suspension question

[puskrat]

plenty to do before I get to this, but.....
I want to lower my 11. (1980 G, std, dresser) I don't know how much previous owners may have already lowered my ass end. What's the best (or just correct) way to make sure I'm not sacrificing clearance that I don't have?

Thanks again, gang.

[IanDMacDonald]

Only way you're lowering that rear end (not seat height), is to reduce the length of the rear shocks. So, if the rear shocks are stock, then the rear end is stock height. I have some Harley Showa air shocks on my rear end. It reduced the rear end by either a half inch, or 1". I cannot remember. It's significantly noticeable. Clearance would not be my concern as-much as putting stress on the drive-shaft, as discussed before.

[bikerphil]

Stock shock size is 12 5/8" eye to eye.

[BA80]

Any lowering will decrease your lean clearance enough that you'll be scraping pegs and kickstand levers at any higher speeds in turns.

[puskrat]

Thanks gents. AS a result, I'll be doing forward controls and footrests at a higher point. Are shocks measured center to center, and are they fully extended, fully compressed, or "at rest"

[red bandit]

Yes, they are measured from center of the eye to center of the other eye. And as they would be off the bike at rest, fully extended.

[puskrat]

thanks bandit. i wasnt sure what status the shocks would assume at rest. I guessed it would be somewhere between extended and compressed
.

[TopCatGr58]

thanks bandit. i wasnt sure what status the shocks would assume at rest. I guessed it would be somewhere between extended and compressed
.

It's going to depend on the shock's spring tension/strength, as to how far DOWN the frame will SAG/Settle with the bike upright and you on the seat. Quality Shocks have a variety of spring rates that you can get depending on how much weight they will need to handle to have the proper/desired length/height under normal load. YMMV.

T.C.

[puskrat]

It's going to depend on the shock's spring tension/strength, as to how far DOWN the frame will SAG/Settle with the bike upright and you on the seat. Quality Shocks have a variety of spring rates that you can get depending on how much weight they will need to handle to have the proper/desired length/height under normal load. YMMV.

T.C.

Thanks, Cat. I would have much rather heard a simple answer, but I appreciate the truth.

[puskrat]

Redirecting. I've seen a project here with a frame modification in the seat area, one of the longer threads, which lowered the seat relative to the suspension, rather than putting clearance at risk between tires and machine. Is there guidance to be had on that sort of thing, or does one just break out the reciprocating saw and angle grinder and go to town?