rear springs

looking to lower the rear but keep the springs im gonna add seat springs so whats the best way to lower the rear?

 

Number of ways. Cut the stock shocks or purchase shorter ones. Sportster, Suzuki Savage, maybe Honda Rebel will work. Make real sure when buying used they aren't wore out. Also progressives if you've got the $$$. As with everything (some things more than others) opinions ...

skillet

 

how do you pull the old ones apart to cut them down

 

Search the forum for "shortening springs" there are I think one or two threads with pretty detail descriptions on how to shorten the springs.

If you are looking to buy them look on ebay. I literally picked up a pair of good shape used Honda Rebel 250 shocks (10.5'' eye to eye) for $35 for the pair.

Shocks I've heard that fit include:

Honda Rebel 250
Suzuki Savage
and Burly Slammer shocks all are 10.5'' eye to eye and will give you a two inch drop.

I've also heard of others using aftermarket or homemade struts of varying lengths and bolting them where the shocks are...this will give you the "hardtail feel" while not having to alter the frame and having an option to put your shocks back on.

Hope this helps.

 

I just made a spring compressor out of steel plates, all thread and some nuts and washers:


Compress the spring, remove the "keys" at the top, dissassemble and cut the spring. I think I cut 1.5" off of mine.

Obviously, you need to be careful as one of these springs blowing off could damage you or your garage!

Also, just my opinion, but a sprung seat on a bike with shocks is kind of pointless and looks strange.

 

yeah the spung seat would look kinda silly. Any body got a suggestion on what kind of tubing to use if i just took out the springs n left every thing stock n bolted them on where the springs go?