Lower the height of an IS

[PushStart]

Is there a cheap way to lower the height of an Interstate?  I've got a 30" inseam and my bike is a little hard for me to handle.  I've read about seats that would be better for a short guy.  Also about shorter shocks.  Both are a little spendy.  Just wondering if I'm missing a less expensive way.  Thanks.

[sandy]

If you loosen (on a lift) the pinch bolts on the triple trees and raise up the fork tubes no more than 3/4"; the front end will come down. The rear shocks will then need to be replaced with shorter shocks to lower the rear. 12 1/2" is stock height. Progressive has shorter shocks, but this isn't cheap or free like the front end. Corbin seats are lower or you could have your seat modified by a local shop. Narrow the nose of the seat and remove some foam and recover.

[PushStart]

Thanks Sandy.  A previous owner has put on 13" 440 series progressives.  It really feels top heavy and leans serverly on the kickstand.  Its a struggle for me at times to get her uprighted from the stand.  I'll try the front fork thing but I know what I really need is 12.5" or even 12" shocks.  Thanks again.

[draino]

ch the settings on the rear shocks.  Lower the setting to 1 and the rear feels much lower.

[flatsixrider]

I run a goldwing rear tire on my Valk which sets the rear about 1/2 inch lower.  This will increase your RPM a bit, but nothing severe.  Probably the least expensive way to lower the backside. 

   

[RP#62]

My wife has a 28" inseam and here's what we did on her Tourer - slipped the front forks 3/4" as Sandy noted, put 11.5" Progressive shocks on the back, put Deuce risers to bring the bars back a little, cut some of the foam out of the stock seat and narrowed the nose of the seat by heating the pan and bending it in a little.
-RP

[Zorba]

The cheap and quick way is put a 205/55 car tire on back for $89 to $120 and drop your shock setting to the bottom ? or have an inch foam taken out of your seat or an inch and 3/4 and put in a thin gel pad ?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Thanks Sandy.  A previous owner has put on 13" 440 series progressives.  It really feels top heavy and leans serverly on the kickstand.  Its a struggle for me at times to get her uprighted from the stand.  I'll try the front fork thing but I know what I really need is 12.5" or even 12" shocks.  Thanks again.

I have some stock shocks let me know if we can work something out .

[Dragon Rider]

I also got tired of lifting her off the side stand.  Two things helped greatly

1st I got the rivco sidestand foot, adds about an inch to the sidestand so she doesn't lean over as much.  Downside is I keep grinding it on left hand turns.  It hits before the pegs. But this problem will solve itself with time.
 


link
http://www.hellrisercustoms.com/bikes/vtx/category/Chrome/subcat/Covers

2nd.  I changed how I get on the bike. I now throw my right leg over, and step down hard on the right peg and use this force, instead of only lifting with my left leg, and she comes right up.

[PushStart]

Wow!  You guys are a wealth of information.  I'm excited about trying several things.  I'm wondering how short I should go with the shocks...my wife sometimes rides with me and we load up the bags and trunk when we travel.  Is there a fear of bottoming out sooner or do the springs compensate and just allow less travel?  If 12 1/2" is OEM I'm thinking I'd like to try 12"ers.

[Larry]

I wouldn't set the shocks too low on the preload as you will screw up the travel of the shock and wind up bottoming out the shock with too low a setting. Just something to watch for. I pack around a small piece of plywood and throw it under the sidestand when parking. Could also use a hockey puck, I just havn't got around to getting one. Attach a piece of string to it so when you stand up the bike while your on it you can pick up the "Uprighter Equalizer" easily.

[MP]

Also, as you lower the bike, you will drag hard parts sooner in a curve.  Can't lean over as far.  So, do what you can to lower seating position without lowering the bike, then start lowering the bike.  You do not have to be able to get both feet flat on the ground to be OK.

[Disco]

I agree with MP.  Start with the seat before changing the suspension.  And, if you remove some foam under your butt, and also to narrow the nose, don't forget to remove some under your "boys" to make sure they don't get crowded.