[cbr99xx]

I got the idea to do this from the CBR1100XX Owner's Org. board.

Why do this?

A couple of reasons, raising the rear ride height gives you more ground clearance and increases rake.
The increased rake makes the bike turn more quickly.

I tour on my XX with Givis loaded down this, combined with a rider weight of 225 lbs, made my bike “slap-happy”. Adding rear ride height is the cure.

Why can’t I raise the rear even more to make it turn quicker still?

Be my guest… But remember that as you increase rake you reduce trail. If trail is reduced too much, instability will become an issue.

Here is how I shimmed the rear shock on my Blackbird.


Step 1) Set bike up with center stand on top of a ¾” thick piece of wood.

Step 2) Remove seat.

Step 3) Unbolt two bolts at the rear of the gas tank and raise the tank. I used a screwdriver to prop up the tank, you can use the wrench in the stock tool pouch (but who wants to put that puzzle back together).

Step 4) Loosen the shock mounting bolt (17mm), you will see the nut you are to loosen as soon as you raise the tank.

Step 5) Install shims on top of the shock mounting clevis. *
* I am using shims purchased at a local hardware store, the slot measures 3/8” and they were labeled 1/8” thick. When I stacked the two shims together I came up with 6mm.

Step 6) Tighten shock mounting bolt (41 ft lbs).

Step 7) Bolt tank back down.

Step 8) Install seat.

Step 9) Go ride!

I should note that this drops the wheel down ¾”-1” at the axel. You will notice this the first time you put the bike up on the center stand. You will still be able to spin the rear wheel but if you are on the slightest incline the rear tire will touch down.

** A 190/50 tire is mounted in the ground clearance picture, clearance for the stock 180/55 will be slightly different.

[cbr99xx]

This has to be the single best mod I have ever done to a bike. The shims cost .67 each and took all of 30 minutes to install. The increased agility is amazing; my XX had the tendency to run wide at exit (in part due to my Corbin seat allowing me to sit further back from the bars)... Now, with more weight over the front, this has gone away. I believe that when the proper 180/55 tire is installed on the rear, handling will be even better.

BTW... does anyone make rearsets for the XX?

[stegen]

those 2 little things make that much difference? man i am never amazed as to what goes into cycles

[cbr99xx]

Originally Posted by stegen

those 2 little things make that much difference? man i am never amazed as to what goes into cycles

[ND4SPD]

KB