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Need to lower my xj700 maxim x

Discussion in 'For Sale, Trade/Swap, Wanted' started by Briefs1969, Sep 25, 2018.

  1. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Hi all
    Anyone got any tips on how to drop a xj700 maxim x by around 3 inches more if possible I am a short arse so I want to be able to get my feet flat on the ground as the xj 700 ent no light weight. Any input would be appreciated
    Stay safe
     
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    The u-joint for the driveline won't allow that much of a drop.
    You can reshape the seat for a better fit (make it a bit narrower), or practice putting one foot down.
    I've seen short people (under 5'6") ride dual-sport bikes (heavy ones) with 34" seat heights and not have problems. It just takes practice. Having both feet down is only occasionally helpful.
     
  3. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Hi k-meo
    Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I guess I kinda of stuck with how much I drop it as its a shaft drive and as you pointed out the u join. I was going to try a short shock in the back to see but I don't know how short of a shock I can go I think it has 320mm on it as stock... I don't want to buy short shocks and end up stuck with them
     
  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    A 2" drop is about all you can do, and even that is pushing things a bit. Between that and a reshaped seat you should get her where you want her to be.
     
  5. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Fingers crossed as I am a short guy 5'2" and I was on virgo and magna seats heights are perfect for me. I found this xj700 and fell in love with it and I want this to be a keeper
     
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    You can cut about 2" of foam off of the seat. Look at my "pseudo-bob" in my gallery to see just how far down you can cut.

    Dave Fox
     
  7. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Sweet thank you so much I have a look now
     
  8. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    I resemble that remark who you calling short ? I'm 5'6" lol snicker omg I sound like Matti.
     
  9. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Hey us short people like to play as well.
     
  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Short is a non-pejorative descriptor where I come from.
    Grandma was 5'3", could kick anyone's backside, and rode a mid-30's HD when she was younger.
     
  11. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Cool grandma . Being short never bothered me but it's a pain in the butt when you trying to get a bike to fit. My son is 6ft and his mother was 6ft 1. We Irish say it easy to climb a tree when it's fled
     
  12. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

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    Hey. Matti is 5'10"
     
  13. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Dang, you're short!!!
    Dave (6'3")
     
  14. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

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    I guess this is a bad time to mention that im 6'2" . Says a lot for the XJ series. "The bike for all ages and sizes"
     
  15. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Hey I have a bit of a task ahead of me but I will rise above it :confused:I hope. By the way guys I was working on my carburetor today and I need a air bather t Joint mukiu bs33. one of mine is broke so put the word out. I drop 2 inches on the springs at the rear I think and chopping the saddle with give me a inch or so. Is cutting the springs a good idea of should I look for a shorter shock . I really appreciate you guys taking the time to reply to me
     
  16. JPaganel

    JPaganel Well-Known Member

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    I have dropped a few bikes for my wife.

    Shorter shocks and sliding fork tubes up in the tree are good options, but going over 1.5-2 inches with that is a problem both with road clearance and with suspension and driveline geometry. Chopping the seat is a good way to go.

    I wouldn't cut the springs.

    Also, keep in mind that if you lower shocks and forks, you need to shorten the kickstand. Otherwise the bike would sit too upright and would be easy to tip over.
     
  17. Briefs1969

    Briefs1969 New Member

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    Cheers for that. I am reluctant to cut the springs myself just wondering does anyone know what the smallest size rear shocks I can use
     
  18. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Given the relatively upright nature of the shock, I'd suggest getting a pair that are no more than 1.75" shorter than stock.
     

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