Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner How can I lower my speedmaster?

I'm trying to find some info on how to lower my bike about 2in. I"m looking for the cheepest way possible. Really any info or web sites will really help me out.

Sawzall.

ya, i'm not sure a sawzall is the answer. I've heard of using blocks or maybe some progressive shocks or cutting them. can i get some kind of answer.

Progressive shocks are the best way to go but not the cheapest way. Lowering blocks, I just bought a set tonight out of the classified section here will drop it down. Using blocks on the rear and not lowering the front tubes with shorter springs will increase the rake. Not a big deal but it does change the turning radius a lot.

Only problem with blocks is they increase the angle on the shocks. When the rake on the shock is changed it rides differently and creates undue wear on the shock.

If you want to drop it down a bit in the back buy some lowering blocks.

I've been looking all over the internet but i'm comming up empty. Where can I find progresive shocks and lowering blocks at?

Progressive shocks: mawonline.com. Ordered some last year.
lowering blocks: streetboogie.com

(Obviously I was kidding before.)

Which shock do you use? Size and model number would be helpful,for the front and rear.thanks

See here.

Thanks for all the help guys. I guess I thought that it wouldn't be as expensive as it was. I'll have to keep searching and maybe I'll find something a little cheaper on ebay. Maybe. And no, I'm not planning on any sawzall use either.

Don't forget the shortened kickstand...

Changing the seat can lower your reach to the ground some and bring you a little closer to the controls.

Or a sportster!

I've got a couple of questions on the progressive stuff.
How low will the fork lowering kit lower the bike? there isn't anything that I've found that says anything about it, and if anyone knows what coresponding rear shocks go with it to keep the bike level?

i went to an upholstery guy and had him remove about an inch of foam and an a little extra from the sides. re stapled the leather and bingo, lowered about an inch there and cost $125.00 also progressive shocks last year. obviously a wee bit more expensive there.

thicker soled boots

I found some Honda shocks and modified them to fit. I cut aproximately 3 coils out and presto! around 3 1/2 inches. Plus I found a low profile seat. I have been seriously considering the front end lower kit but have not gotten around to it. The longer I have it apart the less I can ride it. Ya know? I have seen some shocks in custom chrome and places like that that have shorter shocks if you don't want to modify. I measured around 11" from mount to mount to get it as low as mine.

Any side view pics?

Isn't there some shop out there that will take a set of stock shocks and whack an inch or 2 off for you. I even think I visited their web site once. Cant remember what it was called.

A little OT --
Read an interesting piece in "Wallneck's Classic Cycle Trader" magazine, written by cycle guru Mark Zimmerman. He says the rear shock pre-load adjustment has nothing to do with making the spring harder or softer. It's merely to level the load.

I'd never thought of it that way.

I lowered my wifes America 2 inches. I ordered Halcon shocks from Bella Corse. Price was very reasonable and had them in short order.Last I heard Forks by frank wasn't making forks for the SM and America yet but will cut yours for you. Some people slide the forks up through the trees but that looks cheesy. Now the bad news. When you lower you run into clearance problems. I had to cut the chain guard to allow the rear fender to slide past when the shocks compress. Just about a 2 to 2.5 inch notch about .5 inch wide. You also won't be able to keep the stock air box ( not roccomended anyway) If you have the freak installed (newspeedmaster.com) you will have to bend the tab that holds the tool box in place or cut it off to allow chain clearance. There are also lowering blocks out there to allow you to keep the stock shocks and still lower it but that in my opinion is also Mickey Mouse.

Oh and don't forget if you remove the air box or if you change exhaust or do both you need to rejet. The freak to eliminate the air box comes with main jets.

They make fully shrouded shocks but those tend to be noisy after awhile. Squeeks and rattles.