Suspension

[Guest]

I'm looking to lower a 1983 GS 1100 E a couple of inches, any tips and or shortcuts?

[RichDesmond]

2" is a lot, and will compromise handling and suspension performance. If it's the reach to ground that's the issue I'd consider having the seat redone so that it's lower and a little narrower.
Are you running the shocks on the minimum preload? If not, that will help a bit. You may also be able to slide the forks up in the triple trees 5-10mm, just be certain that nothing hits at full compression.

[BBilly]

Thanks, I'm not to concerned with losing some performance, I don't canyon blast like a used to, more of a cruiser now. I will definitely shave the seat. Yes minimum preload is done and will adjust front shocks through trees. I was hoping somebody had used a lowering kit that worked.

[don]

I built a café racer from an 82 gs450 for my girl. Stock it was too tall for her. To lower it I pushed the forks up about an inch or so, I put the shortest tire on the rear I could find, and I put an Omar's Fiberglass café seat and pad on it. This took most of the 2 inches you are talking about but at the seat height. The actual chassis geometry is still stock so it rides and behaves quite well.

[don]

IMG_0443.jpgThe bike mentioned

[tkent02]

Very nice 450.

[BBilly]

Thanks Don.