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Xj650 Suspension

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by SwIrv, Nov 30, 2018.

  1. SwIrv

    SwIrv New Member

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    I'm currently in the process of tearing down my bike and planning on what I would like to have it look like for next spring. I wanted to drop the back but I understand its not that easy. I have been reading up on threads on lowering the rear suspension and if I choose to do so I would have to lower my front suspension as well.

    How would I lower my front suspension?
     
  2. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam Premium Member

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    Last edited: Nov 30, 2018
  3. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    lower back by getting shocks 1 inch shorter
    lower front end by letting fork tubes extend up through triple tree bracket then you can use clip on bars.
    second option is buying different forks that are shorter
     
  4. k-moe

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

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    The limiting factor in lowering an XJ is the u-joint for the shaft drive. 2" max drop, and even that is pushing things a bit.
     
  5. SwIrv

    SwIrv New Member

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    Thanks for the input!!
     
  6. Jadds

    Jadds Member

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    Hey k-moe,

    Does the same limitation apply to the U-Joint if you are lowering both the front and back of the XJ?
    Thanks,

    New to this game.

    JD
     
  7. k-moe

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

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    Yes. The OEM u-joint does not have a wide working angle. I can't see lowering an XJ more than 1" though given the limited ground clearance when turning.
     
  8. Jadds

    Jadds Member

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    Thanks K-Moe! Im a short dude and the stock bike and seat leaves me grabbing air with my feet.
    I will lower as much as I can...so 1 inch looks like its the best I can get (thanks for the advice!). Pair that with some seat alterations (a bit of marine ply with cable ties on the frame maybe) and I should be right?
    Im guessing there are no options for replacing the U-Joint for something with a wider angle?
     
  9. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    the swing arm traval spec is the range of movement of the ujoint.
    if you want to lower the bike get different wheels
    verago has 15 inch rear wheel
     
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  10. Jadds

    Jadds Member

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    Hey XJ550 H.
    Thanks for the hit up.
    So you don't recommend lowering it at all.
    I get the U-Joint issue. The working angle is not huge so lowering the springs eats up some of that useable angle already.
    Im just trying to get myself a little (like me) extra stability with my feet.
     
  11. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    if you lower using shorter shocks you have less rear tire clearance when you hit bumps.
    the driveshaft angle does change.
    the angle of shaft is affected by the weight of the rider so a taller heavier person would also affect angle.

    you could stay with stock rims and go down a size in tires for a little lowering
    just remember every change changes things
     
  12. Jadds

    Jadds Member

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    Thanks!

    I guess if I don't put the rear mudguard on this might not be a problem.
    Im still in two minds about what to do.
    When you say every change changes things....do you mean in relation to the bike geometry and how it feels to ride?
     
  13. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    yes on bike geometry .
    smaller size tires or smaller diameter tires affect handling and speed.
     
  14. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    smaller rear tire affects the front rake on the fork tubes
     
  15. k-moe

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

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    I'd just reccomending practice in sliding to one side of the seat and using one foot. I've seen many people shorter than I ride very tall bikes (taller than any XJ). Picture a 5'5" woman riding a BMW GS1100 without it having been lowered (she can pick it up from being dropped too).
     
  16. Jadds

    Jadds Member

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