Suspension/Lower

[UTAH INFANTRY]

If I lower the rear do I have to lower the front? Can I change the rear shocks without a Jack?

[Jess from VA]

If I lower the rear do I have to lower the front?

No.  Rear shocks are 13".  You can go to a 12" shock and leave the front end alone. You can go to 11.5, but the bike will drag so easily in corners I wouldn't.

An Ultimate Lowboy will also lower you to the ground an additional inch from stock seat height. You can go to a 55 profile car tire in back for a few millimeters.

Unless you are 5' 2", this should do it without slipping the forks.

Can I change the rear shocks without a Jack?

I suppose it's possible, but being able to take the tension off the shock bolts makes it easier to remove them.  And once the 2d shock is off the tail end will sit down on the wheel and has to be lifted up to get new ones back on. 

You ought to have a jack and adapter if you're keeping the bike.

[98valk]

yes and no. changing rear height can affect wheelbase length which can affect the rake and trail.
all of this will affect the stock handling, some bikes better some worst. some setups have zero affect. just something to know if the bike feels different and to research so u know why.

http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html

http://sportbike.natkd.com/motorcycle_geometry_101.htm

[Pete]

You can change the shocks, one at a time by using a small bottle jack.

First set the shock preload to high on the shock you are not changing and to low on the shock you are changing.

Then use the bottle jack under the frame cross member  (where the side stand attaches) on the side you are changing.

Jack the side you want to remove until the shock loosens up for removal. You do not have to jack very far for the shock to loosen on the attachment points.

I do the high side first then switch the preload settings and move the jack to the low side.

A 3/4 inch board under the side stand foot when doing the high side puts less pressure on the side stand. I remove the 3/4 inch board when doing the low side.

Low = left side (clutch lever)    High side= right side (throttle side)

Works for me.

[UTAH INFANTRY]

THANKS for the replies.
I have the Progressive 412's. Any opinions?

[Momz]

I have the 11 1/2 inch 412s and a Saddleman "Profiler" seat (lowest seat for the Valk).
This setup works just fine and I don't slow down for the twisties.

[UTAH INFANTRY]

Momz,
Any issue with your tire rubbing.? Also did you lower your forks?

[larryh0841]

I use the 11 1/2" Progressive HD 412's and have about 55,000 miles on them with no issues.  I usually ride two-up and always leave them on the lowest setting.  I had used a set of non-HD 412's before and they failed (leaked) after about 20,000 miles.  They are not rebuildable.  As for the forks; I lowered the front of the Interstate using the method described in my article in Shop Talk, Lowering Valkyrie Forks.  I don't believe that you can safely "slip" the front forks in the triple clamps for the reasons stated in the article.   I have removed the nut cages as I had a problem with the tire rubbing when pulling a trailer.  No rubbing issues without the trailer.  I think the trailer was creating some side thrust that caused the rubbing.  I do not use a car tire.           Larry

[Momz]

UYTAH INFANTRY,
Have never had an issue with the tire rubbing.

[Kaiser]

Momz - you're just a little fella.  No wonder your tire doesn't rub.