Maximum - Optimum - Best way to lower rt1150

[ElevenFifty]

29" inseam. I have a Sargent low saddle that is okay. I used to think it was great but I made the mistake of riding a Russell Day long and I'm hooked. Common problem for us short legged guys - tippy toes on Russell. I ride 2-up a lot and just don't see providing my wife with a safe stop when I can't get my feet on the ground.

 

How far could I PRACTICALLY lower the bike with new shocks? (I occasionally scrape a peg now)

 

What are the best VALUE shocks in the market? (I like to ride solo twisties pretty fast, but I'm not a track class rider and don't aspire to be.)

 

Russell says they can probably take 1/2" off the seat but no more than that. I love the RT. It's perfect for the mix of solo and 2-up riding I do . . . but I'm beginning to think that the lower LT position might be the answer.

 

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

[Les is more]

I have a Russell and similar inseam to yours. My first solution was these boots. That did it for me but then I don't have to carry a passenger. Others have had luck modifying the underside of the seat. that is to say that they've reduced or practically removed the bumpers that the seat rests on. That requires a bit of creative shimming to get the rider and pillion seats to line up properly. Works Performance makes a lowered shock for the RT. I would contact pdegnan (Phil) with a PM. He made mods on his wife's RT (including the Works shocks) that made her comfortable on the RT and she's quite a bit shorter than we are.

[BeemerBill]

Same problem but with a 28" inseam. I had Russell make my seat as low as possible, including shaving the front sides of the seat to make it narrower. I put Hagon shocks on the bike and had them made 1" shorter than stock. The results were great for both handling and comfort, although I still can't completely flat foot at stops.

One other note, if you do go the shorter shock route, you will likely have to shorten the side stand an inch or so; and maybe the center stand too.

[E30TECH]

I have a Russell and similar inseam to yours. My first solution was these boots.

 

I too am inseam challenged. I have the standard Sargent saddle (I tried to swap with someone who was selling the short version - no luck).

 

I was wondering how comfortable those boots are.

[phoenixtexas]

Boots are the cheapest, and work great. I have a 28" inseam, and got some high-top hiking boots at Walmart for about $40 that will give you one inch, then bought 1.5" insole elevators for about $12, giving a total of 2.5". Just remember to get the inserts first and take them with you to get the boots, as you'll need a boot about 2 sizes larger than what you normally wear. My 03 R1100S is now a joy to ride without spending $1,500 for lowered shocks and related hassles like a shortened kick/center stand.

[90RedRider]

Leslie, I have those boots and have worn them for riding my Harley, but never considered them for my sport bikes, thinking they would be maybe clumsy for shifting. May try them now. I did already lower my bike an 1150 RT with Wilbers. Shortening the side stand was no much trouble, but still have not figured how to shorten the center stand. There is limited positions for the tab that you use to lower it to come up , with the footpeg and side stand in the way. If anyone has a solution would like to hear. In my garage I park the tires on sheet of 3/4 plywood, with gap for the center stand, to make it easier to lift the bike. But on the road, is very hard and the bike is so high, does not seem as steady or safe to me.

[E30TECH]

Leslie, I have those boots and have worn them for riding my Harley, but never considered them for my sport bikes, thinking they would be maybe clumsy for shifting. May try them now.

 

If you try them, can you post here how you like them? I'm considering buying them, but I'd like to know how comfortable they are.

 

Thanks,

Perry

[Delboy]

I had the same problem with my 1100rt,i had the local boot repairer fit new tractor treads to my boots which gave me about quarter inch plus i changed the comfort seat to standard.The seat made the difference it`s not lower but it is narrower which allows your legs to get more vertical.Have your seat narrowed and i bet you will be able to touch down.