need my bike to sit down an inch or two

[Terry Jackson]

any suggestions on some rear shocks and where to get them.

79 xs1100sf

[tinman905]

Shorter shocks in the rear then loosen off the bolt on the triple tree and slide your fork tubes up.The top of your fork tubes will hit your handle bars but you can get close to one inch lower before they do. If you need to go lower you will need a set of handle bar set backs to avoid hitting your handle bars.

[Terry Jackson]

Shorter shocks in the rear then loosen off the bolt on the triple tree and slide your fork tubes up.The top of your fork tubes will hit your handle bars but you can get close to one inch lower before they do. If you need to go lower you will need a set of handle bar set backs to avoid hitting your handle bars.

thanks can you point me in the direction of some good shocks brand wise?

[bikerphil]

Progressive brand shocks are the ticket, but will set you back at least $250. MikesXS has decent 11.5" eye to eye P/N 06-3608 for $79. I've used these shocks (the 12.75" version)and they're good, but the springs were too soft for me, so I adapted my factory springs to fit them.

http://www.mikesxs.net/products-18.html#products

[XS1100 Newbie]

I have the same problem. I have been watching ebay for some Harley Sportster shocks in 11 inch. Can't use the Nightster shocks, unless you don't want to ride two up. I'll get the right buy, one of these days.

[Ken Talbot]

When you come down that inch or two, you'll also have to shorten your sidestand.

When I lowered SWMBO's 'H, we had to remove the centrestand because it rubbed all the time.

Now I just the centrestand for servicing. Getting it up on a centrestand is a bit of a chore, including rolling the bike backwards up a small ramp behind the rear wheel and putting a block below the now too high sidestand.

[crazy steve]

I have the same problem. I have been watching ebay for some Harley Sportster shocks in 11 inch. Can't use the Nightster shocks, unless you don't want to ride two up. I'll get the right buy, one of these days.

Look for some off a Dyna instead; better match weight-wise...

Also be aware that OEM HD shocks won't fit as-is. The bolt hole is too small and has to be enlarged to 14mm from 1/2". The shock eye is also wider. A HD model of Progressive shocks will fit, but you'll need to shim the 5/8" hole down to 14mm. Eye width is OK....

[rgoot01]

Like Steve points out, the Dyna shocks for lowering the rear is about your best bet. Work great for lowering and allowing two-up riding.

In regards to lowering the front you could always do as stated and slide your fork tubes up or you could do lowering blocks and shorter springs. I personally like a lower stance on my bikes and the cleanest way for me to lower the forks is with blocks and shorter springs.

I have been doing this for years on everything from CB's,KZ's,GS's and now XS's and its always worked great. It is an alternative to shelling the dough for custom tubes and if you rebuild the forks with progressives and be sure to take into account pre-load the forks will handle as good if not better than the stockers.