Ever since I went from the stock 13.5 shocks to progressive 11.5 shocks on my 1200r when I ride i get pain right below my neck in my upper back. I did not lower the front end and things seamed to be fine before the new shocks. If I lower the front will it help ? New handle bars ?? Any suggestons would be GREATLY appreciated

thnaks

R.

 

Sounds like your seating position has changed since the shock change. You might be 'bending over more' because of the new angle that was created.

Might have someone lower the front stance (raise the tubes up in the tree) to offset the lowered rear and see if that helps.

 

do I have to replace the front schocks ?? Is there a way to lower the front wthought buying new front shocks ??

 

Normally the front forks are adjusted so each tube is approximately 0.50" above the upper bracket, but some people have increased this amount to an inch (or more) which will do the same as reducing the tube length, and causes the front end to be lower.

In fact, when most bikes are shipped from the factory the front tubes are normally adjusted a few inches above the upper bracket, which lowers the overall height of the front. I guess they do this so they will fit in the shipping crates or whatever...

But sometimes the dealers forget to adjust the from tubes to the 'normal height', and the new owners didn't even know about the "problem" until they were told.

But to be safe I would have someone that knows what they are doing raise the tubes. There are 'pinch bolts' and other things involved, and you want to make sure that everything is tightened back up and 'good to go' after the adjustment.

But it's a pretty simple procedure, and dropping the front end a couple inches wouldn't take much.

 

will a dealer do it if I pay labor ?? Also will I nead a new jiffy stand??

 

I don't see any reason why a dealer would have a problem 'raising' the tubes. Should only take them a few minutes, and all it's doing is bringing the front and rear level back in line...

I'm not sure about the jiffy stand question. With the bike sitting level (and lower) there won't be quite as much lean angle with the bike on the jiffy stand, but it should be okay..

You would just need to check the angle of the bike when it's on the stand..

 

Ralph,
I lowered my xl1200r last week and rode 500 miles with no problem. However, I removed the 1 inch handlebar risers and put on 4 inch risers. That moved my handlebar back towards me. If you like you current handlebars you may just need to change risers.

 

did you lower the front??

 

I'm assuming that he didn't. However, the reason your back is hurting is like OFG suggested: it's your riding position. You can do a few things: new seat, new bars/new risers, lower the front. Depends on what you want.

 

It's possible that because your new shocks are stiffer it transfers more shock to your back. I have 11" Progressives and after hitting an "invisible dip" in the road and having a backache for a week, I keep them on the softest setting. Try it if you don't have any clearance issues.