Lowering

[Phoenix Rider]

Can I lower my 1980 XS1100 Special with rear Virago shocks? If so will they fit right on or are there modifications to be done?

Thanks,
Wayne

[lee_dutcher]

they should fit right on...drop the rear about an inch

[XS1100 Newbie]

Are virago shocks shorter????

[Phoenix Rider]

Thanks, but...

Just one more question about the Virago shocks. Are they a common shock for all the Virago C.C sizes? (eg. 535, 700, 1000)

Thanks,
Wayne

[lee_dutcher]

The shocks are regular xs11 standard shocks, 12.5 inch I think. your wanting a virago 1100 set, I believe they are 11.5... the smaller the cc i believe the shocks will go down when it comes to the load capacity. so for instance if u put the 700cc shocks on the 1100 version of the virago it might be bottoming out the shocks not leaving u much room for lets say impact....lol

[Phoenix Rider]

Big Thanks

Thanks for all the input gents.

Wayne

[Eveready1100]

Yes, mate. A set of XV1100 virago shocks will fit straight on to the back of your XS. The weight difference of the bikes is offset by the lesser angle of the shocks on the XS which evens it out well. Can vouch for this as I've run them on my SF for quite a while now. They lower the back by just under an inch.
I wouldn't recommend a set off anything smaller as it will be seriously undersprung and handling would be seriously compromised

[Phoenix Rider]

Yes, mate. They lower the back by just under an inch.

Thanks Eveready,
When you dropped the back did you have to compensate by dropping the front too?

Wayne

[Eveready1100]

No Wayne, I left the front as is so I didn't have to mod the sidestand. Just dropping the rear was enough to make the bike much more user friendly for the vertically challenged like myself.

[Phoenix Rider]

I Hear Ya'

Like me too. I got my seat redone with lower foam and I'm still tiptoes. I'm ok for stopping, but manouvering...faggadaboutit!!!

Thanks again,
Wayne

[Eveready1100]

You'll be surprised how much of a difference just the shock change combined with your seat, will make to everyday riding, maneouvering etc.
Dropping the front will only bring your arms a bit lower, while drastically changing the cornering clearance of the motors vital bits, which is BAD, so I definitely wouldn't recommend going that way.
From personal experience, I wouldn't want to go any shorter than the XV shocks due to the fact that I love twisties, and the bike has still quite adequate clearance to be very enjoyable on my favourite roads.

[Phoenix Rider]

A Lowering We Will Go

Thanks for the advice Eveready. Just picked up a really nice pair of XV1100 Virago shocks from Ebay. Can't wait to slap 'em on and say goodbye to the snow. Come on Spring!!!

Thanks again,
Wayne