What shock options to lower the Valk?

[BF]

Thinking about lowering the Valk.  I'm a tall person, but the inseam is not so much and usually I can't flat foot the bike.  Would like it lower.  

Ride mostly by myself  to and from work and running errands and such, but also ride two up some on the weekends.  I'm 260 or so and together (gotta be careful here) we're not so lite....expecially on those water retaining days.  

I've read some here about installing shorter shocks, but which ones, and how short?  Can 11.5's work with big people two-up without rubbing....or is that too short....would 12's work?

Also, if I put shorter shocks on the rear, do I have to lower the front-end as well......or is it good with just shorter shocks?  

I know there is going to be kickstand issues, but I can deal with those, but what does it do to the handling (other than dragging footpegs....but I don't ride that extreme anyway)?

[GJS]

Hi BF,

I have recently lowerd my 99IS using the Progressive 412s.
They were inexpensive and look fabulous. I too, have a short inseam (30").
I ride with my wife on a car tire and on have only rubbed or bottomed out in extreme situations that would have likely bottemed anyway. (together we come in at 370lbs+)

As well I have a six degree rack kit with 1 and eigth fork externders, to level the bike end to end.
I believe the bike is about 1.25" shorter and 4 inches longer. I only have a few short trips since the conversion, but so far I like the handling and feel.

Good luck,

Glenn

[Larry]

I have a CT and mistakenly put on 12.5" HD 412's instead of the stock length 13". I'm bigger at 280 and two up on #5 preload the tire rubbed a bit on the bigger bumps, but only on the connector cover for the tail light. I like a firmer ride but didn't mind I was more flat footed when I stopped, the bike was out of balance with the firm frontend. I would try to lower the front a bit too to keep things level. All you do is slip the forks abit as I understand. Should be no problems lowering if your running a MC, but your experience may vary. There are several shock manufacturers out there but progressives seem to be the most common.

[BF]

I don't plan on going the darkside route any time soon, if ever.  So using a m/t, how low can I go? 

[Larry]

How low you go depends on how much clearance you need for your riding style and load. An inch and a half is a big drop but if you don't mind a firmer ride and keep your pre-load up there you should be ok in the back end. If you can slip the forks a bit you'll level out the bike and be better able to reach the ground. I'm not sure how much you can slip the forks, never tried it. You'll have look and see how far down the clamps can go. Might want to do a search on that or ask about that in a separate thread. Hope this helps.

[Bugslayer]

Thinking about lowering the Valk.  I'm a tall person, but the inseam is not so much and usually I can't flat foot the bike.  Would like it lower.  

Ride mostly by myself  to and from work and running errands and such, but also ride two up some on the weekends.  I'm 260 or so and together (gotta be careful here) we're not so lite....expecially on those water retaining days.  

I've read some here about installing shorter shocks, but which ones, and how short?  Can 11.5's work with big people two-up without rubbing....or is that too short....would 12's work?

Also, if I put shorter shocks on the rear, do I have to lower the front-end as well......or is it good with just shorter shocks?  

I know there is going to be kickstand issues, but I can deal with those, but what does it do to the handling (other than dragging footpegs....but I don't ride that extreme anyway)?

I've got Progressive 11.5"  412's (standard shock) on my Tourer. They ride firmer, and I haven't had any problem with them bottoming out. (I only ride solo, though).  I love the "lower" look. You might check into the 412 "HD" shock.

[BF]

Bug......did you do anything to the front end (lower or rake) or is it stock?  Did putting the lower shocks change the handling any...if so, how?

I really like the look of yours (plus it's red)  

[Bugslayer]

Bug......did you do anything to the front end (lower or rake) or is it stock?  Did putting the lower shocks change the handling any...if so, how?

I really like the look of yours (plus it's red)  

I didn't do anything to the front end. It's stock. I haven't noticed any changes in the handeling.  It rides just like it always did.
Personally, I wouldn't worry a bit about the front end.  I don't think that small about of difference in height affected the ride.

Yours looks good too. You've got it fixed up real nice. 

[fstsix]

I like the 412 11-1/2 gives the bike some attitude this is with Car tire always 2 up