Topic: Lowering 750A..

[katmol]

OK here goes...
 My wife has logged allot of miles over the years on the back on whatever bike a might have at any given time.Then about six years ago she said she wanted a bike of her own. Got her a little 400 LTD Kawie to learn on. She rode it very little because she just couldn't get the knack of all that shifting..bla,bla,bla. So last year I bought her a nice '81 CM400A. It was just what she needed. She rides it allot. Now she wants something she can do road trips with but still wants no shifting. I know, I know....but she's worth it.
 Anyway, I got my eye on a '77 750A for her but here's the problem. She's 5'-2" with thick thighs. Please, never, ever  tell her about the thigh remark!!!
 OK back to the issue at hand. I need to lower a 750A. I did a search here and got a lot of good info. For the rear I plan on using lowering blocks, 11" springs, 16" rear wheel, and cutting the seat down. For the front I'll probably just push the fork tubes through the triple clamps as far as I can to just before the fender bottoms out on compression.
 Anything I'm missing that would help her out?
 I guess there's nothing I could do about the width at the front of the seat. Is the oil tank under the right side cover of a 750A? If not, I might could make some nice side plates insted of the rounded panels. Just thinking out load...
 Any ideas??
Thanks.

[05c50]

No worry about the oil tank........it doesn't have one, it's a wet sump engine (unlike the K and F). Not only is the seat high, the A is kinda top heavy. I have a 31" inseam and have no problem, but my wife is a little shorter then me and doesn't feel comfortable riding my A. Some people would try to steer you away from the lowering blocks, but you have to do what you can. One thing to remember, try to lower the front and rear an equal amount so you don't change geometry much. Let us know how it works out.

...............Paul

[katmol]

Hey Paul,
 Thanks for the feedback. I'd like to see some pis of your 750A if you can post them.
 Lowering blocks don't bother me either. I've ron them for years on this Old Wing.

No worry about the oil tank........it doesn't have one, it's a wet sump engine (unlike the K and F). Not only is the seat high, the A is kinda top heavy. I have a 31" inseam and have no problem, but my wife is a little shorter then me and doesn't feel comfortable riding my A. Some people would try to steer you away from the lowering blocks, but you have to do what you can. One thing to remember, try to lower the front and rear an equal amount so you don't change geometry much. Let us know how it works out.

...............Paul

[dhall57]

Man katmol that's a sharp looking Wing.

[Cuts Crooked]

She's 5'-2" with thick thighs. Please, never, ever  tell her about the thigh remark!!!

Oh MAN!!! You are Sooooooo dead!

[05c50]

Very nice Wing!! Here's a picture of my A....and my Wings.






...........Paul

[Don R]

My brother uses 450 shocks on his 750's to lower them, it doesn't change the angle as much, he slips the front tubes up also. I have an old king queen seat that is very low in the front. My 70 750 did not like lowering blocks, I think it had to do with a loose swingarm and neck bearings. I have not felt the need to put them back on to test since but my K3 rode fine with them back in the day.

[katmol]

Nice bikes! I like those Corbin Gunfighter seats! Wish they made them for the CB750.

Very nice Wing!! Here's a picture of my A....and my Wings.






...........Paul

[dhall57]

I think I want a Goldwing

[Gaither]

Kat

FWIW suggestion - -

I realize it ain't a 4 banger, but find your lady a nice 450 Rebel. [It's still a HONDA.]They only made em about 2 years. I'm told they were designed for ladies. A bit longer that the 250 and a good [if well cared for] bike.

A buddy got one or his wife [she, too has short "thick" legs]. She loved it. Low seat - factory set-up - no alterations likely needed [for a sort lady]. See 'em occasionally on ebay & craigs. Might save you a LOT of work and experimentation!

Why not find one and let her try it? She might like it well enough to forgive what you said about her legs [maybe]! However, she may kill you yet!

Even the 550's are "Tall and heavy". While at the shop I use, a fellow looked at the 550 and said it was, "Just like his first motorcycle". He was maybe 5'-2" tall. I had to laugh as he said, "That's a tall, heavy S.O.B."

[Sam Green Racing]

Katmol, bad news regarding lowering the front, you can't slide the tubes up through the tees.
The bars get in the way. I lowered mine three inches but use clip ons.

Sam.

[05c50]

Kat

FWIW suggestion - -

I realize it ain't a 4 banger, but find your lady a nice 450 Rebel. [It's still a HONDA.]They only made em about 2 years. I'm told they were designed for ladies. A bit longer that the 250 and a good [if well cared for] bike.

I think one of the requirements is that the bike be clutchless. I think all the Rebels are standard shift.

..............Paul

[05c50]

Katmol, bad news regarding lowering the front, you can't slide the tubes up through the tees.
The bars get in the way. I lowered mine three inches but use clip ons.

Sam.

Sam, when I read this, I had to go check my 77. The bars don't get in the way on it. You could slide the tubes up several inches, but I have a triple tree from a 76 and the tubes would hit the bars. I  never knew that there was a diffrence between years.

............Paul