Nits78
1975 XS650 Cafe Project
Go easy here ... I'm fairly new to this forum, and I did my best to search high and low for an answer, but there seems to be nothing definitive. So, I guess I'm looking for anybody willing to share their experience.
The Situation:
1975 XS650 cafe build, 34mm front forks, billet aluminum triple tree (flat across), therefore lowering the front forks about 1.00"-1.125" and sharpening the steering. There are no significant changes to the frame, and the bike lost a lot of weight (stock equipment minimized/eliminated/replaced).
The Question:
The rear shocks need replacing, and I plan on going with a set of Ohlins. I know the stock rear shock length should be somewhere in the range of 12.625" or 320mm with about 80mm of stroke.
So, given the front end already went down about an inch, how will the geometry or handling of the bike be affected if the replacements are longer (330mm/13")? Aside from ride height and ground clearance, is there a benefit? I am leaning toward maintaining the stock length, but I have no idea why, I just think it seems right.
I'm about 150 pounds and not the tallest guy in the world. 90% of my riding has been on 600cc sportbikes (Honda CBRs/Yamaha R6s), which is what I'm used to. I'm not trying to achieve that kind of handling ... I just prefer something fun and fairly safe at a moderate to high speed in a turn.
Ohlins Shocks are not cheap so I want to try my best to get this right "enough" the first time.
Nits78
The Situation:
1975 XS650 cafe build, 34mm front forks, billet aluminum triple tree (flat across), therefore lowering the front forks about 1.00"-1.125" and sharpening the steering. There are no significant changes to the frame, and the bike lost a lot of weight (stock equipment minimized/eliminated/replaced).
The Question:
The rear shocks need replacing, and I plan on going with a set of Ohlins. I know the stock rear shock length should be somewhere in the range of 12.625" or 320mm with about 80mm of stroke.
So, given the front end already went down about an inch, how will the geometry or handling of the bike be affected if the replacements are longer (330mm/13")? Aside from ride height and ground clearance, is there a benefit? I am leaning toward maintaining the stock length, but I have no idea why, I just think it seems right.
I'm about 150 pounds and not the tallest guy in the world. 90% of my riding has been on 600cc sportbikes (Honda CBRs/Yamaha R6s), which is what I'm used to. I'm not trying to achieve that kind of handling ... I just prefer something fun and fairly safe at a moderate to high speed in a turn.
Ohlins Shocks are not cheap so I want to try my best to get this right "enough" the first time.
Nits78