1100RT Lowering?

[Rollifahrer]

Does anyone have any comments on lowering an 1100RT?

Does anyone have any comments on shocks made by "Works"?

Thanks,

[shoeman]

I have standard Work Shox on my RT and they are fine- an improvement over standard OEM. No experience with low Shocks though.

[BLKB1RD]

I had a 2000 R1100RT, and when I changed shocks out at 40K I had the bike lowered about 1/2" BOY talk about change. YES I could stand flat footed BUT when I started playing TRACKDAY I lost out big time... dragging the pegs way to quick and when my wife would ride with me and the bike way under full load the rear tire was smacking the fender well with ever bump (OK I was on the ALCAN). If you NEED to lower it to be able to hold the bike up DO IT.. BUT if I had to do it again.. I sure WOULD NOT. BY the way I used Works shocks and they are GREAT.

Tom Casey

less then month old 2006 RED R1200RT ( never to be lowered)
1975 R75/6

[Rollifahrer]

Thanks for the info, Tom.

The Works guy said they are engineered to lower as much as an inch, but I don't want stuff grinding on every bump. Rarely drag pegs now, but sounds like dropping an inch could be a problem. I can stand flat footed but need a little more leverage, maybe carving out the seat is the better way to go.

Rick

[JimVonBaden1]

Thanks for the info, Tom.

The Works guy said they are engineered to lower as much as an inch, but I don't want stuff grinding on every bump. Rarely drag pegs now, but sounds like dropping an inch could be a problem. I can stand flat footed but need a little more leverage, maybe carving out the seat is the better way to go.

Rick

If you can flat-foot, you should stick with what you have. Learn to balance more, you shouldn't need any more "leverage".

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Ohlins/4before-rear-view.jpg
This is the best I can get on my GS, and it has never been a problem.

Jim :brow

[glwestcott]

If you haven't tried it yet, try shaving down the rubber "bumpers" that fit in the rear of the seat pan under the seat. They can be pulled out and cut down considerably and will lower the seat equal to how much material you trim. I have my seat raised in front and lowered in the rear to stop the dreaded slide forward and crunch 'em problem that occurs when you stop quickly with the stock seat.

[deilenberger]

I had a 2000 R1100RT, and when I changed shocks out at 40K I had the bike lowered about 1/2" BOY talk about change. YES I could stand flat footed BUT when I started playing TRACKDAY I lost out big time... dragging the pegs way to quick and when my wife would ride with me and the bike way under full load the rear tire was smacking the fender well with ever bump (OK I was on the ALCAN). If you NEED to lower it to be able to hold the bike up DO IT.. BUT if I had to do it again.. I sure WOULD NOT. BY the way I used Works shocks and they are GREAT.

Tom Casey

less then month old 2006 RED R1200RT ( never to be lowered)
1975 R75/6Tom - despite your opinion on the Works shocks - your experience with the rear tire smacking the inside of the fender echos the experience I had with Works short shocks on a K bike. The problem wasn't that it was shorter - the problem was the shock allowed too much travel on compression. That should NEVER happen if the shock is designed correctly.

I replaced the Works with an Ohlins and eventually a Wilbers - neither of these allowed this to happen, no matter how heavily I was loaded. The Works simply was too short when compressed.

I can't speak to the cornering problems you had - since I've never experienced them, and I've lowered K bikes as much as 1.75" - but I probably don't wear the outer edge of my tires as quickly as some do, but I wonder what amount of sag you had set on the shocks?

[Rotten]

I lowered my 1150RT by one inch with Wilbers. The bike handles great and doesn't thunk on hard bumps anymore. It is a little tougher to get on the center stand but not really that bad. Recommended. :beer

[twins4life]

Any suggested places to buy the Wilbers? Did you install them yourself? I'm on my tippie toes and that doesnt leave any room for error.

[Rotten]

The Wilbers came from Wilbers USA in Manalapan, NJ. They have a web site but I don't have it offhand. When ordering, you actually fill in a rider profile and the shocks are custom made for your size and riding style in Germany.

I installed both front and rear in about one hour. Very easy and straightforward.
My inseam is 30" and I now enjoy having my feet planted when I stop. Handling and ride comfort is better than before. Highly recommended!

[twins4life]

Thanks I'll try and find them on Google. Sounds like what I need.

I like your signature BTW.

[fxdllion]

I put on a set of Wilburs, lowering my bike just over an inch. I haven't had any clearance or handling issues. It is harder to get the bike on the center stand especially when fully loaded. Also, the side stand is more vertical.

[NightNurse]

I have a set of the works shocks on my 1150RT. They are about an inch shorter. I have not had any problems at all. :thumb