Lowering an 1100?

[Dragon Master]

Well, I got a bit closer to getting Linda riding the GS yesterday. I had the bike in her yard, and got her sat on it. She was reluctant, but I wound the rear suspension all the way down, she said that made a difference. I found an old bit of fence post in her garage, about an inch thick and stuck this under the side stand, which meant she could now lift it off the stand.

She was quite surprised to find the weight almost disappeared once she had the bike upright. Wasn't too impressed with the way it shook about when I hit the starter though. A quick explanation about two big lumps of aluminium moving in and out horizontally, as opposed to the four smaller lumps moving vertically in her Honda calmed her down. I next got her putting it on and off the centre stand. Bit of a struggle but she managed it, she just needs to get the technique...

Next step is to get her in to the local Asda or Morrison's car park on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Back to CBT basics on a GS1100.

But I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing. Technically this is her bike, as she paid for it. I have a feeling that once she discovers the delights of GS riding, I might be relegated to my FJ, or worse, her rather 'Girlified' Honda Cb1000F...

 

[MATKAT]

1100 lower easy peasy

OK, I got a problem. Or rather my friend has. Either my GS 1100 or her 5'4" height..
As she loaned me the money to buy the bike, I got her on the insurance. And although I think she'd be OK once she got going on it, with a bit of encouragement, she can't get it off the side stand. So, can they be lowered, and if so, how?

Could I get a lower seat for it, and if so, how comfortable are they? Bearable for a 700 mile day?

Any suggestions welcomed...

Ta,

Dave.

Dead simple just change the shocks!
I did that with mine just buy some 1100R shocks and fit them, it lowers it a load.
You will find the side stand is far better too and you just need to cut a bit of the centre stand so it comes right up under the bike to ensure you have maximum ground clearance. It is a bit of a pull to get it on the stand when it is fully loaded but you only really need the side stand. Just better to leave centre stand in case of punctures, maintainance etc.
I just sold my 1100 with that set up in my opinion it made it into a beautifully balanced and far easier to use bike if you have short legs (my inside leg is only 28.5 inches)
I will be doing exactly the same shortly when I find a mint 1100 or 1150, simple to upgrade by using road equivilant shocks. Yes they are a bit soft but again you can upgrade to stiffer or get Ohlins or Wilbers made to size.
You can buy used shocks off Motoworks etc,

 

[MATKAT]

1100 lower

You need to have a chat with Matron - not sure if she's on here any more.

Marion's 5'0" and rode her 1100 for years - it was SERIOUSLY lowered...

Mike

Matron had the same set up as me with 1100R shocks, she took the centre stand off altogether and I think Lucy has hers the same.