HHb 1 inch lowering kit

Vizzinzin

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Hi I purchased hhb 1 inch lowering and have my forks apart. It seems on the 1 inch lowering kit the hole he talks about aligning is covered. Pics attached. Should I install as is? I saw another thread saying not to worry but im worried. Apologies if I didnt do enough research here but I found only the 1 thread.
 

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Are you going to install shorter rear shocks as well ?
What is the intended bikes outcome? Just a low stocker? Perhaps a low flat custom seat would be easy to find as well ?
Pics?
-R
 
A couple comments:
First, I understand Hugh is a pretty helpful guy, so I'd try phoning him, and if that doesn't work, email.
Second, if you look at the very first pic in his instructions:
http://www.xs650.com/threads/how-to-rebuild-xs650-forks-install-lowering-kit.5537/
you'll see that originally the 1" kits didn't even have a set screw. Maybe because the hole is so close to the end of the spacer? Question: Is the set-screw completely hollow, or does it have a bottom?
Finally: I've done a couple of DIY lowerings, and I'm in the middle of another one now. I've never worried about making the sure the damper hole wasn't covered, nor do other DIYers as far as I know. Never had any performance problems that I know of. But, my lowering spacer is not a super-tight fit around the damper rod. How close a fit is Hugh's spacer?
The easy solution for you would be to just cut a little notch in your spacer so that the hole is clear. Notch would only have to be about 1/16", and wouldn't hurt a thing.
 
I should also mention that every time I re-build an XS650 fork, I perform the Minton Mod to it, which includes enlarging that hole, and adding a second hole on the opposite side of it. So, maybe along with the slightly loose spacer fit, that's why I've been able to get by without worrying about the hole -- maybe my slightly larger holes move enough fluid even if they are a little restricted.
 
I installed the same 1" lowering kit from Hugh. I made a small channel with a round tail file to uncover that hole. This is after speaking with Hugh about it.
 
Hi All,

So sorry I didn't reply sooner! I usually get emails on replies but didn't get anything back. Will change notification settings. So the goal is a bike styled kind of like the left hand cycles cafe racer with the orange tank (xs650). I've got the progressive 412 13.5 inch rear shock, so in theory lowering the front end further may be a bad move? I've got a counter balance brat style seat.

In regard to the set screw being hollow I'm not entirely sure what you mean. The spacer seems pretty snug but I'll secure it in place with the set screw.That's a great idea about cutting a tiny groove in the spacer. I'm always a bit timid when it comes to just drilling/cutting away at parts.

Thank you all with the advice about the minton mods too, I completely forgot about checking those against the forks! I believe I will proceed by drilling the second hole and making tiny grooves so that they are uncovered when I set the spacer. Does this seem like a logical path forward?

Best and thank you for all the replies!
 
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is there any concern about the 13.5 inch shocks with the 1 inch lower? I can always leave it stock and drill the second hole anyways. I was replacing the spring and doing a rebuilt/cleanup of the forks anyways. Slowly but surely I make progress (This whole thing will take me years!)

Loose goal. My rims are spoked. It took forever to sand and respoke but they're all nice and trued up now!

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/44/51/62/44516241dae5eed6a7f414f90c7b1bbd.jpg
 
is there any concern about the 13.5 inch shocks with the 1 inch lower?
No. I was running a 2" lowering kit on the front with the longer shocks for a while but I think the 1" works better.
It's about perfect now.
 
I have 13.5 shocks on the back of mine with an HHB 1" drop in the front no problems at all. If fact I think it handles better than it did.
 
Sweet, thank you both! This was my initial understanding but always nice to have confirmation. The goal is to strike the balance between functional and pretty.
 
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