How low can you go...?

[HatchA74]

The official micro-fiche diagram for the rear shocks on a GS1100E has them at 340mm in length. I'm wondering if anyone's modded theirs (or indeed any other GS model) with shorter shocks, lowering the back of the bike??

Are there any reasons this may not be a good idea, or is it ok to plan on lowering the arse of my bike? Should I then get a shorter side-stand (or one with a wider angle of rest)?

Thanks for your help,

Steve.

[Erki]

My bike sits nice n low but with the mufflers I threw on if I lean over far enough on a turn they scrape.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. HatchA74,

Yes, using shorter shocks is one way to lower your bike. Be mindful of ground clearance, especially if you plan to turn left or right. I think anything more than an inch shorter is asking for trouble. For more "lowering" tips, see this article: Lowering Your Bike


Let me dump a TON of information on you and share some GS850G lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. 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. I will put you on my prayer list.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[HatchA74]

Why thank you, Mr. BassCliff

I appreciate the official welcome

As if there wasn't enough reading in these hallowed pages alone, you go and give me more and more sites to add to my favourites... My wife gives out to me that I spend too much time as it is, trawling through the web for info on this bike I've got. She'll be really pleased now

This'll be the first time in twenty years that I've worked on a bike and even then, I was more of a "helper" than "head mechanic" so I'll be taking my time with this restoration.

Thanks for all the links and info etc., they'll keep me amused for days...

Steve.