[pcompton]

New to site
Was wondering if there is a way to lower my 1986 Shadow vt500c? I have heard you can shave the seat but I really don't want to do that. I am a new rider and am on my tip toes. Husband bought bike for me as a surprise so I was not able to check this. Thanks for any input

Peggy

 

[Nehalem Dave]

You can swap to shorter rear shocks from another model (hit the junk yards) and there are fork kits too. Donno what is available for this year/model in production lowering kits but check with Scootworks or call them.

 

[Lakota]

New to site
I am a new rider and am on my tip toes. Husband bought bike for me as a surprise so I was not able to check this. Thanks for any input

Peggy

If you were my wife, I would want your feet flat on the ground when you're at a stop. Much safer for you. I'd look for a lower bike. Really.
It's already dangerous enuf for a new rider without having to deal with that. A common error for new riders is a dropped bike at a standstill or low speeds.

 

[still_bluenoser]

Welcome! Same situation for me and my wife. I ended up shaving the seat, it did make a nice difference, also the shocks were set up too high, adjusted them down to the lowest preload setting.

She is 5 feet even and has no problems now.

You could also slide the forks up in the trees an inch or so to get the front end down a little.

 

[pcompton]

Thanks to all!

 

[razor78016]

I'm not sure on your model, but mine has air adjustable forks, maybe the PO aired them to max and the rear shocks are set up too high.

 

[capt_dave]

front forks?

Welcome!! It may be possible ( and cost $0 ) to loosen the clamps on your tree and simply slide the fork tubes upward an inch or two and re-tighten the clamps. Give the search function here, I am certain someone has discussed it sometime on this site.

 

[still_bluenoser]

Welcome!! It may be possible ( and cost $0 ) to loosen the clamps on your tree and simply slide the fork tubes upward an inch or two and re-tighten the clamps. Give the search function here, I am certain someone has discussed it sometime on this site.

No need to search, just look up four posts.

 

[iamcmf]

Possibly a pair of boots with a little taller heel for a bit more of heigth?