Lowering an S50

A

Aimee M

New member
I'm a new rider, and I love my new bike! However, I'm 5'3" tall, and I'm having trouble reaching the ground with confidence. I wear boots when I ride, but I still have to sit forward at stops and scoot back when I ride long distances. I have looked at lowering shocks from scootworks, but I want some advice before I spend close to $300 for them.

Is there a different (better) source for the shocks? Will I have to lower the front forks as well? Will the ride be rougher if I lower the bike? Are they difficult to install?

Any advice will be great!
 
Progressive 412 shocks are a great way to lower the S60 in the back, and they will improve both handling and ride quality, as the stock shocks kind of suck. If you rarely carry a passenger you can go with the 11-inch regular duty, but if you often carry a passenger go with the 11.5-inch heavy duty. Cruisercustomizing.com has then on sale for $229.46.
Putting them on is a snap. just do one side at a time, removing the two nuts that hold on the shocks, then pulling the shock off. Slip the new one on and install the nuts, then do the other side. Takes about 5 minutes. You will loose some ground clearance, so be careful on speed bumps and on agressive cornering.

Those will lower the back, and thus the seat, an inch to an inch and a half, depending on which ones you get. If you try that, and it still isn't enough, you can lower the front an inch and a half also with Progressive lowing fork springs, part number PS-10-1556, usually about $90.
The install on these is a lot harder: you have to pull the forks off the bike, drain them, pull the stock prings out, slip in the new ones, add the right amount of fork oil, and put the front end back together. You will also loose a LOT of ground clearance and lean angle, so be prepared to grind the footpegs a lot in corners. I'd do this as a last resort, trying the back first and a custom seat second. There are some lower custon seats on the market, or you can have the stock one reworked to remove some of the padding and lower it an inch or so without lowering the bike.
 
I've been holding off on spending the money, but I will look into the ones you've suggested. I've also been considering a custom seat after looking at some of the other threads.

Thanks so much!
 
I took my S50 to a local upholstery guy and he took off a 1/2" each from the sides and an inch off the seat itself, cost me $90. I'm 4'10" and I can flat foot with very slightly bent knees now. The only thing I still have a problem with is backing it up against an incline so I avoid that at all costs.

Aloha,
Kehau
 
I understand about the inclines. I have trouble moving it because of the weight, but not being able to flat foot it makes me feel unstable.

Thanks for the advice!
 
:banana:
I just finished installing the shocks you suggested, and the effect was worth the money! I can flat foot the bike on both sides, and the ride is soooo much better than the stock shocks! It only took a few minutes to install them, and my leatherlykes fit perfectly over them.

Thanks so much for the advice you have given me (the shocks, the pipes, etc.) If you were here, I'd buy you a beer!!!

:cheers:
 
Beer? Hell, for beer I'll ride to Oklahoma!

Glad to help. I love those Progressives- you don't realize how much the stock shocks suck until you ride with the Progressives. The fork springs improve the ride and handling considerably. I did mine (stock length) and it was well worth the effort.

Where in Oklahoma are you? I'll be riding to Texas Wednesday and staying for a few days, for an Intruder owneres rally at Possum Kingdom state park.
 
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OK City, eh? I was there last year on my antique Harley for a shovelhead owners gathering.

Yup, the Texas thing an annual event started four years ago called Dead Snakes and Tumbleweeds (long story). Usually there are about 100 people there for four days of riding, partying, and BBQ. You're only about 230 miles away- come buy for that beer and bring a sleeping bag.

There is a big Intruder Owner's Clubb rally in North Carolina each spring also, if you get the itch to do a road trip next June.
 
That's closer than I thought. I wish I had known before now. I have reserve drill this next weekend. Maybe next year! If you're back up this way again, I make good on the beer!
 
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