Lowering...

So, everyone wants to lower their XJ, me included. Some quick questions...


Here are my goals:

I have an '83 750 Maxim. I'd like to lower it a couple of inches in the rear (as low as possible, but still keep my stock fender setup where it is). I understand there are basically three common options: Hardtail, sportster shocks, and cutting your springs. I'm weighing the three options.

Hardtail is out... my seat is made out of an old skateboard. That's rough enough... I ride this bike a couple hundred miles at a time sometimes, and that wouldn't be too appealing.

Sportster shocks -- ...have me interested because everyone on here that has used them seems to love them. What length should I look for though? I assume the short 10.5" ones are going to be too short, right? Also, a quick e-Bay search came up with most of them for around 100 bucks... totally more than I'm willing/able to spend. I'm sure if I knew what size I could find some used ones locally for cheaper though.

Cutting the springs -- ...will this affect the ride or cause my bike to bottom out? Are there shock compressors available that will fit the springs on a motorcycle, or am I stuck fabricating something?



Also, my partner has an '82 550 Seca. The seat is cut down to about 1/2" of padding on the seat pan, and she still has a hard time touching the ground on it -- I'd like to lower it as much as possible as well. She doesn't ride too far though, so hardtail is totally an option -- are bolt-on struts to replace the shocks a decent option?

 

I lowered my shocks by cutting the springs and never bottom out. It rides smoother too.(I weigh 140) I have an '82 750 Seca that's been customized with parts from alot of other bikes. I lowered the rear but not the front, and it handles very well. I also made a new seat with springs (mostly for looks) I can put my feet flat on the ground now with my legs bent. It's so much nicer this way compared to stock. This bike rocks now!!

 

Suzuki Savage shocks are 10.5 eye to eye.

 

I put sportster shocks on my 650, they're 10.5 eyes to eye. I've been out looking for pot holes lately and I can't get it to bottom out (and I'm 220 lbs), they are just as soft as my old shocks and give a much better ride. As for price, if you keep looking, you'll find some cheap, I got mine for $30 on ebay

 

Shouldn't be too hard to find em for cheap (the harley shocks) for you AND your partner's bikes.. Go into a harley dealer and mention that you're looking for some take offs. Who knows, maybe the guy behind you is upgrading his suspension!

Or e-bay of course... $100 is insane for something that the PO would just toss in the trash.

Otherwise you can buy a spring compressor for motorcycles... I wish I had the link now, I seem to have lost it, but they are pretty cheap too.

Long and short, go to the harley dealer and ask... if they don't have em or don't know of anyone who just swapped theirs out then stop by your local PA (canada) or wherever you guys in the US get your generic tools and pick up a spring compressor for $10.

If you don't like the cut springs then hit up e-bay for your lucky $20 plus shipping deal.

 

BTW I'm one of the people that have dont the harley swap... and for the money it was a sweet swap... but you will have to change out the bushings.

For that you'll need either a press OR 2 different sized sockets and a vice... and I used some lube for good measure.

OH, and I also needed (well... not sure that i absolutely needed to) to grind down one end of the shocks at the eye to get them to line up correctly... just hit it on the side of my bench grinder for a couple of seconds each side. I believe the clutch side lower was the problem.

The bushings in my old shocks were shot anyway so it might be a good idea to change em out regardless.

 

Ace & Ease-

I've been searching Fleabay for sportster shocks and my question is, did you use actual HD OEM 10.5" sportster shocks or aftermarket shocks?

PainterD-

I just picked up a spare set of OEM shocks for my X for the sole purpose of cutting the springs like you did. Just wondering if you (or anyone else) know what the limit is in terms of how much I can cut the springs w/o bottoming/damaging the shock. I was looking to achieve an overall drop of 2". I weigh 140 also.

 

My local Harley shop had used shocks for $50 a set in all different lengths.
I got a set for my XS1100 there once and they work great.

 

I bought a set of OEM take offs, thats how you get them cheap, new aftermarket harley shocks will cost you an arm and a leg

 

Thanks for the advice -- I'll probably call cycle recycle tomorrow and see if they've got a used set off a Savage. They're right down the street from me, so that'd be a good deal if they do. If not, I'll start bugging some of the harley dealers in town.

 

Yup. I just popped a pair if Savage shocks on my "rolling chassis" and the only mod requires is a sleeve to go in the bottom brake-side bushing. Probably the one from the original shock will work but I didn't get around to checking...

They're nice though. Look good. And they seem to be quite a bit stiffer than the Maxim shocks, which surprised me.

 

Hey John, were those Savage shocks 10.5" on ctr? How many inches did they lower the bike? Pics would be great is you have any. Thanks!

 

Hi, Aldo.

I'd have to check to make sure, but 10.5" sounds about right. They dropped the back end just about 2".

I can snap a pic if you want, but it's kinda hard to see the difference as the bike's just a frame with wheels right now. Also, this is a '83 750, not my X. I was toying with the idea of making some mods on the X but I'm gonna start with this bike and see how confident I am before I go messing with my Baby. ;-)

 

Hey redneck, do you ride the southside at all? Down 31, and madison?

 

If you need new bushings, go to your local auto parts store and get a 'sway bar link kit' for a late 90's chev cavalier - about $5-$10, it'll give you four urethane bushings which can be easily trimer and pressed into the eye of your new shocks. Easy and cheap, what more can you ask for??

 

Just a note on your partner touching the ground had a mate who was vertically challenged and combined with removing the foam from the seat he put build ups on the bottom of his boots.
Lucky man,wish my partner rode.

 

<-- Sees a request for a part and instinctively fires up computer, plugs in provided information, and waits for a return...

Moog Chassis Part Number K6600:



Fits:

• Chevrolet Blazer 04-95
• Cavalier 04-95
• Malibu 04-97
• S10 Pickup 04-95
• GMC Jimmy 01-95
• SONOMA 04-95
• Oldsmobile Alero 04-99
• Bravada 01-96
• Cutlass 99-97
• Cutlass Supreme 97
• Plymouth Neon 99
• Pontiac Grand Am 05-99
• Sunfire 04-95

(Yah, it's a sickness. But, I'm taking pills for it and the doc says I'll get better with time. :lol: )

 

thats it Gamaru, If You go earlier in the Cavaliers, say 90-94 you get the K5252, same part basically(the bolt is longer) and its cheaper. My mistake in the first post

 

maximuschop: I'm on the south side quite a bit. I live/work on the East side, but I'm out that way pretty often -- good to see other Indianapolis people on here!

 

We'll have to meet up somewhere this summer and go for a cruise! I should have my bike back on the road in a few weeks, (waiting on carbs).
You ever go to the shell on 31 and frye road?