[Cardsrusa]

Hello all

I know there is a thread on here about lowering the voyaguer using shorter shock and the problems that come with it. Dragging pipes and weight restrictions with two up riding.

My problem is not with the ride height during everyday riding and stopping. I find the problem happens when I am backing the bike out of a spot or if it has a grade that I have to climb. I cannot get the footing. So I do not feel secure that I will not slip and loose footing. The problem with being a short ass.

My question is has anyone tried a air ride system to lower the bike when in a slow situation and still have the factory height for cornering, entering parking lots or going over speed bumps or backing up. If so can someone send me in the right direction as to find a good air ride system at a decent price.

 

[Cardsrusa]

Wow interesting perspective on giving help to a solution. That is totally useless. If anyone can answer the question with useful advice that would be appreciated. This is a forum for helping one another not for sarcasm.

 

[rick]

There was a member, maybe last spring who installed an air ride on his Vaquero I believe. Search the 1700 section from about mid summer back 6 mounths and you should find it. There is also a vender/member that has started selling a lowering kit that lowers about 1/2-3/4" in the rear. Ride is the same with stock shocks and its in the $150 range. 1:2-3/4 isnt much, but can make a world of difference, and its a simple install.


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[cruiser900]

I'm short in the inseam as well. I have done three things.

Installed Progressive drop in front springs and lowered about 1 1/2 inches,,,very easy to do.

Installed Progressive 430 rear shocks, lowers about an inch, simple install.

Re-contoured the seat foam and removed at least an additional inch. I only weigh 150, (so I don't bottom out in the seat pan.) It's a pain to pull the staples but a simple fix. As foam compresses anyway, this doesn't gain you a lot, but by trimming the sides where your thighs straddle allows a guy like me with a 30 inch waist/hips some needed help.

My feet are flat on the ground. It's a heavy machine. It will tip ( or so I've heard)

Of course we are all now test pilots, as the engineers didn't approve any of these mods. Supposedly it changes handling. I have not notice any issues. Remember it's not a sport bike and you will scrape the floorboards if you try to ride it like a ninja.


If you want to keep the rear air shocks Luverne Kawasaki in Minnesota sells a bolt on link. For the Voyager however you will need to modify and re-weld the bag support bracket for clearance. The advertise a 1 inch drop if I remember correctly.

 

[Huddleston]

...There is also a vender/member that has started selling a lowering kit that lowers about 1/2-3/4" in the rear. Ride is the same with stock shocks and its in the $150 range. 1:2-3/4 isnt much, but can make a world of difference, and its a simple install...

Rick, do you remember who is selling the lowering kit or how I would search for him?

 

[sbg8r]

they are ebay, luverne is the seller.. search ebay for vaquero lowering suspension
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-VN-1700-Rear-Suspension-Lowering-Link-/271827039885?hash=item3f4a27768d&vxp=mtr

 

[Huddleston]

Thanks. I found them and have ordered a set.

 

[Lumber-jack]

Did you have to modify the saddle bag brackets with the 430's? I have a Voyager and am wondering if there is really a cost benefit to using the lowering links since I would have to modify the brackets or just go with new progressive springs. I noticed they don't mention modifying the Vaquero's brackets for some reason.

I'm short in the inseam as well. I have done three things.

Installed Progressive drop in front springs and lowered about 1 1/2 inches,,,very easy to do.

Installed Progressive 430 rear shocks, lowers about an inch, simple install.

Re-contoured the seat foam and removed at least an additional inch. I only weigh 150, (so I don't bottom out in the seat pan.) It's a pain to pull the staples but a simple fix. As foam compresses anyway, this doesn't gain you a lot, but by trimming the sides where your thighs straddle allows a guy like me with a 30 inch waist/hips some needed help.

My feet are flat on the ground. It's a heavy machine. It will tip ( or so I've heard)

Of course we are all now test pilots, as the engineers didn't approve any of these mods. Supposedly it changes handling. I have not notice any issues. Remember it's not a sport bike and you will scrape the floorboards if you try to ride it like a ninja.


If you want to keep the rear air shocks Luverne Kawasaki in Minnesota sells a bolt on link. For the Voyager however you will need to modify and re-weld the bag support bracket for clearance. The advertise a 1 inch drop if I remember correctly.

 

[Huddleston]

On the Nomad you do have to modify the brackets. On some bikes you do not, possibly on the Voyager. The best way is to call them and ask. They are great guys to work with. I was able to lower mine .75 inches (I'm 5'8") and that was plenty to let me place my feet flat on the ground without stretching. The advantage to the Luverne kit, for me, is that you retain the adjustable stock shocks. If .75 inches is sufficient for you, I highly recommend the Luverne kit. Good luck. Richard

 

[Lumber-jack]

I am aware you must modify the saddle brackets with the Luverne kit - thank you. I can see why as you are moving the lower bolt hole towards the rear which will cause the shock to contact bracket. If I wouldn't have asked for the instructions I would have bought the kit and realized after it's too late what I am into.

What I am am asking is if the Progessive 430's are simply bolt on? Which they should be. Doing the math it is not much more to buy the Progressive's than the Luverne kit and having the saddle brackets modified IMO.

On the Nomad you do have to modify the brackets. On some bikes you do not, possibly on the Voyager. The best way is to call them and ask. They are great guys to work with. I was able to lower mine .75 inches (I'm 5'8") and that was plenty to let me place my feet flat on the ground without stretching. The advantage to the Luverne kit, for me, is that you retain the adjustable stock shocks. If .75 inches is sufficient for you, I highly recommend the Luverne kit. Good luck. Richard

 

[Huddleston]

I guess I misread your question. Sorry about that chief.

 

[Lumber-jack]

No worries - thanks for the reply.

I guess I misread your question. Sorry about that chief.

 

[skullshaker]

Hello all

I know there is a thread on here about lowering the voyaguer using shorter shock and the problems that come with it. Dragging pipes and weight restrictions with two up riding.

My problem is not with the ride height during everyday riding and stopping. I find the problem happens when I am backing the bike out of a spot or if it has a grade that I have to climb. I cannot get the footing. So I do not feel secure that I will not slip and loose footing. The problem with being a short ass.

My question is has anyone tried a air ride system to lower the bike when in a slow situation and still have the factory height for cornering, entering parking lots or going over speed bumps or backing up. If so can someone send me in the right direction as to find a good air ride system at a decent price.

This guy is on the VBA forum he actually did a youtube video
I thinks its cool, xoticcustoms.com
https://youtu.be/X-rKrl-s5-0