2017 CB1100RS Front Fork Teardown

[CotswoldPhoto_imp]

Has anybody take the top off one of these Showa dual bending valve forks?

Being a somewhat short person (27" inseam), I can just get my toes down.

The rear shocks (with the piggyback can) are 360mm and I have acquired some 315mm replacements, which should give me maybe 1.5" lower seat height.

But, I would also need to reduce the front forks by the same. As the front and rear suspension is about the same angle/rake, I would guess I need to reduce the preload on the front forks by much the same.

Lifting the handlbar away looks easy enough from the workshop manual. Off with the covering caps and undo the four top bolts and lift it away.

The only technical drawing I can find of this make and type of shock is off a Harley.

It looks like it has a preload tube at the top, so replacing that with a shorter one should do it, but how much shorter? My guess is, maybe only an inch shorter.

I just wondered if anybody else has been inside the shock before I give this a go. Winter is starting to bite where I am, so I'm not often out on the bike anyway.

[jtopiso_imp]

Preload on the RS is adjustable. I wouln't take it out of it's adjustment limits.
You can always slide the forks in the triple-clamps.

However, I don't think altering geometry is a good idea. What about removing some foam from the seat?

I am a short rider too, so I use a low preload setting front and rear (close to minimum), and I've got used to not beeing able to contact flat both by feet. Only toes, or only one side... It was not easy for a couple of weeks and I considered modifying my seat, but it is ok now.

[CotswoldPhoto_imp]

Preload on the RS is adjustable. I wouln't take it out of it's adjustment limits.
You can always slide the forks in the triple-clamps.

However, I don't think altering geometry is a good idea. What about removing some foam from the seat?

I am a short rider too, so I use a low preload setting front and rear (close to minimum), and I've got used to not beeing able to contact flat both by feet. Only toes, or only one side... It was not easy for a couple of weeks and I considered modifying my seat, but it is ok now.

Thanks for the reply.

I have set the rear to minimum already, but have not adjusted the front. At that, I can never get more than my big toe down on one side, so I sort of pre-shuffle to the left side of the seat before I stop, and make sure I am in first as well. Trouble is, if the road surface has any slope/camber, I can't get my foot anywhere near touching before the bike starts to go over.

Ah well, I will try it with the front set to minimum as well. I just wish that bike makers would realize everyone is not six foot tall and just 150lbs in weight!!

... unless anyone else chimes in ...

[alprider]

a lower and specaly slimmer saddle helps a lot.....

specal high shoes....?






btw.

honest: sometimes i dont understand why peoples buy this or that bike....but everyone has to know it for themselves

[the lodger_imp]

Please be aware that you will upset the handling somewhat by lowering the forks in the clamps. You will also find the bike harder to put on its centre stand and the side stand may make the bike too upright for peace of mind.

Adjusting the seat is the way to go I think.