Topic: Bronco Bike Bucked me Off today! (Testimonial to helmet and engine guards!)

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Linda, I personally don't think a low speed, or in reality, NO speed "get off' is gonna render your "lid" unsafe, but I suppose it's best to err on the safe side. I fitted new shocks and a set of Ebay lowering blocks on my K1 "Rat Bike" today, it's getting less "ratty" every day.

Anyway, I noticed that it was necessary to slightly loosen the chain after fitting everything, as the lowering blocks change the angle of your swingarm, increasing the tension on your chain. Make sure you check yours after you fit your "blocks".

And no, I definately don't need lowering blocks, I just like the look, particularly with the 16 inch rear wheel, it looks soooo cool! I'll measure it against my K3 tomorrow and see how much lower it actually is, but I'm guessing about 2-3 inches, very nice! Cheers, Terry.

[GeoffT]

I don't like the looks of crash bars, but your story is another reason for re-thinking about fitting one.

Best regards

Raul

They aren't supposed to look pretty but they save a lot of heart ache from damaged engine casings - or worse!

[smithrelo]

Terry-thanks for the info, I've e-mailed Whitney to ask how to order, as they don't have 550 listed anywhere on the Honda section of their parts.

I may need some instructions on adjusting the chain, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Linda

[hillbillychoppers]

Terry-thanks for the info, I've e-mailed Whitney to ask how to order, as they don't have 550 listed anywhere on the Honda section of their parts.

I may need some instructions on adjusting the chain, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Linda

The lowering kit is JC Whitney part number AGT022468N listed for 71-73 CB 500, 74-78 CB 550, and 69-79 CB 750, price in this catalog is $47.95. Hope this helps, I don't know about shorter shocks, I've got them on another bike, and it might as well be rigid framed, the 10" shocks don't have enough movement.
jeff

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks Billy, I had a look at the part in the Whitney Catalogue, looks pretty rudimentary, but should work OK. Here's a pic of the JC Whitney items Linda, the chain adjustment is a "piece of pie" and if it's not already in the "FAQ"s, I'll be happy to give you a "Soldiers Five" on it. Cheers, Terry.

[smithrelo]

Hi guys - I looked at the kit and the bike- Am I understanding this right:

I basically put these black extender thingys where the shocks currently bolt to bike, then drop the shocks so that they connect to the end of the extender thingys?

Looking at the bike, I've got almost 4" clearance between the wheel and the rear fender.  It looks like an easy fix!  Does anyone have this on their 550 and do they impact the handling of the bike? 

I'm ready to order now.  I got brave and told Dear Hubby that "BB and I had a parting of the ways!"  and I wanted to order these things.  He took it very well!  (I did not tell him of bump on noggin!)

Anyway are these as easy as they look?

Linda

[Terry in Australia]

That's it Linda, I was messing about with different wheel/brake combinations when i installed mine yesterday, but the lowering blocks I used took about 30 minutes to fit, max. Cheers, Terry.

[hillbillychoppers]

Sure do, I've got the older style on my 76 550, I like the way they look, it seems to handle the same, it lowered my seat to 29" from the factory it was 31.7", a little over 2 1/2" . I haven't had any problems.
jeff

[smithrelo]

I've got them ordered!

Linda

[Buffo]

I am glad you had fun riding your bkie.

DTS

[Terry in Australia]

Here's a pic I took tonight of the rear end of my K1 with my new shocks and the lowering blocks, I think it looks kinda cool! Cheers, Terry.

"Some People say I'm Egotistical,
I don't even know that they mean,
I guess it's got something to do with the way.
That I fill out my tight blue Jeans!"

Cheers, Terry.

[smithrelo]

Terry- 

Are your lowering blocks Chrome?  The ones I saw on Whitney are black - I like Chrome better - where did you get yours?

Linda
(who finally got brave and told DH of my spill...he is not happy... )

And who is VERY glad she did NOT buy property in New Orleans when I was looking last year!

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Linda, no, they're just your basic black, but are very well made, I bought them on ebay several years ago, and this is the first time I've used them. I do have a set of nice cast steel chrome lowering blocks if you want them, I bought them on ebay as well (don't ask me why I do these things, it's an addiction!) but probably won't use them, so if you'd like them, they're yours. Cheers, Terry.

[kghost]

Just back from the Pacific......

Glad your ok Linda.

Get a new helmet.

Watch out for deep pot holes if your inseam challenged. My better half took her first spill by putting her foot down in a fairly deep crater. Over she goes, Then she gets up and laughs. Said to me " I guess your gonna pick it up now? and then fix it later right?"

Get back on BB.

Send DH to the MSF course.

[78_SaltLick]

Terry- 

Are your lowering blocks Chrome?  The ones I saw on Whitney are black - I like Chrome better - where did you get yours?

Linda
(who finally got brave and told DH of my spill...he is not happy... )

And who is VERY glad she did NOT buy property in New Orleans when I was looking last year!

yes glad you are okay, and are getting right back up on that horse. It can be a hard thing to do, kinda smacks you upside the head for a second and lets you see how vulnerable we all are on two wheels. Good luck on the BB.

[smithrelo]

Yes, guys, I've noticed I'm Very Leary of BB...which makes me sad.   

But it brought home to me who I hurt if I were to die (or worse...be a veg) on BB- DH, 3 kids, grandkids I don't even have now! family, friends....very worrysome.

I'm just grateful I had on helmet.  Quite frankly, I'm sure it saved my brain, if not my life!

Linda

PS - for those who pray - --  Please give a small prayer for my Aunt and her husband - they are 75-78 respectively, and their home is gone. We're all worried her hubby will have stroke or Heart attack, as he has had both when they get to the cite of their home and see nothing but rubble. They live in Long Beach, Mississippi, and there is not one home standing for 6 blocks from the beach (for well over 10 miles!!) - their home was 2 blocks from the ocean.  I'm planning a trip down there in Sept/Oct to help rebuild their home and 4 others (her childrens' homes).  I'm going to bring BB in my truck!  It will be fun! 

[Bob Wessner]

A few days ago someone mentioned a "cause" the group could get involved with. Maybe Katrina's aftermath could be it. For anyone inclined, head for the American Red Cross (or other charity of your choosing) site. It's going to be a long hard road for folks down there. 

[GeoffT]

Yes, guys, I've noticed I'm Very Leary of BB...which makes me sad.   

But it brought home to me who I hurt if I were to die (or worse...be a veg) on BB- DH, 3 kids, grandkids I don't even have now! family, friends....very worrysome.

I'm just grateful I had on helmet.  Quite frankly, I'm sure it saved my brain, if not my life!

Linda

PS - for those who pray - --  Please give a small prayer for my Aunt and her husband - they are 75-78 respectively, and their home is gone. We're all worried her hubby will have stroke or Heart attack, as he has had both when they get to the cite of their home and see nothing but rubble. They live in Long Beach, Mississippi, and there is not one home standing for 6 blocks from the beach (for well over 10 miles!!) - their home was 2 blocks from the ocean.  I'm planning a trip down there in Sept/Oct to help rebuild their home and 4 others (her childrens' homes).  I'm going to bring BB in my truck!  It will be fun! 

Will certainly be thinking of your folks and all those others who now have to rebuild their homes and lives. l

I can certainly agree with the benifit of safety helmets. If I had not been wearing one 20 years ago probably not be here now after bad smash.

[francesb]

Hey Linda,

Glad to learn you're ok, and back on BB.

this thread is sort of over, so not sure if you'll see this, but the lowering blocks are going to change the handling of the bike for the worse. the bike will feel heavier because more weight is on the front end, which is obviously going to affect steering.

I just took mine out, and was shocked by how much better it handles (of course, the complete front end rebuild helped with that....)

frances
one foot down at traffic lights

[smithrelo]

I'm sorry- but does lowering the back tansfer weight to front wheel?  Sorry, very confused - I'm leaving tomorrow for Louisiana to help pets coming out of New Orleans, and may not be thinking clearly right now.

Got a thousand things to do before I leave!

Anyway, did I read that right?

BB has been sitting alone for over 2 weeks, as I've been planning my trip to help the people who evacuated from New Orleans.

Linda

[Jonesy]

It changes the steering characterisics a bit, as you are changing the angle (I think the trail) of the forks some. You might notice it not being quite as nimble as it once was, but I've ridden bikes with and without lowering kits and I haven't noticed too much difference.

[smithrelo]

Thanks so much for the info.

Linda

[Terry in Australia]

the lowering blocks are going to change the handling of the bike for the worse. the bike will feel heavier because more weight is on the front end, which is obviously going to affect steering.

Actually, it's the opposite. By lowering the rear of the bike, you're moving the weight back towards the rear of the bike, so the steering will feel (very slightly) lighter, and due to the (very) slight change to the "rake", the front end will be more stable in a straight line. Dropping the forks in the triples,  or raising the rear of the bike or using a smaller diameter front wheel (remember the 16 inch front wheel craze in the early 1980's?) will make the steering more responsive (quicker) but also "heavier", and less stable in a straight line.

I'd suggest that if Frances was to refit her lowering blocks now that she's fitted new taper roller bearings, it'd feel a whole lot better. I've got taper roller steering head bearings in all 3 CB750's and my 3 GS Suzukis (standard fitment) and they all steer fine, and my sojourns on the K1 with the lowering blocks have been very pleasant indeed, with no adverse steering traits that I've noticed, in direct comparison to my K2 with OEM spec front and rear suspension. Cheers, Terry.    

[smithrelo]

Thanks Terry, I kinda figured that.

I've got my truck packed to the top with stuff for the animals!  I leave tomorrow AM for 1200 mile trip to Louisiana - it iwll take me 2 days!


I'll be gone almost 3 weeks, and when I come back it will be "winter" in Colorado
so I'll be petting BB instead of riding!

Check out my Blog:  www.katrinapetrelief.blogspot.com!

It shows me getting ready for the trip!

Linda

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Linda, I had a look at your "Blog", fantastic response! Good to see there are so many caring people out there, I like animals more than I like people, so it's good to see someone is looking after them too. Do you have any more pics of those kind people, in particular, er, Cindy? He he, Cheers, Terry.