V7C - I assume the two rear shocks are the same?

[rossw]

Sorry to dig up an old thread here.
Looking at lowering my V7C. Going with Todd's YSS shocks.
What's the most amount that someone has safely lowered their bike? I'd like to go somewhere between 1/2-1". At what point would I have clearance issues, or have to cut down the kickstand?
What length shorter shocks has anyone else used?
BTW, the Sachs shocks should be called Suchs.

One thing to bear in mind when you are using shorter shocks is that the angle of the swing arm is different. This could (theoretically) put additional stress on the drive shaft universal joint if you allow too much upward travel.

 

[Moto Fugazzi]

Sorry to dig up an old thread here.
Looking at lowering my V7C. Going with Todd's YSS shocks.
What's the most amount that someone has safely lowered their bike? I'd like to go somewhere between 1/2-1". At what point would I have clearance issues, or have to cut down the kickstand?
What length shorter shocks has anyone else used?
BTW, the Sachs shocks should be called Suchs.

One thing to bear in mind when you are using shorter shocks is that the angle of the swing arm is different. This could (theoretically) put additional stress on the drive shaft universal joint if you allow too much upward travel.

If I drop the front forks in the triple trees the same amount, will the angle still be different?
I'll most likely be going to 370 mm vs. the 390 mm stock length (about .8" shorter). Is it enough to strain the drive shaft? Thanks for the heads up.

 

[john zibell]

Dropping the forks will not change the swing arm angle. Swing arm angle is determined by the relation of the rear drive to the frame. A shorter shock will impact this angle. However, I don't believe you will have any adverse impact on the drive shaft. It will change the oil level at the drain plug (If on a center stand). For that reason, when changing oil, leave the level plug in place. Drain and fill with a measured amount of oil and ignore the plug. Before you put the short shocks on the rear, have someone hold the bike upright (a level across the frame will ensure repeatable measures) and measure a point at the rear and front of the frame. Once the short shocks are installed, repeat the procedure. Lower the forks to obtain the same relative difference between front and rear measurements. That will maintain the factory geometry.