Topic: Question!! Lowering front forks

[fratojoe]

Hey everyone, new to the forum. I have a 1971 CB750 that has been passed through family to me. This is my first bike and I am new to working on them.

I am planning on swapping the stock 13'' rear shocks for some lower 11.5'' shocks bc im on the shorter side. My question is how much should i lower the front forks. I plan on just loosening the triple clamp and bringing the fork tubes through the top. I didnt know if i should lower the front the same as i lower the back or what. Any input would help.

Thanks.

[rb550four]

Hello and welcome.
I would try the rear shocks only and see if you like them on your machine . The way it handles, the way it looks, get used to the singular change, then see if the fork position should be  modified. It could be something like the seat that you are not liking.
  It is my belief that the handling is way more important than a look that may be popular that you would like to achieve. I also believe that any modification made should only improve your machine's response to your command and not impede response by a split second, sometimes, it's all the time you have.good luck.
And by the way, we like pics.Thanks in advance.

[fratojoe]

@ rb, thank you for your response. I am new to riding and even newer to working on them. I have downloaded the shop manual and plan on getting my cb running for the remainder of this season and want to tear her down slowly this winter to make her run like new again. I will be sure to post pics as work is being done.

[articblue]

fratojoe

Hey before you go lowering the shocks and such get the bike running, ride around on it.
Once you appreciate the feel of the bike, it's straight line tracking, and cornering then start messing with the shocks.

If you do drop the back shocks you'll most likely want to lower the front by a little bit.
This all really depends on your ride setup. You should measure the rake and trail of your bike in stock position and then alter from there.

[busa]

lowering just the rear.  is like raising the front,   your bike will be slow at turning in on the twisty bits.  it  would be fine in straight line.    if you lower the front  it will turn in quicker.

you would be better off  getting use to what you have.  before  messing  (not being rude to you)   but as you have little experience  as a rider,  gain the experience.  first then see what  you need to do.

altering things  first   without finding out why you need to do it in the first place.   you could cause damage to yourself.