Need to lower

[monhollenj]

I'm looking for a cheap but practical way to lower my bike. My inseam is rather short (like 27" or so) and I'm tired of using my tiptoes. We have chopped the springs on the shocks which helped some and I'm considering changing the back tire from a 17" to a 16" but don't want to go through the trouble. Any suggestions?

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am in the same position. The only way to do it for sure is to get some 11 inch shocks from Progressive, or find some Harley 11 inchers to modify. Make sure they are off of the larger bikes. Then you need to lower the front forks down. You will have to shorten your kick stand, and probably forget about using the center stand. It will take the fun out of twisties as well, because your ground clearance is diminished. Also you can get a seat that may be lower, or have yours modified. Good luck.

[cywelchjr]

Your best bet may be to modify the seat to lower the seat height. You can get almost 2 or more inches of seat height just with foam removal and still have a comfy seat with a modified seat done properly.

[BA80]

Unfortunately the XS11 was not designed for the.....shall we say....verically challenged Unfortunatly there really isn't much you can do without losing the ground clearance. As was stated you can get shorter rear shocks, I think Mikes XS has some that will fit that are at 10 1/2" and you can drop the front forks on that standard 1 1/2 - 2".

I suggest that if you do lower you don't run a 4 into 1 exhaust because you'll beat the hell out of the pipes under the engine.

I've got about a 36" inseam and I'm on my toes also.

[monhollenj]

Did you just call me vertically challenged? LOL Thanks for the tips guys. I will definitely look into the new seat or having mine redone and see if that helps.

[fredintoon]

Did you just call me vertically challenged? LOL Thanks for the tips guys. I will definitely look into the new seat or having mine redone and see if that helps.

Hi monhollenj,
no, you just got ducks disease, is all.
In my prime I was 5' 9" but old age has shrunk me to 5' 7" and I can only ride my XS11 because it has a sidecar to keep it from falling over when I stop.
Now sidecars ain't for everyone and if shorter shocks, lifted forks and a scooped out seat are not enough, try elevator boots?

[Flyman32]

Big Boy Bikes

HA! I was once nearly a towering 5'9" myself... 60yrs old and 5'7" last I looked. I lowered my seat with an aftermarket one I bought on Ebay. Haven't messed with the shocks because she handles soooo good now. (Except I need to put TKAT on it) But I DID buy some Sketchers safety toe shoes for work that I ride in and that helps a lot. Not exactly elevators but there's another inch or so on the bottom of them which seems to help. I had a 650 Maxim before which was nice for us little guys. But this bike is a MONSTER! And I can live with a little tiptoe for that.

1981 XS1100H Venturer

[slow mo]

Your best bet may be to modify the seat to lower the seat height. You can get almost 2 or more inches of seat height just with foam removal and still have a comfy seat with a modified seat done properly.

got agree 100% with cy i had the foam removed and a gel implant put in ! lost 2 inches in seat height! it makes a big difference and no mods to the kick stand.. ride safe !,,slow mo!

[DirtyNasty]

Height adjustment

I've never needed the height adjusted for reach (6'2"), but I do like to sit lower and relax. If you do have the seat shaved down think about having the foam replaced with high density foam...sort of a memory foam without the imprints left behind. You can seriously leave only 1 1/2 to 2" of foam and still be very comfortable. I did that with my XJ750 and love it!

[ManagerMike]

While I'm not "inseam challenged", I also had my seat redone by an uhpolsterer friend of mine for comfort and styling reasons (it was also badly aged), lost two inches of seat height with padding to spare.

[jetmechmarty]

I need my bike raised. Suggestions? My inseam is 36".

[ManagerMike]

I need my bike raised. Suggestions? My inseam is 36".

Highway pegs?