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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
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Message started by luckyeddy on 03/14/07 at 04:08:28

Title: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by luckyeddy on 03/14/07 at 04:08:28

I lurked on this site last year while I was considering an S40, I ended up buying a 99 triumph legend 900 which I rode for the summer. I grew to dislike this bike due to its weight and complexity and am in the process of getting it ready to sell.
I find myself drawn back to the S40 for its classic looks and mechanical simplicity, as well as the economical purchase price (plus the new dark blue is very nice!!)

Question: I am 6'2" and the only thing I don't like about the S40 is the low seat, But I think if I could put longer shocks on it it would raise up the seat height and decrease the effective rake angle, which should make the steering slightly quicker.
Has anyone of my height made these modifications, and if so what effect did they have on ridablity and feel of bike??

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/14/07 at 06:12:48

I have 12.5" Progressive shocks on mine and I love the feel.

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by azjay on 03/14/07 at 06:23:32

luckyeddy wrote:

Question: I am 6'2" and the only thing I don't like about the S40 is the low seat, But I think if I could put longer shocks on it it would raise up the seat height and decrease the effective rake angle, which should make the steering slightly quicker.
Has anyone of my height made these modifications, and if so what effect did they have on ridablity and feel of bike??

it sounds like a custom seat install, might be an excellent option too.

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by LANCER on 03/14/07 at 06:34:14

I have 12.5" Progressive shocks as well and love them. The extra range helps a lot on the road. I am not a tall person at 5'7" but I do weight 203 lbs which works the rear suspension a bit more. I also like the slightly quicker steering with the raised angle.

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by serowbot on 03/14/07 at 10:19:43

Here's a pic of mine with 12.5" suzuki intruder 800 shocks and a 2" front of seat lift. Much more comfortable. Watch for belt guard clearance.

http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2007%5C03%5C08%5Cbikepics-823489-full.jpg

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by Reelthing on 03/14/07 at 11:12:55

Search the site well on the longer shock question - they have pros and cons -

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by luckyeddy on 03/14/07 at 13:09:57

Serowbot: that is cool!!!! That is the sort of look I have in mind.

Was the handling affected at all by the change in the steering geometry?

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by serowbot on 03/14/07 at 14:40:05

Thanks.
Handling is much improved. Handlebars help too. For more tech info and pics of my bike go to this link.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1173226011

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/15/07 at 05:42:11

I would point out that you'll need to raise the front end to level the engine when checking the oil level.

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by luckyeddy on 03/15/07 at 08:09:39

Hadn't thought of that.

Does the change in levelness of the engine affect the lubrication? I have heard of people burning their engines up riding extended wheelies does this apply here?

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by serowbot on 03/15/07 at 17:21:37

No worries about that. It just might change the check level a bit. Check it once level with the right amount of oil, then check it after the change. From then on you know, mine looks a bit low. FYI I also cut the pe0cock's reserve tube to adjust for the tilt (one screen window gave me 2gal to reserve, up from 1.7gal).

Title: Re: I'm Back, Question Aftermarket shock?
Post by franch on 03/15/07 at 17:42:27

thus we are reminded of how flexible and customizable the savage remains. it works for people from 5'7" to those that tower at over 6'
let alone the ease of maintenance; a person could spend a small fortune at the bike shop;
by the way it's not just back yard mechanics that like to save time on maintenance...it all equates to more ride time