Lowering Rear of `97 Valkyrie

[B.A.C.A.IntelMan (ArizonaSmitty)]

Could use a little help on this one.  I'm new to riding, its been 30 years since I was up on two wheels.  Bit off a big one, and it might be a little too much for my short legs and age.
Anyhow, what I want to know is that can the rear be lowered so that I end up flat footed at stops.

I have the OEM (I believe) SHOWA adjustable shocks and see the 1-5 numeration on them.  They are set at 3 now.  Will dropping them to 2 or 1 drop the ride height?  Or is that just a ride comfort issue adjustment?  And if it does drop the rear, how much per number?

Getting used to the massive weight of the bike is (I think) doable but I do need to lower this if I am going to keep it.

[Patrick]

Setting the shocks to a lower setting may not help much, you'll probably have to replace the shocks.. If I recall correctly, the original shocks are 12.5 or 13".. Installing a set an inch or two shorter may be the way to go..

[hubcapsc]

People put 11.5 inch shocks on to lower their Valks, and they seem to like it fine.
It'll scrape sooner in the twisty turns, so keep that in mind. People slide the
forks up (just a little bit, they're tapered) in the triple-tree too...

When I got off my Harley and sat on a Valkyrie for the first time, I was
shocked at how "huge" the Valkyrie was, but you get used to it pretty
quick, and a Valkyrie is good to ride anywhere...





-Mike

[Ricky-D]

You'll need to actually get shorter shocks to lower the bike.

You may be able to alter the seat padding to achieve a better foot position.

A car tire in a 55 series will lower your bike a bit, if you want to go that way.

I can't think of any other ways to help you achieve a lower situation, others may.

***

[Warlock]

Could use a little help on this one.  I'm new to riding, its been 30 years since I was up on two wheels.  Bit off a big one, and it might be a little too much for my short legs and age.
Anyhow, what I want to know is that can the rear be lowered so that I end up flat footed at stops.

I have the OEM (I believe) SHOWA adjustable shocks and see the 1-5 numeration on them.  They are set at 3 now.  Will dropping them to 2 or 1 drop the ride height?  Or is that just a ride comfort issue adjustment?  And if it does drop the rear, how much per number?

Getting used to the massive weight of the bike is (I think) doable but I do need to lower this if I am going to keep it.

Use 11.5 412 progressive shocks and Goldwing rear tire. Also Ulitmate lowrider seat.
David

[Chrisj CMA]

If you are at least 5'7" or so...Im right there around 5'7".  Instead of lowering the shocks, I got a lower seat and I flatfoot just fine and then I retained the ground clearance.  The Ultimate Lowrider worked perfect for this purpose for me anyways YMMV.

[old2soon]

If you elect to lower the forks in the clamps i read 3/4 of an inch MAXIMUM. This from some of our height challenged riders. Don't need to lower mine as i'm 6 feet 2 inches in height. And a lot of folks do the 11 11 and a half inch replacement shocks. I've heard an Ultimate seat will bring the ride height down some also. I'm still trying to figure out where 800+ pounds go when i let out the clutch. You get that ride height comfortable for YOU you will really start to enjoy these fine machines we have. If it's not too much trouble please let us know how you solve the height-or lack there of issue. Oh and B T W-welcome to the insanity. RIDE SAFE.

[MacDragon]

I put 11.5 Progressive 412s on mine and flat foot it just fine... I'm 5'8" on a good day... shorter on others...

[gordonv]

If you are at least 5'7" or so...Im right there around 5'7".

What is your leg inseam? Might give a better feel for the hieght required.

[shortleg]

  I know how you feel.
What I did was 60 series tire on rear with
 shorted shocks and slipped forks.
       Shortleg[Dave]