Vaq lowering

Grump · 10-30-2011, 12:25 PM

Has anyone thought about lowering their Vaq? I am, I'm looking at the scootworks kit:

-> 1700 Classic/Voyager/Nomad - Custom Rear Shock pack & hardware to lower approximately 2"

It's not VAQ specific in the product callout, but I wonder if it'll work anyway?

Monkeyman · 10-31-2011, 04:31 AM

I don't know about lowering the Vaquero (seems they're already lowered by the factory) but I'd like to lower my '07 Nomad a bit, too. Would be great unless you're really into the twisties.

**crazygene49** · 10-31-2011, 05:58 PM

I bought a kit to lower my '07 from Scootworks. It lowered the rear 1.25 inches. The shocks are Progressive, adjustable for firness, but no air like the oem shocks. Haven't been able to find anything for the front yet.

azcruizer · 10-31-2011, 06:09 PM

Progressive Suspension makes both shocks and front springs to lower the Vaquero. You can find everything at http://www.progressivesuspension.com...1&modelID=1241

ponch · 10-31-2011, 10:14 PM

Why? I can't imagine less suspension travel is a good thing, not to mention less clearance.

Monkeyman · 11-01-2011, 04:34 AM

I would think suspension travel would vary depending on how you're bike's set up (solo v two up with a trunk?). If you have 300 pounds less on the bike, you would need less travel. (Or perhaps, I'm wrong.)

Clearance would depend on what you plan on doing with the bike. If you're big into the twisties, clearance might be an issue. If the only twisties you see are off ramps, I don't think it would matter as much.

ponch · 11-01-2011, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

I would think suspension travel would vary depending on how you're bike's set up (solo v two up with a trunk?). If you have 300 pounds less on the bike, you would need less travel. (Or perhaps, I'm wrong.)

Clearance would depend on what you plan on doing with the bike. If you're big into the twisties, clearance might be an issue. If the only twisties you see are off ramps, I don't think it would matter as much.

You are ignoring spring rate. Compensation can be made by increasing the air pressure in the shocks, but this has it's consequences. Even so, to put it in realistic terms, I used to hammered on some bumps with my Nomad that are absolutely no consequence on the RT. The biggest difference is suspension travel and probably dampening quality as well. With the same bike, I can't imagine wanting less travel as the ride will suffer no matter what, all else being equal.

Monkeyman · 11-01-2011, 07:44 AM

Well, I did say I could have been wrong. :) So what's with the Progressive lowering shocks available for other bikes? Would you need the exact same type of shock but slightly shorter in order to lower the bike and retain the same ride quality?

**spanky57** · 06-29-2013, 05:56 PM

I just had my 2012 Vaqureo lowerd. I bought the front kit on e-bay for $99.99 & the rear shocks Progressive non air type 12" for $207. also on e-bay. the dealer charged me 2hrs. This thing looks awesome. Rides great. I'm 5'2".now I can flatfoot it. Also, Harley rear shocks 12" will work.

sctrcks · 06-29-2013, 07:51 PM

i put on a lower profile car tire tire. lowered the bike an inch with no suspension changes needed. 195/55/16 bridgestone eco tire. i scrape boards often and love the lower stance. i only ride solo and have stock shocks on setting #1 with no air.

**spanky57** · 10-16-2013, 07:24 PM

I lowered my Vaqureo, with 12" Progressive coil overs & the front with a progressive kit. But when I had a passenger on it , it sat to low. I had a hard time making any turns making my 4" cobras drag. So I went with 12 3/4" Showia air shocks on the rear. (Harley Bagger Shocks) .Now I can still flat foot & no dragging problems + it rides the best yet.

Old Bear · 10-17-2013, 09:13 AM

I certainly understand the desire if the rider is short, but I'm not giving up clearance just for looks. I drag the floorboards enough already, and cringe at the thought of scrapping my Cobras!

Devin W · 10-17-2013, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spanky57

I lowered my Vaqureo, with 12" Progressive coil overs & the front with a progressive kit. But when I had a passenger on it , it sat to low. I had a hard time making any turns making my 4" cobras drag. So I went with 12 3/4" Showia air shocks on the rear. (Harley Bagger Shocks) .Now I can still flat foot & no dragging problems + it rides the best yet.

Spanky - are those Showa shocks bolt on fitment? Do you have any other info?

Thanks!

gcsteve · 10-19-2013, 09:21 AM

I lowered my 09 Nomad with progressive shocks. They have the same travel. They were a VTX model and need some washers but ride as good as stock. I do scrape my Vance and Hines all the time though.

**spanky57** · 10-20-2013, 08:51 AM

Devin. The shocks I used, were from e-bay w/lines for 39.99. But, I had to make the bushings because of difference of size.I ran the air lines under the seat just the stock location, but these had 2into 1 air nozzel. Still , all & all it was easy to do.

10-31-2011, 04:31 AM	#2
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	I don't know about lowering the Vaquero (seems they're already lowered by the factory) but I'd like to lower my '07 Nomad a bit, too. Would be great unless you're really into the twisties. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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10-31-2011, 05:58 PM	#3
crazygene49 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 1,856	I bought a kit to lower my '07 from Scootworks. It lowered the rear 1.25 inches. The shocks are Progressive, adjustable for firness, but no air like the oem shocks. Haven't been able to find anything for the front yet. __________________ Gene Chestnut Dover, DE USAF 1968-1995 VBA#01761 2007 Nomad 1600 Black and Titanium
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10-31-2011, 06:09 PM	#4
azcruizer Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 133	Progressive Suspension makes both shocks and front springs to lower the Vaquero. You can find everything at http://www.progressivesuspension.com...1&modelID=1241 __________________ Jim Lohman Gilbert, AZ 2013 Vision Tour 2011 Vaquero-sold
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10-31-2011, 10:14 PM	#5
ponch Sr. Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Way East Valley Posts: 12,015	Why? I can't imagine less suspension travel is a good thing, not to mention less clearance. __________________ Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad \| 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic \| 1984 GPz750 \| 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09\|Prairie Du Chien '10\|Crescent City '11 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-01-2011, 04:34 AM	#6
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	I would think suspension travel would vary depending on how you're bike's set up (solo v two up with a trunk?). If you have 300 pounds less on the bike, you would need less travel. (Or perhaps, I'm wrong.) Clearance would depend on what you plan on doing with the bike. If you're big into the twisties, clearance might be an issue. If the only twisties you see are off ramps, I don't think it would matter as much. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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10-30-2011, 12:25 PM	#1
Grump Jr. Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 39	Vaq lowering Has anyone thought about lowering their Vaq? I am, I'm looking at the scootworks kit: -> 1700 Classic/Voyager/Nomad - Custom Rear Shock pack & hardware to lower approximately 2" It's not VAQ specific in the product callout, but I wonder if it'll work anyway? __________________ . . Grump Sergeant at Arms, Chapter 32-1 Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-01-2011, 07:44 AM	#8
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Well, I did say I could have been wrong. :) So what's with the Progressive lowering shocks available for other bikes? Would you need the exact same type of shock but slightly shorter in order to lower the bike and retain the same ride quality? __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
	0

06-29-2013, 05:56 PM	#9
spanky57 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Maple Plain Minnesota Posts: 27	I just had my 2012 Vaqureo lowerd. I bought the front kit on e-bay for $99.99 & the rear shocks Progressive non air type 12" for $207. also on e-bay. the dealer charged me 2hrs. This thing looks awesome. Rides great. I'm 5'2".now I can flatfoot it. Also, Harley rear shocks 12" will work.
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06-29-2013, 07:51 PM	#10
sctrcks Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Glendale AZ Posts: 25	i put on a lower profile car tire tire. lowered the bike an inch with no suspension changes needed. 195/55/16 bridgestone eco tire. i scrape boards often and love the lower stance. i only ride solo and have stock shocks on setting #1 with no air.
	0

10-16-2013, 07:24 PM	#11
spanky57 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Maple Plain Minnesota Posts: 27	I lowered my Vaqureo, with 12" Progressive coil overs & the front with a progressive kit. But when I had a passenger on it , it sat to low. I had a hard time making any turns making my 4" cobras drag. So I went with 12 3/4" Showia air shocks on the rear. (Harley Bagger Shocks) .Now I can still flat foot & no dragging problems + it rides the best yet.
	0

10-17-2013, 09:13 AM	#12
Old Bear Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 1,434	I certainly understand the desire if the rider is short, but I'm not giving up clearance just for looks. I drag the floorboards enough already, and cringe at the thought of scrapping my Cobras! __________________ Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles!
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10-19-2013, 09:21 AM	#14
gcsteve Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 217	I lowered my 09 Nomad with progressive shocks. They have the same travel. They were a VTX model and need some washers but ride as good as stock. I do scrape my Vance and Hines all the time though. __________________ 04 Meanstreak sold Nomad sold 15 Roadmaster
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10-20-2013, 08:51 AM	#15
spanky57 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Maple Plain Minnesota Posts: 27	Devin. The shocks I used, were from e-bay w/lines for 39.99. But, I had to make the bushings because of difference of size.I ran the air lines under the seat just the stock location, but these had 2into 1 air nozzel. Still , all & all it was easy to do.
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