How to lower your GS?

[Kev]

Hi guys. What is the correct way to lower a Suzuki GS a few inches? Mine is an '83 1100GL. Right now it's just an idea but I may consider it if it isn't too risky and/or expensive.

[tkent02]

High heeled boots?

[Kev]

Thanks man! Glad I consulted the experts! ;-)

[hampshirehog]

Well Tom's suggestion will be the easiest......

You could buy some shorter rear shocks but you won't be able to knock inches off. And you could put in some shorter forks, or let them come through the triples a bit. Again, it won't get you inches. Or you could shave some height off your seat.

[Agemax]

agreed, shave a few inches off your seat is the cheapest option if you are just looking for flat feet at the traffic lights

[Billy Ricks]

Well Tom's suggestion will be the easiest......

You could buy some shorter rear shocks but you won't be able to knock inches off. And you could put in some shorter forks, or let them come through the triples a bit. Again, it won't get you inches. Or you could shave some height off your seat.

All of the above to get anywhere near 3 inches.

[GateKeeper]

lower air pressure in the tires.....LOL

[Baatfam]

...if you are just looking for flat feet at the traffic lights

Why do you want to lower it?

If is just so you can flat foot it, don't bother...flatfooting when stopped is really over rated.

[Agemax]

Why do you want to lower it?

If is just so you can flat foot it, don't bother...flatfooting when stopped is really over rated.

because if you cant reach the ground when you come to a stop you look an idiot when you drop the bike! some people feel safe when they can get both feet on the ground........... DOH!
he has not actually mentioned WHY he wants to lower it, mine was just a suggestion

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Shave the seat down, move the forks up in the triple tree clamps, get shorter shocks. Don't mess with the bike's geometry too much or you could make it handle funny. For more info see: Lowering Your Bike.



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[drivera84]

Hi,

I have not done this pesonally but if you serch the rebuilds, mainly cafe racers you will find lots of info on this topic.

You can change the rear shocks to loose a couple of inches. In the front there are alot of options. You can lower the triple trees and add some clipon bars. You will also see complete front end swaps with gsxs.

do some research on here, there is lots of information.

[Steve]

All of these suggestions will work, but with varying degrees of success.

Yes, it would help a LOT to know just why you want to lower the bike.

Just remember that every bit you lower it will also reduce the amount that it will be able to lean in a corner, basically turning it into a straight-line bike.

.

[Scudder]

Lowered my gs750 cafe. 11 inch shocks in the back. Pushed the forks through the triple tree, and put clip-ons on what came through. Had to trim the bump seat because of lowering it in the back. If you go too low with shocks or links you run into some potentially dangerous problems. Tore up a back tire on the express way because of rubbing. I was lucky to get out of that one unscathed Lowering is something you have to keep an eye on, but it is a nice feel to be lower to the ground on a customized bike weather it's a cafe, bobber or whatever.

Scudder

[Baatfam]

because if you cant reach the ground when you come to a stop you look an idiot when you drop the bike! some people feel safe when they can get both feet on the ground........... DOH!
he has not actually mentioned WHY he wants to lower it, mine was just a suggestion

Agreed...but you said flat footed...that's different than just reaching the ground...
As long as you can get your toes down...that's all ya need...

And that's all I was tryin' to say...

[tkent02]

Why stop?