Taller rear tire and lowering the rear ?

[TrapperAH1G]

Not so much looking for suggestions as practical application/experience comments.

2000 Std and looking to go DS with either 185/75 or 195/70.  I wasn't having any issue flatfooting with stock rear tire (180/70) and OEM pegs.  Now that I have footboards, my legs are forced a bit farther out and it's a stretch.  Yes, I'm short:  5'8" with 30 inseam.  I want to lower rpms and I'm going DS, so taller tire, but I'm also wanting to change shocks to lower the rear and hopefully get my feet back on the ground. 

SO, anyone that has done this (both) please comment on what you did, what length shocks you used and how you like it.  Of course, especially interested in hearing about dragging the boards issues, but also ride 2 up often and worry about bottoming.  I have Progressive 11" shocks but wonder if those are too short for the Valk, worked great on my ACE Tourer.  Yes, checked with Progressive and they are the correct shock for both bikes.....surprised me.

Basically, I guess I'm asking what is the shortest shock I can use and be at least somewhat safe against bottoming 2 up.  I assume I'll drag if I get too crazy with carving and can live with that.  Thank you in advance for your help.

Ride safe, ride often, stay healthy.

[Valkorado]

Austone Taxi Tire with Progressive 444 13" Heavy Duty shocks. Two up and loaded.  Rubbed though the paint on the inside upper front part of rear fender, have the rub marks to prove it.

I wouldn't recommend going low and tall!   

[Chrisj CMA]

Lowered with floorboards might have a visual appeal but I couldn’t ride that without leaving chrome all over the place. But I guess if you just always go straight it could work

[The emperor has no clothes]

I don't see any way your idea of a tall tire and shorter shocks will work. If you do come across some 195/70 tires though, I'd be interested. Post them up. The closest I've been able to come across is 195/65.

[Rams]

I don't see any way your idea of a tall tire and shorter shocks will work. If you do come across some 195/70 tires though, I'd be interested. Post them up. The closest I've been able to come across is 195/65.

In a recent query to find a replacement for my Austone Taxi Tire, all of these have been suggested.

The Maxxis 175r16
The Zeetex CT-1000 LTT, 42 psi. 
The Champiro VP1 and
The Firestone Transforce CV in 195/75R 16C

I am seriously considering the Zeetex but, none of those seem to fit what you're looking for.  The Firestone seems the closest.

Rams

[The emperor has no clothes]

I don't see any way your idea of a tall tire and shorter shocks will work. If you do come across some 195/70 tires though, I'd be interested. Post them up. The closest I've been able to come across is 195/65.

In a recent query to find a replacement for my Austone Taxi Tire, all of these have been suggested.

The Maxxis 175r16
The Zeetex CT-1000 LTT, 42 psi. 
The Champiro VP1 and
The Firestone Transforce CV in 195/75R 16C

I am seriously considering the Zeetex but, none of those seem to fit what you're looking for.  The Firestone seems the closest.

Rams

Thanks  I'm pretty happy with my 195/65. But if a decent candidate in 195/70 came along, I'd likely give it a try.

[Jess from VA]

I'm 5'9" with a 29' pants inseam and have floorboards and 13" shocks on both bikes and I have no problem with my feet down (even with a taller Ultimate bigboy seat).  But not always both flatfooted.

I would never lower a Valk past 12.5" shocks; you will drag things badly if you lean the bike.

So don't stick a 65 profile tire on the back.  Either a 60 or a 55 (a 55 probably gives you as much lowering as going to 12.5" shocks.... maybe a quarter inch).  There may be no 175 or 195's with 55 profiles, only 205 55 16's.

Your simple and effective solution is to stop trying to get both feet down at every stop, and instead roll into stops slow and straight on good pavement, slightly lean left and put the left foot down only, with the right foot on the brake pedal (to stop from rolling fore or aft).  This is how all riding was taught back when I was in Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes.  Except for high crosswinds or some bad pothole or manhole cover situations, left foot down is as stable as both feet down, even more stable if done properly.  Guys with both feet down often wobble the bike around at stops; not if slightly leaned left on left foot only.  But if you have never done it, it takes some practice until it becomes muscle memory.  Practice without a passenger.

Wear good traction sole boots (maybe with a bit of a built up sole).