Rear Ride Height: A pet peeve fixed for about $10

[Joe Nardy]

Nick,

Another less expensive option is Ikon shocks. They may not be as good as Ohlins but they are very nice. They build them to your weight and riding style and can make them longer if you like. I have a set of 1 inch longer Ikons on my '83 1100E and I love them. The added rear ride height quickens the steering a bit and still leaves enough centerstand clearance for maintenance tasks.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[nick1000]

Thanks Joe, I didn't know Ikon would build custom heights, good info.

But...a solution to my pet peeve is in the mail from Norm...!! I should get a chance to mess with them this weekend and will post up a photo and some details. I love that my bike will look stock, but with a bit of stance...

Norm's solution will actually involve engineering and load-path issues and...well...all the details that I simply skip right over!! :dancing:

 

[nick1000]

Oh my Lord!!!

Oh my Lord!!!

Landed today, got home, opened the mail box to find a neat little package from Norm....tore open the package and you guys won't believe how cool the pieces look!
Do they fit?
Good question...had to go in the house and have dinner, be sociable, drink Vodka...but tomorrow I'll get out the wrenches and camera.
Be prepared for some factory-cool work...awesome job Norm...if they don't fit, they're going into the china cabinet for display!!
Oh..uh...yes, they look better than my solution...Thanks for the exquisite work Norm...NI

 

[eddie21]

Waiting with bated breath to read about a successful install of these coveted parts!

 

[Guest]

Nick, I really like the use of the word "imagineer" (mind if I steal it?)

I find myself being one of those that imagines a really great product but simply cannot make it materialize from coat hangers and duct tape.

Post dem pics!

Then perhaps we can get started on a universal handlebar mount that can securely hold everything from a can of beverage to an Ipod and all things in between, GPS, Go-Pros, Phones, Jammers, whathaveya...

 

[nick1000]

You won't believe it!!

You won't believe it!!

Fellers...what Norm (Storm 64) made exceeded my expectations...it literally took me 10 minutes to install his pieces, they fit like factory parts. Norm, great job....there was absolutely no problem...how often does that happen?

I snapped some photos and will try to load them...so far I've only been able to load one "thumbnail" pic at a time...will experiment...or post a few posts.

There's a little note I added on one because I suspect these ride height pieces might become popular and nobody should suspect I made them. I clean parts, I don't make parts!!

Yes, you can use "imagineer" any time and any place. Please send $5 each useage. :dancing: (Not.) But seriously, seems like Storm 64 can make anything we can imagine...out of stainless!

Fun stuff, thanks again Storm 64. It's the little tweaks that make something "just right" and getting a little rear ride height really works for me.

Finally...what a terrific Forum experience. For someone I've never met to make pieces from scratch to satisfy a pet peeve...makes me happy and proud to be on GSR. NI

 

[nick1000]

Another pic

Another pic

Another pic of Storm 64's work...installed. Yeah...it's good.

 

[nick1000]

View with Storm 64's Pieces

View with Storm 64's Pieces

Side shot with the shock extensions in place. Have tried to put two photos in a post but have failed due to my significant retardation.

 

[nick1000]

Thinning of Rear Brake Thingamabob

Thinning of Rear Brake Thingamabob

Basically ground down the rear-brake actuator and a tiny bit of the mount so the swingarm could drop a bit lower...then touched it up with a bit of black paint. That, fellow members, is the abolute limit of my fabrication skills.

Oh, did I mention that Storm 64 cut 10mm fine metric threads, exactly like the stock shock? Yeah, he did.

It's a one-inch rise for the rear, so the tire doesn't touch the ground on the centerstand. Poifect.

 

[nick1000]

How the bike looked stock

How the bike looked stock

Here's a before shot...keep in mind that I've lowered the front until the air caps almost touch the handlebar.

This doesn't look bad...but what is "not bad"? Not good!!!!!

 

[Guest]

THE PART -

BEFORE

AFTER

Let us know about performance & feel.

Excellent storm 64 !:clap:

 

[posplayr]

that is a nice part and should work well.

 

[Charlie G]

Looks great! Things like this have happened to me around here.

cg

 

[eddie21]

It was my turn today to find a nice little box at my door with the coveted shock extensions inside. What a treat! After reading Nick's review I expected them to be quite nice... but they are beautiful! I can't thank you enough Norm, good man!

The extensions



Check out Norm's "storm64" logo on the pieces, attention to detail is the mark of a true craftsman!

 

[OLDENUFF]

I'd sure like a set of those for my L. The old back isn't up to getting it on the centre stand like when I was a few years younger. I'd be happy to pay.

 

[nick1000]

Oldenuff...Storm64's pieces really help with lifting the bike onto the sidestand...it's like buttah.
One thing I noticed yesterday: on an '80 S model, the rear brake actuator that I trimmed down rotates up and hits the swingarm when you apply the rear brake if the bike is on the centerstand. So, if your swingarm is under full extension the rear brake isn't too useful. Not a big deal, just an fyi. NI

 

[tatu]

beautifully crafted peices lovely work Storm64.

 

[OLDENUFF]

What a guy that Norm is. PM'd me and offered up a set. Thanks very much. Greatly appreciated.

 

[storm 64]

Not to be the one that toots his own horn, but this was a fun project.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Hey Norm, did not know you were a machinist. Cool!

Toot your own horn, why don't you? Lol


Ed