 TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30 |
Hi! 
I'm in process to purchase the Hagon classic, BCC-012-01BB Fully Shrouded Black Body with Black Shroud, from bellacorse.com,
now according to the "application note" about the length , the recommendation is that the shocks for the TBA should be not lower that 1.2" ( 30mm),
my Triumph dealer told me to absolutely (!) not to do that, not even 1/2", other way I'll get in serious conflict with the rear fender... 
I did call Hagon.co.uk and they told me that they don't have any experience on producing rear shocks especially for the America or Speedmaster models but only for the "regular" Bonneville version... (should I believe that?) 
Anyhow, I'll like to lower my bike 1.2" but at this point I'm totally confused... 
Anybody over here that went through the same dilemma and can give me a concrete suggestion?
T H A N K S !
ps.
My weight is about 180 lbs...
the passenger, my wife, is more/less 110 lbs...
no rear pack or similar will be carry on...
Last edited by Oldcapellon; 10/26/2006 5:16 AM.
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 Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
I know Great Bay cycles in N. Hampton, NH lowers bikes all the time. They use Progresive Shocks on the front and rear and I think they even have a modified side stand. You may want to call them for advice.
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
Progressive sells stock shocks (12.5") and lowered shocks (11.5") for our bikes.
The 11.5" shock actually lowers the rear end almost 2".
I've got them and even on the softest setting riding 2 up I have no interference problem with the rear fender.
Hope this helps you.
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 403
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 403 |
Go ahead and purchase the hagons. you won't have any rubbing problems with the back fender.
Your handling will be off a little until you lower the front forks. You can do this with a progressive lowering kit or just cutting down the spacer 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch.
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104 |
I had my America lowered by the gang at Great Bay in North Hampton, NH. It's true, they install a modified side stand..which I scrape pretty easily on (moderately) low left turns.
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
I've got lowered bike 2 inch back and front, too much !!!!front is too hard and my rear fender (mudguard)hits chain guard sometimes I think 1 inch is ok and no problems
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 371
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 371 |
lowered mine an inch front and back, have had no problems hitting fender, even two up and loaded, scrape the pipes (20" short ones)occasionaly, first time a bit hairy, but fun.
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30 |
Thanks for all yours precious info's!
I did order me the Hagon 1.2" shorter..
I just hope that me and my wife we'll not gain more weight over the winter time..
;-)
....keep the motor runnin' !
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Maybe a stupid question as this is my first cruiser, but why do people want to lower their bikes? Is it just for looks? I can't see it helping with reach because the seat is so low already. It certainly can't help with any kind of riding as I already send sparks flying at stock height. And doesn't the limited wheel travel make the ride harsh?
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30 |
Quote:
Maybe a stupid question as this is my first cruiser, but why do people want to lower their bikes? Is it just for looks? I can't see it helping with reach because the seat is so low already. It certainly can't help with any kind of riding as I already send sparks flying at stock height. And doesn't the limited wheel travel make the ride harsh?
simples answer;
if your soul wanna be part of the ride
you've to seat into your bike...
Last edited by Oldcapellon; 11/07/2006 9:34 AM.
....keep the motor runnin' !
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Quote:
Quote:
Maybe a stupid question as this is my first cruiser, but why do people want to lower their bikes? Is it just for looks? I can't see it helping with reach because the seat is so low already. It certainly can't help with any kind of riding as I already send sparks flying at stock height. And doesn't the limited wheel travel make the ride harsh?
simples answer;
if your soul wanna be part of the ride
you've to seat into your bike...
How does lowering your suspension make you "part" of the bike?
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 431
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 431 |
Hi all, I lowered my bike 2" via lowering kit and 412's 11 1/2" Progressive shocks. I have had no problem with scraping and my dampering effect greatly improved. I am now sitting in my bike rather than sitting on top of it. My reason? I am 5'5" inseam 29". Sets my feet flat on the ground with some bend at the knees. Best mod I have done. So for you shorties out there this mod is ideal. Any shocks over the stock ones is a great improvement weather you lower it or not.
BikerT
Willy-2003 BA
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 30 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Maybe a stupid question as this is my first cruiser, but why do people want to lower their bikes? Is it just for looks? I can't see it helping with reach because the seat is so low already. It certainly can't help with any kind of riding as I already send sparks flying at stock height. And doesn't the limited wheel travel make the ride harsh?
simples answer;
if your soul wanna be part of the ride
you've to seat into your bike...
How does lowering your suspension make you "part" of the bike?
may be it help if you'll carry a little bit sense of humor and you'll lowering your rationality too...
....keep the motor runnin' !
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Quote:
Hi all, I lowered my bike 2" via lowering kit and 412's 11 1/2" Progressive shocks. I have had no problem with scraping and my dampering effect greatly improved. I am now sitting in my bike rather than sitting on top of it. My reason? I am 5'5" inseam 29". Sets my feet flat on the ground with some bend at the knees. Best mod I have done. So for you shorties out there this mod is ideal. Any shocks over the stock ones is a great improvement weather you lower it or not.
BikerT
Still don't get it. I can understand someone short in the seams lowering but how does lowering make you sit in the bike? The only way I see to get that feeling is by using a lower seat.
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
It's more of a perception thing. Sitting on a stock height bike and being on the short side, you may be on your tiptoes. By lowering the bike, your perception is that you are sitting 'in' the bike rather than 'on'.
Regardless, you are still sitting 'on' the bike but it probably feels a lot more comfortable. To each their own.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
I understand the short thing but I met a guy this summer who was taller than me and he lowered his bike. I easily flat foot and sit with about a 90 degree leg bend. He looked uncomfortable but I did not ask.
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I think a lot of it is for looks.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274 |
Hey Benny your about 6' right? How do you feel with the Corbin? It is lower than the stocker right? By how much?
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I don't think it's lower. I have the backrest too... Definitely put me forward, but being tucked into the tank, and having the lower, more forward bars makes me feel more "in" the bike as they say. But yeah I'm 6' and no problems flat footing.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: TBA rear shocks... how low can you get?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
I think lowering does indeed inhibit handling to a degree.
I think its more for looks than anything else.
Most significant custom alterations often inhibit handling to a degree.
I wont do anything to my bike that would otherwise impact its aerodynamics and handling characteristics but thats just me. I bought the bike to ride. But I am well aware some people mod their bikes for that cool looking boulevard look.
Witness all those chopped customs out there regardless of make,model et al......ape hangers, lots of rake, low rear end with virtually no shock absorption and rear tires as fat as Texas.
They look nice for the WOW factor but they aint winnin any awards for handling characteristics nor comfort. Those bikes are for custom shows or riding up and down Speedway boulevard on hot summer nights. No fun at all on a nice two lane twisty. I assume many of the owners of those tricked out choppers must have real bikes for real riding?
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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