how to lower the rear end on 82 Maxim

hi, I'm new to the xj forum. This is my 2nd Maxim and I need a little advice. How is the easiest way to lower the rear end without cutting/welding/aftermarket parts etc. Any help would be appreciated..

 

So you want to lower it with out hacking it up or buying parts?

I'm confused...

 

He's got a real good point, ya' know :roll: ...

skillet

 

The only ways to lower the rear of the bike is to get shorter shocks installed. Or you can do as I did on my '82 750 Seca, which has an 18" rear wheel. I changed the rear wheel to one off of a 750 Maxim, which is a 16" wheel. That helped lower the rear of the bike even more.
You can cut 1"off the shock springs if you want to go that route (but that's cutting!) or make a pair of brackets to move the bottom of the shocks back a few inches, which also works. All of these ideas work (been there - done that) so it's up to you how far you want to go.
Of course it will make the footpegs scrape easier going around corners, but it's not a big deal if your careful. I don't have a problem with them as I'm used to how far I can lean over now.
There's also those who claim you have to lower the front if you lower the back because it will handle differently, but I have never had a problem with how mine handles with the rear end lowers a full 2"+ from the stock settting.

 

You can lower the rear by about an inch by putting 85 and up virago shock on. If you put the preload to its softest position, you'll gain a little more lowering simply by sitting on the bike. If you need to go way down, you'll have to go w/ aftermarket short shocks. Or, buy a smaller bike.

Dave

 

Lowering the rear increases the straight line stability- - lowering the front increases the "flickability".

Welcome to the site Danny, did you look at your rear brake shoes?

 

Without any cutting or new parts you're only option would be to gain about a 150lbs+. Start eating at McD for breakfast, lunch, dinner and some snack time. Alcohol works as well!

 

I don't want to contemplate how alcohol could lower my bike.

Dave

 

Beer belly?

 

"Beer belly?"

Got one of those!