Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX - Discuss Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Honda CBR XX Resource Center. (Technical Articles, Tips, Tricks, How-To's and other useful resources for the Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird. You cannot post new threads in this forum. Threads containing useful Tips, Tricks, and How-To's will be moved here by Staff as needed.)

GPR · 07-04-2007, 8:36 AM

Has anyone got the dimentions of the spacer (slot size, lenght, and width) off hand?
John, I don't want to take any business away from you but I have a serious run coming up this weekend and want to see if I get quickly manufacture a spacer out of uluminium.

Thanks,

ConqSoft · 07-04-2007, 8:43 AM

Here you go: BlackBird Items - 6mm Height Spacer by John's Bike Bits

John01XX · 07-05-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPR

Has anyone got the dimentions of the spacer (slot size, lenght, and width) off hand?
John, I don't want to take any business away from you but I have a serious run coming up this weekend and want to see if I get quickly manufacture a spacer out of uluminium.

Thanks,

No Problem !!
I only carry them due to demand from riders. They can easily be made from large spacers from the hardware store. Shock removal is required to install round spacers or cut out a notch to slide them in place with the shock loosened up but not removed. Just be sure to only create 6mm of space for maximun benfit.

I am currently sold out of the Ride Height Spacers anyway. I have more on the water from Jaws right know but won't be here for another week.

John

GPR · 07-09-2007, 3:35 AM

Good day all,

I fitted the spacer and went on a 150Km run yesterday - with a pillion. I can honestly say that there is a difference. For the first time the bird is on rails through the corners, still not as quick as the blades, but at least I'm not holding them up anymore.
One small piece of advice - don't let, whatever u use to support the fueltank, slip with your fingers in he way. The sharper edges onderneeth the tank cuts to the bone. For the sake of your health and involuntary donating blood, rather remove the tank prior to installing the spacer.

Regards,

erlingj · 07-10-2007, 11:57 AM

I did the shimming with 6mm aluminium cut out and vat a difference.
I have 190 tire on the back and this little thing ( 6mm shim ) did wonders

It took me about 10-15 min with the help of my friend holding the tank up and I did not have to remove the resorvoir

Wockman · 07-17-2007, 10:52 AM

I finally got around to installing the shim last weekend (took less than 15 minutes) and then I took it out for a ride. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!! This is exactly what this bike was missing. I didn't notice much extra weight on my wrists.
For those of you out there that have not done it, do it now! It is the best cheap mod I've ever done to the bird.

Go to John's Site and buy it !

Splat · 09-24-2007, 12:32 PM

Ok i'm thinking about doing this but my front has been lowered by 2 3/4" from top of tree to top of hex section of fork and my seat height at lowest point of seat top is 29" will this still work? The bike is a 2003 with a rear adjustable lower shock mount. The rear tire rubs on over 1" high bumps with a passenger. Also no center stand so will have to lift from frame.

Splat · 09-25-2007, 11:45 AM

Here is the lower adujustable linkage for my rear shock should i still shim or adjust a 6mm rise with the linkage?
Attachment 5556
Also does any one know who makes this.

flblackbird · 09-25-2007, 11:47 AM

Put it back to stock & install the shim Splat

DeathWish01 · 01-22-2009, 12:13 AM

i just bought a 6mm shim... i know this is severely redundant... but could i get some better detailed pictures on how to install? the pics that show up on top are smaller then they appear in the room... anyway, im not completly suave on everything on the bike, but im getting there, i think under the gas tank is really where i have to explore....

lois · 01-22-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathWish01

i just bought a 6mm shim... i know this is severely redundant... but could i get some better detailed pictures on how to install? the pics that show up on top are smaller then they appear in the room... anyway, im not completly suave on everything on the bike, but im getting there, i think under the gas tank is really where i have to explore....

No.....leave your tank on.
1) put XX on center stand
2) remove seat
3) locate shock nut. (located on the crossmember behind your battery)
4) loosen nut, but do not remove
5) slide shim under crossmember onto shock shaft. (you do this by feel, as you can't see it)
6) tighten nut
7) put seat back on
8) take bike off of center stand
9) pick bike up off of garge floor
10) put side stand down
11) put bike on side stand
12 inspect for damage
13) put on gear
14) go learn to how to ride your XX again.

Lois

DeathWish01 · 01-22-2009, 12:32 AM

so afterwords i learn to ride the bike w/ the sidestand down now? LOL j/k thanks
oh, do i have to take the battery off? <shrugs> im gonna go have a cig and see if i can find the shock shaft, and what torque do you recommend?

Rumrunner · 01-22-2009, 12:37 AM

What size is the hole in your shim? Looked thru this whole thread but didn't see that listed anywhere. I only want to make one once!

DeathWish01 · 01-22-2009, 12:44 AM

the one i bought was a U-shim from John01xx's website

Rumrunner · 01-22-2009, 12:49 AM

I was just wondering what size of hole or slot was needed. I went thru the post again and found it. The slot is 3/8" wide. Thanks.

bigfella · 01-25-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rumrunner

What size is the hole in your shim? Looked thru this whole thread but didn't see that listed anywhere. I only want to make one once!

I just made mine it was 30mm x 38mm x 6mm.the hole goes in the middle of the shim and is 10mm.The top shock bolt goes through a rubber bush and holds the overflow bottle for the radiator,it will be pushed down so it will need triming unless you think it will be ok.

DeathWish01 · 01-27-2009, 4:11 AM

ok im not sure what im doing wrong, but i just loosened the nut almost all the way and i can only squeeze MAYBE 5mm out from under the frame, what am i doing wrong? i have a board under the cs and the rear wheel isn't touching, and the bolt that i loosened isn't even touching the plastic piece anymore, im sure if i took the bolt off it would just sit there.... any suggestions? (sorry lois, i had to lift the tank to get my monkey paws down in there)

Nutter67 · 01-27-2009, 4:49 AM

Mike, are you loosening the nut pictured in step # 4, in post # 1?

If so, is the top shock clevis (the bracket the top of the actual shock mounts into) dropping at all? If it is moving a bit, loosen the nut off a bit more and try wiggling the swingarm - but dont be to vigorous, remember that you are only on the centrestand.

DeathWish01 · 01-27-2009, 5:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutter67

Mike, are you loosening the nut pictured in step # 4, in post # 1?

If so, is the top shock clevis (the bracket the top of the actual shock mounts into) dropping at all? If it is moving a bit, loosen the nut off a bit more and try wiggling the swingarm - but dont be to vigorous, remember that you are only on the centrestand.

i figured it out, the shim was getting caught on a lip so i just hammered her in there untill she fit snug and tightened her up.... there is no way in hell she's comming out w/o taking the damn thing completely apart... (god i hope i end up liking this shim....) and no, the bolt only moved down about 5mm so i pryed it down a little w/ a metal bar which gave me about 5.5mm so i wiggled it in and hammered it in... i even tried sitting on the back end while on the cs hoping that it would give a little.... nope... but its done, and now my knees and fingers hurt like hell... (my dumbass decided to work on my bike when its -10*f outside).....

Nutter67 · 01-27-2009, 5:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathWish01

so i just hammered her in there untill she fit snug and tightened her up.... there is no way in hell she's comming out w/o taking the damn thing completely apart....

Oh, so your a qualified Kawasaki mechanic now, are you ?????

jboroff · 04-30-2009, 10:49 AM

Ok, so here's what is probably a really stupid question/issue I wanted to address before moving forward with this mod.

I went to do it yesterday but as I was starting to lift the tank (after removing the stays that hold the inner fairing molding pieces on and the wiring harness on the left side of the bike next to the tank bolts) I felt a strong tug back. After looking under the tank, I realized that there are a number of lines under the tank for the fuel system that seem to be way too tight to just lift the tank up.

At that point I stopped and closed her back up because I didn't want to jeopardize loosening something important or pulling something off.

Clearly I haven't done any of my own work on this bike before but I did do my own work on my other bikes (CB700SC Nighthawk, 91 VFR 750, CBR1000F), though it's been a while. Am I just being ridiculous or are there harnesses that need to be undone before lifting the tank all the way up?

shewie · 05-01-2009, 4:03 PM

Just the fuel lines. You don't need to remove the tank completely, just lift it enough to access the shock top bolt and prop it with a paint stir stick or something similar that won't cause any damage if it slips.

jboroff · 05-04-2009, 5:00 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to give it another shot Wednesday after work. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I was missing because I wasn't able to print out the directions at the start of this thread.

docsevicz · 05-04-2009, 5:50 PM

Yesterday, I used 2 washers for my shim and tried it out. It definately changed the feel of the bike, especially in corners. It seems, to me any way, that you need a lot more speed, to really feel the cornering. I'm not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing. Only because if I get one more speeding ticket my bike days will be done and I've just learned how to keep the speed reasonable.

Islandbird · 06-01-2009, 3:28 PM

I did this mod with 6mm shim last year. Like it , and all is great.
But now I have a new girlfriend who is not used to riding. I took her out and when we hit a small bump like bridge or rr track she fills unstable and fills like she will bounce forward. I got three choices. Remove shim, new seat, or she just hasn't learned to ride and be comfortable back there. Anyone else make this change while maintaining same passenger and get feedback from them?

Pete · 06-23-2009, 5:32 PM

Got the shim in the mail yesterday from John's bike bits. Put it in last night. Took me maybe 40 min, mostly to find something to support the tank and I took some time to look everything else over. Shim went in easy. Buttoned everything back up and went for a short ride. Seemed better. Took the bird to work this morning and I have to say everything said about this mod is true. The big XX feels much more agile now. Not like my blade, but better. My bike has corbin bags, I think the bike is more stable at freeway speeds than it was before. Not that it was bad before. I know before the mod, it felt a bit nervous at 135+ mph.
-Pete

mattchapman · 11-24-2009, 1:52 AM

Has anyone installed the 6mm shim on a bike with a 19.6 kg/mm rear spring rate which is about 1100 lb. spring on the rear and 1.1 kg/mm springs in the forks? I'd like to know if the shim is needed if the suspension has been set up this firm?

plonkey · 11-24-2009, 6:29 PM

I have an 1100 spring I think. For 2 up riding. on a Penske triple clicker,
Still have the 7mm shim and a little more from the shock.
Also have 1kg springs up front with 4mm spacer for preload.

Bike turns fast, real fast.And I no longer grind holes in my fairing,,

The benefit for me is that even putting another 2mm in the front preload (causing increased front ride height) causes a slightly firmer hand grip while steering, This is evident at low speed and quick turning at higher speed.

I find that with 4mm spacer the bike being able to turn lighter and faster my grip is less and I have more control.
The feedback actually decreased a little going to the 4 mm spacer in the front as opposed to the 6mm one , but the bike feels more consistent.

Fyi I weigh 79kg and the pillion 74kg.

For one up riding I back the rear preload off by 3 turns and it is good.

plonkey · 11-24-2009, 6:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islandbird

I did this mod with 6mm shim last year. Like it , and all is great.
But now I have a new girlfriend who is not used to riding. I took her out and when we hit a small bump like bridge or rr track she fills unstable and fills like she will bounce forward. I got three choices. Remove shim, new seat, or she just hasn't learned to ride and be comfortable back there. Anyone else make this change while maintaining same passenger and get feedback from them?

Its not the shim or the bike it is the way she is sitting on the bike.
Tell her to get more onto the balls of her feet and not to lean back.
If she just sits on the seat and has pegs under the instep she will always slide foreward under brakes or a big bump especially if you back off.

99BLACKBIRD · 12-13-2009, 5:54 PM

Hello,

Is this still okay to do with an aftermarket seat?

07-04-2007, 8:36 AM	#31
GPR Join Date: Nov 21 2006 Location: South Africa, Gauteng, Centurion Posts: 7	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Has anyone got the dimentions of the spacer (slot size, lenght, and width) off hand? John, I don't want to take any business away from you but I have a serious run coming up this weekend and want to see if I get quickly manufacture a spacer out of uluminium. Thanks,

07-04-2007, 8:43 AM	#32
ConqSoft Ba-Da-Bing Join Date: Sep 15 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 37 Posts: 1,097	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Here you go: BlackBird Items - 6mm Height Spacer by John's Bike Bits __________________ My Blog GPS Discussion Forum

07-09-2007, 3:35 AM	#34
GPR Join Date: Nov 21 2006 Location: South Africa, Gauteng, Centurion Posts: 7	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Good day all, I fitted the spacer and went on a 150Km run yesterday - with a pillion. I can honestly say that there is a difference. For the first time the bird is on rails through the corners, still not as quick as the blades, but at least I'm not holding them up anymore. One small piece of advice - don't let, whatever u use to support the fueltank, slip with your fingers in he way. The sharper edges onderneeth the tank cuts to the bone. For the sake of your health and involuntary donating blood, rather remove the tank prior to installing the spacer. Regards,

07-10-2007, 11:57 AM	#35
erlingj Join Date: Dec 01 2006 Location: Iceland Age: 36 Posts: 112	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX I did the shimming with 6mm aluminium cut out and vat a difference. I have 190 tire on the back and this little thing ( 6mm shim ) did wonders It took me about 10-15 min with the help of my friend holding the tank up and I did not have to remove the resorvoir

07-17-2007, 10:52 AM	#36
Wockman Join Date: Dec 05 2006 Location: Montgomery AL Age: 38 Posts: 171	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX I finally got around to installing the shim last weekend (took less than 15 minutes) and then I took it out for a ride. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!! This is exactly what this bike was missing. I didn't notice much extra weight on my wrists. For those of you out there that have not done it, do it now! It is the best cheap mod I've ever done to the bird. Go to John's Site and buy it ! __________________ '03 Honda CBR1100XX An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools. - Ernest Hemingway

09-24-2007, 12:32 PM	#37
Splat Join Date: Sep 19 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Age: 33 Posts: 98	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Ok i'm thinking about doing this but my front has been lowered by 2 3/4" from top of tree to top of hex section of fork and my seat height at lowest point of seat top is 29" will this still work? The bike is a 2003 with a rear adjustable lower shock mount. The rear tire rubs on over 1" high bumps with a passenger. Also no center stand so will have to lift from frame. __________________ HELMETS SAVE LIVES I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE 2003 Blackbird Custom Solid Gray Chromed and Polished, Dynoed 133HP (DYNOED ON 8-23-08), Blackbird RIP as of 5-15-2009 Last edited by Splat; 09-24-2007 at 12:55 PM.

09-25-2007, 11:45 AM	#38
Splat Join Date: Sep 19 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Age: 33 Posts: 98	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Here is the lower adujustable linkage for my rear shock should i still shim or adjust a 6mm rise with the linkage? Attachment 5556 Also does any one know who makes this. __________________ HELMETS SAVE LIVES I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE 2003 Blackbird Custom Solid Gray Chromed and Polished, Dynoed 133HP (DYNOED ON 8-23-08), Blackbird RIP as of 5-15-2009 Last edited by Splat; 09-25-2007 at 11:51 AM.

09-25-2007, 11:47 AM	#39
flblackbird What cop?? Join Date: Jan 24 2007 Location: Edgewater, FL, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,858	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Put it back to stock & install the shim Splat __________________ Mike 02 Silver Bird I'm a Yamaha tech., that's why I ride a Honda

01-22-2009, 12:37 AM	#43
Rumrunner Join Date: Jan 28 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 97	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX What size is the hole in your shim? Looked thru this whole thread but didn't see that listed anywhere. I only want to make one once!

01-22-2009, 12:49 AM	#45
Rumrunner Join Date: Jan 28 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 97	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX I was just wondering what size of hole or slot was needed. I went thru the post again and found it. The slot is 3/8" wide. Thanks.

01-27-2009, 4:49 AM	#48
Nutter67 Administrator Join Date: Aug 31 2007 Location: Seaford, Victoria, Australia Age: 42 Posts: 5,428	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Mike, are you loosening the nut pictured in step # 4, in post # 1? If so, is the top shock clevis (the bracket the top of the actual shock mounts into) dropping at all? If it is moving a bit, loosen the nut off a bit more and try wiggling the swingarm - but dont be to vigorous, remember that you are only on the centrestand. __________________ *Paul* *Never let a motorcycle take you somewhere your brain didn't get to three seconds earlier*

04-30-2009, 10:49 AM	#51
jboroff Join Date: Mar 19 2007 Location: Boston, MA Age: 41 Posts: 33	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Ok, so here's what is probably a really stupid question/issue I wanted to address before moving forward with this mod. I went to do it yesterday but as I was starting to lift the tank (after removing the stays that hold the inner fairing molding pieces on and the wiring harness on the left side of the bike next to the tank bolts) I felt a strong tug back. After looking under the tank, I realized that there are a number of lines under the tank for the fuel system that seem to be way too tight to just lift the tank up. At that point I stopped and closed her back up because I didn't want to jeopardize loosening something important or pulling something off. Clearly I haven't done any of my own work on this bike before but I did do my own work on my other bikes (CB700SC Nighthawk, 91 VFR 750, CBR1000F), though it's been a while. Am I just being ridiculous or are there harnesses that need to be undone before lifting the tank all the way up?

05-01-2009, 4:03 PM	#52
shewie Resident Eh?hole. Join Date: Oct 26 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 43 Posts: 5,652	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Just the fuel lines. You don't need to remove the tank completely, just lift it enough to access the shock top bolt and prop it with a paint stir stick or something similar that won't cause any damage if it slips. __________________ If you don't like the way I ride then stay off the sidewalk.

05-04-2009, 5:00 PM	#53
jboroff Join Date: Mar 19 2007 Location: Boston, MA Age: 41 Posts: 33	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Thanks for the reply. I'm going to give it another shot Wednesday after work. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I was missing because I wasn't able to print out the directions at the start of this thread.

05-04-2009, 5:50 PM	#54
docsevicz Join Date: Jan 24 2008 Location: Massachusetts Age: 49 Posts: 471	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Yesterday, I used 2 washers for my shim and tried it out. It definately changed the feel of the bike, especially in corners. It seems, to me any way, that you need a lot more speed, to really feel the cornering. I'm not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing. Only because if I get one more speeding ticket my bike days will be done and I've just learned how to keep the speed reasonable.

06-01-2009, 3:28 PM	#55
Islandbird Join Date: Dec 18 2006 Location: Parksville, British Columbia Posts: 25	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX I did this mod with 6mm shim last year. Like it , and all is great. But now I have a new girlfriend who is not used to riding. I took her out and when we hit a small bump like bridge or rr track she fills unstable and fills like she will bounce forward. I got three choices. Remove shim, new seat, or she just hasn't learned to ride and be comfortable back there. Anyone else make this change while maintaining same passenger and get feedback from them?

06-23-2009, 5:32 PM	#56
Pete Join Date: Apr 01 2009 Location: Appleton WI Posts: 38	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Got the shim in the mail yesterday from John's bike bits. Put it in last night. Took me maybe 40 min, mostly to find something to support the tank and I took some time to look everything else over. Shim went in easy. Buttoned everything back up and went for a short ride. Seemed better. Took the bird to work this morning and I have to say everything said about this mod is true. The big XX feels much more agile now. Not like my blade, but better. My bike has corbin bags, I think the bike is more stable at freeway speeds than it was before. Not that it was bad before. I know before the mod, it felt a bit nervous at 135+ mph. -Pete

11-24-2009, 1:52 AM	#57
mattchapman Join Date: Nov 24 2009 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 38	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Has anyone installed the 6mm shim on a bike with a 19.6 kg/mm rear spring rate which is about 1100 lb. spring on the rear and 1.1 kg/mm springs in the forks? I'd like to know if the shim is needed if the suspension has been set up this firm?

11-24-2009, 6:29 PM	#58
plonkey Panurgic motorcyclist Join Date: Apr 14 2007 Location: Mackay australia Age: 44 Posts: 71	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX I have an 1100 spring I think. For 2 up riding. on a Penske triple clicker, Still have the 7mm shim and a little more from the shock. Also have 1kg springs up front with 4mm spacer for preload. Bike turns fast, real fast.And I no longer grind holes in my fairing,, The benefit for me is that even putting another 2mm in the front preload (causing increased front ride height) causes a slightly firmer hand grip while steering, This is evident at low speed and quick turning at higher speed. I find that with 4mm spacer the bike being able to turn lighter and faster my grip is less and I have more control. The feedback actually decreased a little going to the 4 mm spacer in the front as opposed to the 6mm one , but the bike feels more consistent. Fyi I weigh 79kg and the pillion 74kg. For one up riding I back the rear preload off by 3 turns and it is good.

12-13-2009, 5:54 PM	#60
99BLACKBIRD Join Date: Apr 14 2009 Location: SAN ANGELO, TX Posts: 97	Re: Increasing the ride height on a Honda CBR 1100XX Hello, Is this still okay to do with an aftermarket seat?