1st post new member - lowering wife's 1st bike

7

78CB400aHawk

New Member
Saw this site mentioned on another forum and thought I could get some insight from you guys.

Bought my wife a 1978 Honda Hawk CB400A. It is a semi-automatic. She is transitioning from a scooter to a bike. Took her from 49cc to 150cc. Now moving to the 400cc bike so she can learn front brake right hand, back brake right foot, shift left foot. Moving to full motorcycle will mean she only has to learn the clutch aspect.

The bike is about 2 inches too tall. She is on the balls of her feet and therefore the weight of the bike seem much more work without a good flat footed stance.

Looking for advice on lowering the bike. I have already bought another seat pan and when it arrives will be getting a customized seat. Hoping that will be enough.
Think I have about an inch room in the forks to just slide them up the tree.

Mostly looking for advice on how to handle the shocks. Can't find any aftermarket lowering blocks specifically for this bike. wondering if anyone has any suggestions?
Located in Baltimore, MD
thanks for your time.
B
 
Is there a reason your wife hasn't taken an MSF course? This is the best way for her to get her feet wet with a clutch and get a discount on your insurance. Also dropping their bike is better than dropping your bike. The lowering thing goes against some guys grain, but reality is, the rider needs as much confidence and control as possible. You'll be able to get some of it out of the seat. you can make some of it up with decent boots, if that isn't enough, it doesn't hurt to lower the forks an inch, and if you absolutely need to, can buy a little shorter shock. I and many of my friends have done it for our girls, and we've never had an issue... In fact one of our girls tracks a lowered R6, she's 5"1" and this was the only way we could get her on the bike...
 
78CB400aHawk said:
have found an adapter kit to go from a Clevis to Clevis over to an Eye to Clevis rear shock.
anyone use something like this? (2nd item down) http://www.lowridersbysummers.com/parts/index.htm
anyone have a source on 300mm or shorter Clevis to Clevis shocks?

my wife was just using a scooter, so until now the course hasn't be necessary.
Click to expand...

Not trying to be a dick, the course should be mandatory for all new two wheel riders. It will give her a lot of info to keep ahead of the game. Get her signed up a.s.a.p. It's the best thing you can do for her. My wife never rode anything, A weekend at MSF and she's been riding for 13 years without issue. Good luck, I think your wife will dig that little Honda....
 
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