How far can you lower...

Okay I've looked and cant find what I am looking for...

How far can you lower the back end (by way of changing shocks) of an 81 xj650 without messing up the drive shaft/swing arm/transmission union?

Thanks

 

I wouldn't go lower than 10 inch shocks. This has been done several times without problems.

 

can anyone recommend a shock that will bolt straight on, which is around 10 to 11". I think standard is 12.5 or 13.5".

Looking for something really affordable also

cheers

 

Stock shocks from a Suzuki Savage 650 are 10.5" and will pretty much bolt right on. I used them on mine (pics in my build thread) & just had to add a little thicker bushing on the lower right side. I was able to score a pretty good used set for $40 bucks by signing up for the suzuki savage forum and posting a "wanted" ad.

DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind these shocks were on a bike that was significantly lighter from the factory so the spring rate is different. I weigh about 270 and haven't bottomed them out but definitely something to keep in mind.

 

Thanks Orange-n-black

Has anyone ever tried to go lower? What happened?

 

One of the bobber guys did a 6" drop (I believe it was a hardtail build though), and reported no problems. Any further than this. You would deffinately be looking at getting into u-joint binding.

Ghost

 

You can also use Sportster shocks(10 inches), but you'll have to find some rubber bushings to make them fit.
A few have used the Suzuki shocks with good results, really depends on how much you weigh and if you will have a passenger on a regular basis. So if you like BIG BUTTS, You'll probably need to keep the original shocks if they are good to begin with. :lol:

 

Im looking to go lower with my xj750. Same deal. Although I weigh 150 pounds. Will that be an issue if I go with a shock like the ones off a savage? If not what would you guys recommend that won't require a ton of customization? I hear harley shocks are a real pain to make work. Im looking to lower the rear and want a seat alot lower than yhe original big seat. I think lowering the rear will help. Thanks

 

you will be fine. I have a set of shocks I bought off Ebay that look brand new I could sell ya cheap. Mounted them on mine and took off because im in the process of hard tailing. If you want to see how it looked search my name or look up "another xj650 bobber build" in xj modifications section

 

I saw it. Looks good man, I might be interested. I want to do my bike similar. Does it make a difference that mine is an 82 xj750? I know they are very similar

 

And also @staySPOOLIN how comfortable is that seat? I want to go small like that. Maybe with a little more cushion or a gel pad for comfort on longer rides. Thinking of making my own seat. A little wider in the front

 

@Shanesajda I don't think you will run into any issues. Pretty sure it's basically all the same (from looking at my friends xj750). The seat isn't to bad. Im pretty big (6' 2" @240lbs) so I just feel goofy sitting on the bike anyway. But I think its nice. The big thing to be with going with a seat like, is that it looks goofy because of the piping that come from the gas tank back. Kind of really the whole reason I chopped mine all up as you can see in my pictures.

 

Yea I hear ya. How much do you want for those shocks? And how tall did you say they were? @staySPOOLIN

 

@Shanesajda they are 10.5" and hmm I don't know $30 shipped sound fair?

 

Yea that sounds good

 

well whenever you want send 30 to my paypal @ victorwms@Comcast.net make sure to include your address. As soon as I see it I will send out the shocks. I can pick them up tonight from my garage since ill be stopping by there to mess with the frame a little bit and can ship them out tomorrow =]

 

Awesome thanks man, I should be able to do that tonight