Lowering a 650

I got my first bike, as it was given to me by my uncle. He bought it new in 1981, since then it's been in the family, and it's now mine as my first bike. Everything on it is stock, I have rebuilt the carbs, new brakes, new tires, checked valve clearance. Ive done a lot of basic mechanical stuff. Now I wanna start making it look good, but I don't wanna hack any of the frame. How can I lower the back end? What are the best rear shocks? I've seen people use harley sportster 13" but Could I use 11"?

 

Lowering the rear will significantly change the handling unless you compensate at the front and that presents a whole new set of challenges.

I strongly recommend you use the opportunity of having a properly-maintained stock bike to learn how to ride. And not die in the process. I'm serious.

There will be plenty of time for mods; but for now, concentrate on your roadcraft, not looking cool.

If lowering the bike is necessary for practical reasons, then you can drop an inch or so at each end without too much difficulty or adverse effect. But don't do the "Harley shock" thing; buy the correct shocks but in a shorter length. Progressive Suspension offers shocks in different lengths, separate springs in different rates, etc; and won't break the bank. And you can slide the forks up in the trees an inch or so with no issues.

 

Those Harley shocks are stiff, and don't use the Honda Rebel shocks either( not rated for a 650's weight). You would be better off with the shorter Progressives like Fitz mentioned, but if money is a issue you use Suzuki Savage 650( S40) shocks at 10.5 inches.

 

Thanks, I've been riding for a year, and I'm comfortable with a bike. I actually thought lowering would make the bike easier to control like a car? I didn't know they made after market shocks. I've just seen people talk about the Harley's, but not much of anything else. Idc about what brand it is and don't wanna spend TOO much moneyust something that is correct fit and looks nice and safe. But let's say 10.5" shock would that fit without rubbing the rear fender and tire? And would I have to move the front down? I'm a college student so I have to plan my money right now during the summer. I like to get ball park range on how much I need to save for this winter to buy these parts, and put them on. Like I said I wanna keep a stock frame so mainly looking for just bolt on parts.

 

Lowering it would take away from its handling, making it easier to deck the pipes and foot pegs and thus more dangerous, so if thats your only purpose then don't waste the effort and money.

 

All we know is "650" right now.

Is this indeed a 650 Maxim, probably an '80 ~'81?

 

The Harley shocks would require a special bushing to mount whereas the Suzuki or the Progressives would be a direct swap. People on this site have done a 1 1/2" to 2" rear drop on Maxim's without having to drop the front for handling. That being said, If would most likely want the front and rear even if you have the Seca. On the Max, depends on how you ride.

 

If you plan on having a frequent passenger, you would be better off leaving it as is.

 

Sorry, the bike is a 1981 maxim xj650

 

how long the shocks are when it's just sitting there is one thing but what counts is how long they are when they bottom out and they better be long enough to not let the u-joint bind up so don't get carried away

 

Could I cut the springs down like people have done with their cars?

 

Cutting springs down makes them stiffer.

Now that we know what bike you have, I will give you some suggestions in the morning, it's getting late.