Lowering the Bike by fitting a new shock

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DeadRed

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Has anyone any experience of lowering the ride height of the bike by fitting an aftermarket shock, we have a local speacialist that says he can do it, but would be concerned about the handling aspects. Any info greatly appreciated.
signed
Shortarse :nenau
:beer:
 
How Short? I'm under 5'5" and have used both the optional BM and Wunderlich low seat and have no problems. I have no experience of lowered suspension, but would suspect the handling and general feel of the bike would not be changed for the better.... anyway, you FEEL much taller while sitting up there riding the thing!!!! :D
 
I'm fine i can get away with it (28 inside leg) using my 18 stone but the wife who has a 30inside leg finds the bike a bit high, she's passed her test and i'm trying to palm her off with the GS and get an adventure for Me! (don't mind ass slipping!). Trying to install some confidence by letting her get her feey on the Ground - and before you say it, I love my wife thats why I'm interestd in the handling (besides who'd look after the kids if anything happened to her........oh yes, i would as usual) - Apparently Hagon do a shock which will bolt straight in and will reduce ride height by 30-50mm which is quite a lot.
 
What do you intend to do about lowering the front of the bike? I have to say that what you're proposing sounds pretty awful to me. Lowering bikes always buggers up the suspension/steering geometry one way or another.

Your lady wife has the same inside leg measurement and me. I'm using the BMW low seat with the rear preload cranked up near maximum. Doing that enables the bike to be turned faster and also, paradoxically, makes it more stable in a straight line. If you only lower the rear of the bike, I suspect that it'll make the bike steer very slowly and be less stable in a straight line.
 
DeadRed said:
Has anyone any experience of lowering the ride height of the bike by fitting an aftermarket shock, we have a local speacialist that says he can do it, but would be concerned about the handling aspects. Any info greatly appreciated.
signed
Shortarse :nenau
:beer:
Click to expand...

I'm sure previous posts are correct about negative effects on handling, but for what it's worth and I believe the following can be done sucessfully, see diagram.

What could be done is the bottom mounting holes were redrilled as close to the body of the shock as posssible. I think a 10mm drop in height here would give a greater drop on height of the bike. If I'm wrong, have explained myself badly or if this wont work on a 1200GS then please disregard the idea. Just a thought. :)
 

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It's not just a case of changing or altering the rear shock, to do that alone would have a significant effect on the geometry of the bike and consequently the handling.

Ohlins produce a pair of shocks specifically to lower the overall ride height of the bike (8mm reduction in stoke front and rear compared to standard).

Given your location I'd recommend contacting Clarence Bell the Ohlins distributor for Ireland and a real suspension wizard on 028 4278 8854.

Good luck with the "project" :thumb
 
Daithi said:
I'm sure previous posts are correct about negative effects on handling, but for what it's worth and I believe the following can be done sucessfully, see diagram.

What could be done is the bottom mounting holes were redrilled as close to the body of the shock as posssible. I think a 10mm drop in height here would give a greater drop on height of the bike. If I'm wrong, have explained myself badly or if this wont work on a 1200GS then please disregard the idea. Just a thought. :)
Click to expand...

An alteration in shock "length" will alter "height" by a factor of 3 or 4 times as a rule of thumb.

Redrilling could possibly have a significant effect on the strength of the monting point and clearence of th linkage.
 
I lowered my 06 1200GS 2" with a set of Wilbers. Also have the Ergo low seat from Wunderlich. My inseam is 29". To flat foot the bike I had 1.5" deep soles added to my boots by a shoe repair shop and changed the shifter lever to the Wunderlich Extended lever to allow the thicker boot to get under it. I also had the side stand & centerstand cut by a fabricator to allow for correct clearance. The bike handles superbly! The seat is great, even on long, all day rides.
 
Thunder said:
An alteration in shock "length" will alter "height" by a factor of 3 or 4 times as a rule of thumb.

Redrilling could possibly have a significant effect on the strength of the monting point and clearence of th linkage.
Click to expand...

The profile of the two rectangular sections that mount the bottom of the shock
at the linkage are uniform, I can't see how it could be weaker, and the clearance
would be sorted by milling/cutting off the waste/excess.
I'm 6'2" so it's not a problem for me, but I thought it might help some one who
might not want to go out and buy a new shock. ;)
 
I've lowered my GS by putting on a shorter upper paralever arm and the low seat.
I'm 5.5" and can just about flatfoot completely now.
Total cost: 160 euro.
No change in the handling of the bike.
 
I have the Ohlins lower shocks Front/rear on my 12 and no problems with it's handling at all. They dropped the height by 24mm, Wilbers do some as well but they did not when i got my Ohlins. Oh! yes i have the low seat also.
If you are around North Wales pop in for a test ride.
Lyn.
 
fitted a hagon shock to my short arse mates 12gs-cost about 400 quid with remote preload which needs DIY bracket to mount-bike now looks like an easy rider choppet-squat at the back-high at the front. Me mate now rides with his boots resting on the boxer cyliders for full chop effect. :moped:

ps pretty easy to fit
 
whitegloss said:
fitted a hagon shock to my short arse mates 12gs-cost about 400 quid with remote preload which needs DIY bracket to mount-bike now looks like an easy rider choppet-squat at the back-high at the front. Me mate now rides with his boots resting on the boxer cyliders for full chop effect. :moped:

ps pretty easy to fit
Click to expand...

:eek: :eek: :eek:
 
sorry did i say for full chop effect, i meant to say for full 'knob' effect :D

ps try resting your boots on the cylinder heads its a very comfy way to stretch your legs on a long haul :thumb
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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