Cutting rear shocks

There seems to have been a bit of confusion about cutting down the rear shocks. I assume you cut an inch of material off the spring, not an inch out of the travel of the spring. Does anyone have pictures of the process?

 

Go on ebay and buy a set of 10.5 inch honda rebel shocks much easier safer and better looking. You can buy them for about 70 bucks.

 

New shocks is a better idea, if you cut the springs you run the risk of bottoming out the shocks. I have cut springs and have ended up getting new shocks . Shocks are built with a designed travel, usually only 3 inches or less. Shortning springs will shorten the shock travel, do you really want 1 to 2 inches to rear suspension movement?

 

Fair enough. Those were my initial thoughts but a bunch of people on here seem to recommend it. Thanks!

 

And no Honda Rebel shocks either.

You really want to lower a 550 Maxim even more?

According to the factory book, you've got 3.94" of travel right now, and your bike came with 12.5" shocks. Losing 2" would cost you too much travel.

You could easily go with 12" shocks, 11.5" would be about the limit. Anything shorter will not only adversely affect the bike's handling, your tire and fender will get a bit too friendly I suspect.

 

I'm a pretty tiny guy (5'9", 150lbs) and I can't sit on my bike and touch the ground flat foot...

 

I have a 82 XJ 750 I am 5'6" and I can get one foot flat on the ground so I lean slightly that direction at a stop, I would like to shorten the ride height too. I have not rebuilt the front end yet but new springs are in the plans when I tackle that project, will that raise the ride height enough to be concerned. I think I remember somewhere on here somebody said Virago shocks would do the trick to lower it some

 

I'm 6'5" and I've added ride height to my 550 Seca; I can't touch with both feet completely flat either but it's not really necessary as long as one side or the other can have the BALL of the foot firmly planted.

You can always lower the nose slightly buy raising the forks up in the triple trees a little bit.

 

Thanks fitz I will remember that when I start the front end rebuild. Being 5' 6" I have always had to lean to one side, except for the Panhead which was very low