Topic: 400/4 F1 Cafe Racer Project - Rear Ride Height - Longer Suspension Unit?

[robnobrakes]

Here is my '77 400F1, fitted with Hagon rear shocks.  I would like to raise the rear ride height by 1 to 2 inches as she sits a bit low.  What would peeps recommend?  I want to keep the classic look as far as possible.

[faux fiddy]

I have heard of lowering blocks, there must be some way to raise things or just find a longer shock with the same mounts  or modify.  I like the look of the piggyback shocks, and there was a thread where someone was talking about machining the cheap china copies to where they perform like the good ones.

Those are some crazy looking brake rotors you're making. Nice looking bike.

[Muckinfuss]

The only way I know to do what you want, without cutting, welding and mucking everything up is to buy longer shocks.  That said, there's only about 2 3/4 inches of travel stock in the rear.  Raising the rear two inches will push the trail on the front into the danger zone, perhaps.  Trail keeps the front wheel tracking straight with enough 'give' for going left and right on demand.  Too much trail is hard to turn....to little is a very skittish feeling at the bars.  Wobble is a distinct possibility.  If you have a frame guy around that can tell you what you'd be doing to the geometry, I think you'd have time well spent.

[calj737]

Longer shocks, or, shorter rim perhaps?

[robnobrakes]

Hagon have supplied me with custom made 335mm rear shocks to replace my 310mm units.  The bike now sits perfectly IMO.