Topic: will lower the rear shorter springs hurt handling

[cb650 bobber]

Was thinking of lowering it but dont want to give up handling.

[Gordon]

It will affect the handling, the amount depends on how much you lower it.  Whether or not it "hurts" the handling is up to you to decide.  Lowering the rear in relation to the front, in effect, slows down the steering.  High-speed handling is a little easier, slow-speed handling is a little more sluggish, but like I said, the amount depends on the difference.  I have rear shocks that are about 1 and 1/2" inches shorter than stock, and pushed the front forks up in the triple trees the same amount to off-set the difference.

[UnCrash]

I have rear shocks that are about 1 and 1/2" inches shorter than stock, and pushed the front forks up in the triple trees the same amount to off-set the difference.

Does this leave the overall handling like it was at stock, or is there some difference because the center of gravity is 1 1/2" lower to the ground?  Is that difference better (in a non-aesthetic way) from your perspective?

[xtalon]

I have rear shocks that are about 1 and 1/2" inches shorter than stock, and pushed the front forks up in the triple trees the same amount to off-set the difference.

Does this leave the overall handling like it was at stock, or is there some difference because the center of gravity is 1 1/2" lower to the ground?  Is that difference better (in a non-aesthetic way) from your perspective?

You can help offset lowering the rear by also lowering the front (i.e. pulling the front forks up through the triple clamp).  This will quicken the steering back up; however, lowering a bike also reduces cornering clearance (i.e. things will drag the ground sooner).

--xTalon

[Gordon]

Does this leave the overall handling like it was at stock, or is there some difference because the center of gravity is 1 1/2" lower to the ground?  Is that difference better (in a non-aesthetic way) from your perspective?

It's better, from my perspective, because I can put my feet flat on the ground now.  Handling is essentially the same, but like Xtalon said, the cornering clearance is slightly reduced, but in my experience, not enough to make a difference.  I can carve some pretty tight corners up in the mountains at high speeds and very rarely scrape the pegs. 

[cb650 bobber]

CAN YOU JUST ADJUST THE SHOCKS TO LOWER THEM ON A 1980 CB650....ALSO HOW ARE YOU GUYS LOWERING THE FRONT END.

[rstarcher]

I put 11" shorty shocks on the back of my 750k1 (2 inches shorter than stock) and did nothing to the front.  I'd say it's easier to take corners at 20 mph+ and much easier to walk the bike since my feet now fully touch the ground.

Randy

[cb650 bobber]

is there a brand or where can you get shorty shocks from are they oem or aftermarket.

[Roach Carver]

these guys have some at the bottom of the page. http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

tas motorsports also has some (I think) and they are great guys to deal with.