Best Way to Lower?

[AWTurboSP]

Does anyone know the best way to lower a VT1100? I have an 87 VT1100C and I want to lower it. My mechanic says that he can move the lower shock mounts back, but I don't know how safe that sounds. The only thing that I've found online are other shocks, but I like the looks of the originals better. Any Advice?

[YO MUDA]

Cant you replace the shocks with struts, or a lowering kit?

[AWTurboSP]

I've only found one lowering kit and I think that it moves the lower mounts. That changes the angle of the shock and I was hoping to hear from someone whether or not that works and is safe. I may just have to get the shorter shocks. Not my first choice though.

On another note... Those pipes are sweet. I wanted that style but my right side cover is molded to the exhaust so i can't do too much with it.

[dakota99rt]

the lowering kit moves the lower shock mount back about an inch. people have been doing that since the 60's to lower the rear end with no problems. If I remember right it lowers the rear one inch and you keep your stock shocks. You can also use struts to really slam the rear end and it looks GREAT, but it will really stiffen the ride. Im not sure if you can use the lowering kit with stiffer, shorter shocks to lower it more then one inch with no rubbing or not might want to contact bilski (if I remember right hes the one who makes the lowering kit for 1100's) and ask.

[AWTurboSP]

I've found some sweet struts. I figure that it's going to be really rough but will be worth it around town.

[Montana64]

9 1/2" center to center. Slam it to the ground. I guess it depends on where you are riding, but you can drop a bundle in the seat and you'll never know . I am lucky enough to be a hard-ass anyhow.:jamming:

[midgetwithbigknife]

a couple questions about lowering, i'm thinking about the 9 1/2 inch struts... does this affect the kickstand at all? and if you lower the rear do you need to lower the front or does it affect handling at all?

[mcvierh]

SpiritRydr posted this site that can cut your shocks to the length you want , I believe the enclosed are like 70-80 bucks. The rest of that site is way to fucking pricy except the shoch cut. http://knowbodiescycles.com/index.htm

[firefighter212]

I think that was skeleton something that did the shocks.I`ll look.http://www.skullenterprises.com/shocks.html
(http://www.skullenterprises.com/shocks.html)

[mcvierh]

ignore my previous post it's worthless......what FF just said though.

[Descending Spirit]

skulljam or sumthin? lol

[Montana64]

Wanna cet reeeeeeaaaal low??? Check this shit... I love it when a plan changes up mid-stream.... Now I don't want you boys tryin' this at home. Itsa a noob thang...
:big gun:


"a couple questions about lowering, i'm thinking about the 9 1/2 inch struts... does this affect the kickstand at all? and if you lower the rear do you need to lower the front or does it affect handling at all?"

Yes you will have to mod your kick stand. The handling is a major change. Go dragbars, this thing was cornering great, but for some reason I have a hard time keeping the ass end to the ground. It's as if it keeps getting lighter.... L M F A O

[dakota99rt]

are you gonna weld the swingarm in place or build a new one? and where are you planing on locating the battery?

[Montana64]

you'll see

[mcvierh]

Awwww, come on Noob, solve the mystery for us "Right Now", we don't have time for the finished product, we're the impatient bastards.

[Montana64]

I'm sure you all know, if I could show it off, I would...