longer shocks

[robm]

I would like some input on putting longer shocks on my 1981 GS400EX (Canadian model) which has 12.5 E-E shocks. Can anyone who has put longer shocks on their bike tell what effect it had on the bike and how much longer you went

I have a pair of 15.75" shocks that I would like to replace the 13" Hagon's currently on it. Is over 3" excessive? Why?

As side note, I put 2.75" longer shocks on my SP500 and it simply made the bike sky-high and the sidestand too short.

Thanks in advance. I have been lurking on this site for years and should have came here with my questions a long time ago.

Rob

[salty_monk]

I wouldn't go that much longer personally, you're likely to affect the steering. Make it very twitchy.
I have 3/4" longer shocks on my 1000 & I know of a couple of people running 1" longer shocks on 1100's...

[John Kat]

Typically for every inch you lift the rear of the bike you loose 1° of rake.
The GS bikes come with 28° of rake.
Lifting the rear by 3 inches would reduce your rake to 25° a value that is used on some high performance bikes of today except...that the trail has been adapted.
It's definitely a no-no in my view

[robm]

Thanks for the rapid replies. I didn't know the relationship between shock height and steering offset. 1" seems acceptable though, eh?

[John Kat]

One inch is fine but do check that the swingarm can move further down without hitting any other part of the bike.
The chain could also eventually touch the swingarm but normally not

[Seana23]

Hi babes.
Jus stick.em on and see what it feels like... Thats the most fun way...
Xxx