lowering a CX500

[PaulieCX500]

I have a 1978 honda cx500 and its way to tall for me and in too tall i mean im on my tip toes when sitting on the bike itself, people must have been taller back in 78, how can i lower the bike without taking it in to the local shop and having them charge me 600 bucks in labor or more for probably two easy things.

 

[SONICJK]

Your best bet to maintain the stock suspension is build a lower profile seat. You can get 2 inches of drop at the seat easily and that should fix your problem.

Pull the seat cover, cut a couple inches of foam out, shape it up, and re-cover it.

 

[frenzy_rumble]

I put some shorter shocks in the back, lowered it about 1 ½" inches. I do have to have the kick stand trimmed about an inch though, or always park it on an angle.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Lowering the back slows the handling. Changes the angle of the front forks. Not necessarily a problem, just that people should be aware of what happens when you change the geometry. I like a nimble feel to the bike, so I would choose a seat foam carve out.

Also on the seat, you can replace some of the foam in the seating area with a gel cushion. They are thin, but give firm but comfortable support.

That;s my next project on my 750, make the seat comfy.

 

[McBrenner]

I'm aware that this post is about a month old, but I have a follow up question about lowering.

If one was to lower the rear a 1 inch, and ALSO lower the front a inch by sliding the forks up, would the geo. be the same as stock? Would that have a adverse affect on handing?

Thanks,
Mike