Any way to lower my 1980 gs850?

[boltact270]

Hey guys,
I'm a short guy with a nice tall 1980 gs850L. I can barely touch the ground. Is there any way to lower the front end? It has a brand new seat cover and I hate to shave the seat foam. Thanks for any help!

[SqDancerLynn1]

You can drop the forks about 1/2" in the triple trees. IN the rear shorter shocks can be used. What size tire do you have on the front ? I'm on tip toes with my 850 Never been a problem.

[terrylee]

You can also shorten fork springs, should be a tutorial on it on basscliff site I believe. terrylee

[boltact270]

It's a 17" on the back and a 19 on the front. Thanks for the info. An inch or two would go a mile I think.

[Steve]

It's a 17" on the back and a 19 on the front. Thanks for the info. An inch or two would go a mile I think.

Not sure if it's any shorter, but newer 850Ls came with a 16" rear wheel.

Yeah, you say "but it's a smaller wheel". Of course it is, but it also has a slightly larger tire that might make up the difference.

Slide the fork up to the handlebars and put 12" shocks on the back. Other than that, get some thick-soled boots.

.

[jbs80106]

these might help?

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CGAQ8gIwAw#

[boltact270]

these might help?

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CGAQ8gIwAw#

Very Nice!!!!!!!!!!! Wonder if they come in yellow with goldfish in the soles?

[tkent02]

Get a 550. L.

[DanTheMan]

Get a 550. L.

Tom, are you feeling alright? Maybe you shouldn't fly today? Actually suggesting that someone buy an L bike??? Even though he has one already, you usually have more advice on what to do with the L models.

[tkent02]

If an 850 Ladies is too tall, a 550 Ladies might fit just right.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

This website has a ton of good info, like how to lower your bike...

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Suspension2.html#Lowering

You must be sensible when lowering your bike. Take care with how much ground clearance you're losing and do it fairly evenly (front to back) or you'll adversely affect the handling.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff