Lowering shocks

[new bob]

I just bought a 1980 GS 1100E and I would like to know if there are any rear lowering shocks out there for my bike.I would like to go about 1"to2" lower. Thanks

[NPHLYT]

You will getting a mega welcome, and that link has a ton of information.

Patience

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. new bob,

Sure, you can buy shocks that are an inch shorter. Or trim your springs. Keep in mind that you are changing the handling characteristics and lowering the ground clearance of your bike. If you have short legs or are otherwise vertically challenged, you can also modify your seat and remove some foam to get your feet more firmly planted on the ground. Here's a link from one of the resources listed in the "mega-welcome":

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

And now, as foretold, here is the magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome".

Here is your official "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[TheCafeKid]

I do believe i have a set that have been "modified" to be about 10.5 inches eye to clevis. They're not the prettiest, they could use some cleaning up and a wire wheel taken to them (if i were still using them, I would just paint em and call it good) but if youre interested, you can have em for $20 plus shipping.

[new bob]

Lowering shocks

Thanks guys,I will be posting pics of the bike soon.

[matthew landrum]

lowering rear shocks

i'm interested in how to go about trimming the rear shock springs. i got a 1980 gs 550L for my wife and it's still a little tall for her. i had wondered if it were possible to lower the shocks but did not really know how to go about it. also, i wasn't sure about taking foam out of the seat since it is in excellent shape. i even considered lower profile tires, but the tires are also brand new, so i hated to take the hit on that. the bike is in awesome shape. it only had 8000 miles and was garaged for most of its life. i put a brand new exhaust (oem) and cleaned the carbs and the bike runs great. between the cost of the bike plus shipping and what i've put in it, i really don't want to trade it for a 250 rebel! she really likes the bike, but it needs to be about 1-2 inches lower. thanks.. matthew landrum