed to a shorter length.

                I love the bike the way it is now. When I got it I couldn't touch the ground with both feet at the same time. Now I can put both feet all the way down. This is my first bike, so my adjustment to handling was nonexistent-I learned it this way! I also cut 2" out of my seat and reshaped it.

                Just my 2 cents-YMMV!
                80 XS1100G w/ Windjammer-the Witch
                79 XS1100F

                "Look Ma! No hands!...."

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                • #9
                  I also cut 2" out of my seat and reshaped it.
                  Wish I could do that...my jeans would definitely fit better
                  Ernie
                  79XS1100SF (no longer naked, now a bagger)
                  (Improving with age, the bike that is)

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Lowering

                    Much of what Carolyn said with the addition of... if you lower it.. watch your centerstand clearance on curves and twisties (if you even keep the centerstand on)... I find that in a tight curve at higher speeds... mine tends to scrape...
                    (just call me Sparky )

                    As far as handling goes... with a change in the center of gravity... I find it handles MUCH better now that it's been lowered... no problems with low speed maneuvering at all...
                    81 SH Something Special
                    81 frame, 80 tank and side covers, 79 tail light and carbs, 78 engine, 750 final drive mod, Geezer rec/reg, 140 mains, LH wheels
                    ☺

                    79 SF MEAUQABEAUXS
                    81SH Nor'eas tah (Old Red)
                    80 LG Black Magic
                    78 E Standard Practice


                    James 3:17

                    If I can make at least one person smile, or pee their pants a little, or maybe spit out their drink; then my day is not wasted.

                    “Alis Volat Propriis”

                    Yamaha XS 1100 Classic
                    For those on FB

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by egsols


                      Wish I could do that...my jeans would definitely fit better
                      I'd like to add 2 inches to my................................................ .seat.

                      Maybe then my butt wouldn't get so numb on those long rides!

                      Paul
                      1983 XJ1100 Maxim
                      1979 XS1100 Standard
                      1980 XS1100 Special

                      I'm not a motorcycle mechanic but I play one on the internet.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Originally posted by blue giant


                        I'd like to add 2 inches to my................................................ .seat.

                        Maybe then my butt wouldn't get so numb on those long rides!
                        I need them too as then I might have a butt. Mine seems to have fallen off.
                        http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/1480921818_241eade448_s.jpg

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