Topic: Shadow VT1100 Longer shocks - change the ride?

[Patrick]

I have a 1987 Honda Shadow VT1100 that serves as my daily driver so I can ride the my 750Ks for recreation.  I've only owned the bike since December, and I don't even know how many owners this nice old bike has had, much less whether these are the original shocks. I can tell you, though, that I ride the bike every day and they sure ride like they are the originals.

I have another set of shocks. They are very nice, a dealer takeoff from a late model HD, but they are 12.5 inches (eye to eye).

Three questions:

Are the shocks on my bike stock length?

This bike is long and low. How will the slightly elevated rear end affect the ride? Will the higher center of gravity have any effect on turning and handling?

It does not seem like it should matter much, but I wanted to see of anyone had done it and had a bad experience.

Thanks,

Patrick

[Patrick]

Nevermind. I switched them out and took the bike for a ride around the neighborhood. It is difficult to judge the handling of the bike on such a short ride, but I will say that the improved steadiness in the backend will more than make up for any slight change in cornering.

And, FWIW, I didn't have any trouble getting the right shock to mount. The only issue I had is that the mounting rings on the bottom of the shocks were just slightly too wife for the frame mount, so I had to grind about 2mm from the edge. I used the bushings from the shocks that were on the bike and the shocks mounted right up.

So far, I'm pleased.

Patrick