lowering the bike

[XS1100 Newbie]

Has anyone here tried making brackets to drop the rear shocks down, instead of buying shorter shocks? Just an idea that i have seen done on a XJ650. It is working well on that bike, and i can't see why it would not work on the 1100. I would like to retain the adjustable part of the original shocks. I do have some Sportster shocks on the way, but i hope i won't have to use them.

[fredintoon]

Has anyone here tried making brackets to drop the rear shocks down, instead of buying shorter shocks? Just an idea that i have seen done on a XJ650. It is working well on that bike, and i can't see why it would not work on the 1100. I would like to retain the adjustable part of the original shocks. I do have some Sportster shocks on the way, but i hope i won't have to use them.

Hi Newbie,
you mean the bracket that moves the bottom of the shock back on the swingarm so it's at a shallower angle?
You can find them in catalogs, or at least you used to.
You sure you want to do this? There are some negatives.
If you are inseam challenged perhaps removing some of the seat padding would work?
If it's strictly for looks, OK; but be aware that the bike will handle less well.

[XS1100 Newbie]

It is an inseam challenge. Only because i need both feet on the ground before i can let my wife on. I can't see any big negatives to moving it back. The little handling difference would likely not bother me the way i ride. I plan on finding a setback for my bars, and lowering the forks the same amount. I cannot give up the comfort of my seat, i love it to much.

[Bulldog9]

I just lowered my 78 XS 750, put 9" shocks on the rear dopped the forks in tieh triple trees to match, looks great, doesnt ride so great, but my wife can flat foot it now. Progressive sells several shock lengths from stock to 10.5" if I remember correctly.

I had to modigy (grind down) the width of the eyes or shock mounts, and bought a universal sock grommet kit from Mikes XS to get the shocks to fit, but it all worked great! So great I am saving for new progressive rear shocks and fork springs for my XS11.

I wouldnt modify the bike/cut/weld, I like to be able to return to original if I choose.

[fredintoon]

I just lowered my 78 XS 750, put 9" shocks on the rear dropped the forks in the triple trees to match, looks great, doesn't ride so great, but my wife can flat foot it now. - - -
I wouldn't modify the bike/cut/weld, I like to be able to return to original if I choose.

Hi Bulldog,
you may have to compromise your no cut'n'weld stance.
If you don't shorten the stands the lowered bike will be way too upright on the sidestand and a right swine to lift onto the centerstand.
The good thing is, the stands bolt off so you can swap in unmodified parts if you decide to return to original.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

I bought an extra side stand on fleabay for 5 bucks, it cost more to ship it than what I bought it for........LOL

[perurider]

I know a guy who lowered an old kz900 and he heated and bent the kickstand to work.

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am not really concerned with what i have to do with the kickstand, but i just have to remember to do something. My concern is that it is lowered, and still retains good rear suspension. 750 shocks are to light, thus the reason for Hardley Sportster shocks. Only two manufacturers of a 130-70-16 tire that i have found, and they both are radial tires. Don't really trust them for weight. Wish i could afford the Progressive shocks. This lowering thing may have to wait until next year. The wife might be unhappy about that, but it's not like i can snap my fingers and its done. I'll keep working on it though.

[Bulldog9]

Hi Bulldog,
you may have to compromise your no cut'n'weld stance.
If you don't shorten the stands the lowered bike will be way too upright on the sidestand and a right swine to lift onto the centerstand.
The good thing is, the stands bolt off so you can swap in unmodified parts if you decide to return to original.

Hey Fred Believe it or not the side stand does still work, but I have to be very very careful. I kept the center stand, and with a partner can still up it up on the stand. For good measure, I bought a side stand on ebay and am having it modified as we type.

[ambidextrous]

i had to chop my sidestand down and re-weld a foot on it

it wouldnt safely sit on the factory stand, so i had to get custom on it

i thought about heating it up and bending it, but i didnt want to go that route

one reason, the metal would be weaker, and the other being that i didnt want it sticking out on the bike

and i like it tucked up under the pipe, factory style

edit: be careful with the ebay stands

i think a lot of those are bolt on, and this is a heavy bike

a bolt on might not be able to hold the weight

but, if its gonna be going in the stock welded mount, that would work fine