ISO Fresh Ideas on Seat Mod

[SKYxs]

Has anybody had clearance issues after installing 11" rear shocks? I decided to put on the Progressive 412-4022B 11" shocks to drop the rear end. My plan was to cut the frame and welding on a rear hoop, making it into a solo seat bike. However, with the new 11" shocks and 2" of travel, I do not have clearance to install the seat I had in mind (I was thinking something like the front half of the stock seat pan, with much shaved off the sides and some of the top)

One way I was thinking was to cut the stock frame right behind the shock mounts, and creating a custom frame hoop that angles up at least 2" above where the wheel sits with the new shocks on.

Does anyone have any ideas of a way to install a rear hoop and seat with this super limited clearance?

I appreciate any and all help. I'm fresh out of ideas.

[DiverRay]

As you have made the mistake of putting in 11" shocks, you have two choices. Replace the shocks with a 12", or go old school and put springs on the seat to keep it above the wheel.

[SKYxs]

Thanks Ray, I hadn't quite thought of that... But that gives me an idea... Maybe making a brat style seat on springs. Might look a little funny, or it might look cool.

[DiverRay]

The other thing you will need to think about is the angle at full compression of the drive shaft. There is one "U"-joint behind the rubber bellows, and if the angle is too great, it will fail. I would do a little measuring on the swingarm at about full compression and ask a driveline shop about the angle. I'm not sure what the "maximum" angle is, but they should be able to tell you what is safe.

[SKYxs]

Very good advice. Will follow up with that once I have the bike back together again.

[red bandit]

I lowered mine an inch many years ago and have not had any problem.

[SKYxs]

Thanks for the reply Red Bandit; I think the extra half inch lowering is what got me... Oh well. Live and learn.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Hello Sky. I mounted a solo seat on my military theme xs1100... Pictured is the mounting bracket that I made out of steel flat bar with slots that mounts to the the top shock bolts that go through the frame. the slots allow you to adjust the seat height, up or down as needed. However my shocks and fender are stock but if you only need 1/2 inch, something like this might work for you. Good luck with your project.

[SKYxs]

Hey Ranger, sweet simple and effective seat modification. I like it! I want to see the rest of this bike. Sounds neat to have a military themed XS

[Ranger_xs1100]

Hey Ranger, sweet simple and effective seat modification. I like it! I want to see the rest of this bike. Sounds neat to have a military themed XS

Sure SKY, You can see a photo of it here: https://projectxs11.wordpress.com/bike-photos/

[SKYxs]

Those are some awesome bikes! Great job! Love that Army themed bike with the ammo cans as bags. Fantastic!

[motoman]

The other thing you will need to think about is the angle at full compression of the drive shaft. There is one "U"-joint behind the rubber bellows, and if the angle is too great, it will fail. I would do a little measuring on the swingarm at about full compression and ask a driveline shop about the angle. I'm not sure what the "maximum" angle is, but they should be able to tell you what is safe.

Diver Ray, that ideal working angle of a u-joint is 3-7degrees.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Those are some awesome bikes! Great job! Love that Army themed bike with the ammo cans as bags. Fantastic!

Thanks SKY!