Topic: Lowering "73 CB750

[033A2]

I'm currently in the process of rebuilding my 73 CB750.  I want to lower the front and rear of the bike and the plan is to go for more of a "hot rod" look; drag bars, chrome 4/1 exhaust, etc...  I've found 11" shocks and think the bike would good that low - I plan on lowering the front end to match. - but I'm getting opposing views on safety as some think that dropping the bike that much may create a hazard by allowing the rear wheel to rub on the inner fender, others think it not so much of a problem. Ride comfort isn't an issue.

Anyone have any experience with 11" shocks, good or bad, or anyone have any thoughts about it.   The alternative is to go with 12" shocks.

Only wanna do this once...
Thanks,
K.

[chopstar500]

On my '71 CB500 I'm rolling 11" shocks with lowering blocks (for another 2") - I'm skinny, so I can't get the rear tire to rub. It's hard to say how it will affect your particular bike, because there are many different variables (type of shocks, your weight, tire size, riding style, etc.) I've heard that some 11" shocks are weak - mine are pretty tight & feel really good.

I say slam it. You can always go back to stock. It's strictly for looks - and purists will think you're a douche - but who cares? Right? I love the look of anything with wheels lowered. Of course, I'm a total smartass - so maybe you shouldn't listen to me. 

[chrislib]

I happen to be doing the exact same thing to my K3. I took the rear shocks apart and cut&re-threaded the shock shaft and then took 1 1/2 coils off of the springs. The final shock length comes in at a tick over 11 inches. For the front I had originally slid the tubes up into the trees but then I had issues fitting the drag bars & master cylinder. So I popped the springs out of the legs and whacked 1.5 inches off and re-assembled. How does it ride? can`t tell ya just yet as I`m still sorting thru the small stuff (wiring/seat/gotta make plug wires up, etc.). I`m not too terribly concerned about any negative handling as I`m not into hammering on it and I got it lowered pretty evenly front to rear so the geometry should be very close to stock (I think  ). I`ll post up more when it`s finished (soon I hope).

[Gordon]

The main issue with cutting springs, whether front or rear, is that by taking coils off the springs you're making them stiffer.  Probably not quite as noticeable on the front because there are so many coils, but there aren't that many coils to begin with on the rear shocks. 

[chrislib]

Good point, when I took the rears apart I was able to compress them by hand (ok...body weight) to get the split collars off. When putting it back...NO way. I wound up using the press at work to get the whole shebang back together. I guess that would be a pretty IMPORTANT part of my previous post that I left out huh?lol.

[033A2]

Thanks everyone.  I think you all convinced to me go low and do the 11 inchers.

Chrislib, your bike has the stance I'm looking for - looks good.  My bike is currently ripped down to the frame.  Just had it powdercoated, so the re-assembly begins.  What kind of bars are you running?  They're exactly what I'm looking for.

Chopstar500, sounds like you've got your bike so low it doesnt even need a kickstand.  I saw a pic of it in another area of the forum and it is sharp looking - nice job on it.

Thanks again to everyone.
K.

[chrislib]

Thanks for the compliment, the bars are 27.5 drags from Z1,  http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=1936