I am seeking your wisdom here. Being only 5'8", can I install 11 1/2" progressive shocks on my Interstate. I have the oem shocks on her now. Will it still ride correctly, usually just me on her. TIAbuffalobill
I am only 5'9" (with short 29" inseam legs), and my second IS came with 12" 440s on it (and a Bigboy seat -1" over OE seat height), and I could easily flatfoot it. There is no question the lower shocks made the bike easier to walk and maneuver at slow speeds, and it rode very nice.... except I am an aggressive rider, and the cobra boards drug badly in the twisties, to the point where I had to slow way down in some corners. So I took them off and went back to 13" 440s. IMHO, you should not go any lower than 12" shocks (and I would not slip the forks at all), unless you just never lean the bike over and take all corners at slow speed. If you are mainly concerned with leg reach to the ground, an Ultimate Lowboy will drop you the appx 1" seat height from stock, and/or you could look for some boots with built up soles, or a bit shorter profile car tire in the rear (55). Believe it or not, I think some handlebar risers with more pullback (LaMonster/Aeromach) will also aid in seating ergonomics and getting you feet down (for us shorter guys); they cetainly will improve your slow speed maneuvers.
One other thing, when I was a bike instructor in USAF MSF type courses, we taught that only the left foot was to be put down at all stops (this used to be universally taught, until too many neophites fell over to the right in MSF classes). The right foot was to stay up on the peg/board and engage the foot brake so the bike did not roll forward or back on grades or hills. Except for occassions where the pavement is damaged or very uneven or potholed, there really is no need to get both feet out at stops. If the bike does tip or is blown by a gust of wind to the right, you just switch feet) You roll up and lean just slightly left, and put down only the left foot, keeping the bike locked in place with the right foot on the brake pedal. (this is how most dirtbike riders with those 36" seats ride). If you use this technique, you don't need to lower the bike at all.
