How can I lower a motorcycle? Where can I buy vintage bike parts?

Question

I just purchased a 1977 Suzuki GS550. I am kinda short and would like to lower the bike like 1 or 2 inches. What is the best way to do this? Also what are some good resources for oldschool bike parts? I am new to the world of motor cycles so take it easy on me. Thanks

Answer 1

OK I think you have presented yourself with a challenge on this one. Firstly the bike is not designed to be lowered so your first option is to go buy a shorter bike. Ignoring that option I would not recommend going shorter than an inch with the suspension changes and then I would look at getting a set of rear shocks that were stock one inch shorter. Look for a motorcycle wrecker to see if they have any. You will also have to move the front forks down on the triple clamps the same amount as not adjusting both will do horrible things to the bikes handling. The big downfall with this option is that you are making the wheels closer to the mudguard (rear) and the bottom of the triple clamp (front) which means that you risk "bottoming out". This is very bad and not an option if you value staying upright. The best option is to have the seat modified by removing the existing foam and just having a thinner hi density pad. This may not be as comfortable on longer rides but it means that you are not effecting the bikes cornering characteristics which at best could be considered "entertaining".

Answer 2

The easiest way is to get another seat. My friend had the same problem. He was able to find shorter rear shocks on the Internet and lowered the rear 2 inches but that made it impossible for one person to put the bike on the center stand.
Some front forks you can lower by sliding the tubes up in the clamps. Some you can not. You can cut 1 " off the springs and lower the front, I wouldn't recommend any more than that you might run into a bottoming out problem.
My friend found a lower seat on eBay and installed it and put the stock springs back on and it fits him perfect now. The bike looks good with the lower seat. It did look kind of funny with the shorter shocks and forks. And one other thing to realize when modifying suspension is you change the geometry of the bike, hence handling is changed also. You have seen the mod's some people are making when they move the real wheel back 6 inches and put the monster wide rear tire on ? Try turning that pig in a fast corner. I know a rider who did not make a turn his buddies up front made in their stock bikes and was on a overpass, he hit the wall and dropped 35' as you can guess he did not make it.

Answer 3

The GS550 has twin shocks but they are the old style and not nitrogen charged so you can probably do it yourself.

The easiest way is to shorten the shock shafts then re-thread the ends. You also need to cut the springs off the same amount then grind the ends flat perpendicular to the shock shaft. If you are a machinist or an accomplished mechanic it should not be too difficult to do.

The forks will be easier because you can raise them up in the triple clamps. A shop manual will be a great help.

You should try to lower both ends the same amount or you will change the geometry of the bike.

Ebay is your best source for used or vintage bike parts.

Good luck.

[;-)

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Answer 4

I buy Hondas, yet I ride an HD. It was a present from my oldest son when he came back from Iraq. In a couple of different boxes. My experience is that Harleys can be as reliable as Hondas, with the exception of that belt drive. Oil changes and tires - and no valve adjustments. Edit: I disagree, Paul. While the kid had no clue about motorcycles, he did have some others. Value for the money? You spent more than we, and I agree that mine was overpriced. However, IF I had wanted airbags, abs and REVERSE, I would have bought a $21,000 automobile instead of the less expensive motorcycle. Actually, I did do just that. I got 4 doors with power windows and locks, power adjust heated mirrors, heated 6 way power seats, ac, killer heat, seatbelts, airbags, abs, am/fm 6cd changer, the security of 3 extra wheels, 4 wheel drive, and reverse came as standard. People buy many things for many different reasons. I bought the car to suit my wife. When it comes to motorcycles, it seems like there is usually an emotional content that you don't find with any other type of vehicle. I don't ride motorcycles because I need transport from point A to B. I ride because I wish to. I ride what I wish to. It gets me from point A to Beyond. There are times I ride simply for the discomfort - and while I know that is hard to understand for many, there are a few who do. After having had Hondas, Suzuki, and Yamaha, this one happens to be a Harley. It is serving the purpose well.

Answer 5

There are lowering blocks.
Unbolt the lower shock bolt, and bolt one end of the block to the swing are, where the shock used to bolt, and the other end to the lower shock bolt.
This lowers the rear of the bike.
It also changes the angle of the shock (slanted more to the rear at the bottom), so it softens the ride.

The link below is an example of what I'm talking about:

http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=A83C214F-35DA-4614-BB95-DD1341D3DA50

Answer 6

Let the tyres down a bit