The best way to lower your Honda Shadow (is cheaper than you think!)

The best way to lower your Honda Shadow (is cheaper than you think!)

David Straughan
3 minute read

If you’re looking into lowering your Honda Shadow, you do have some options. However, not all of those options are created equally. Let’s explore some of those options.

Different ways to lower your Honda Shadow

How does one lower a bike anyway? One of the easiest ways to do it is to alter the rear linkage that is commonly called a “dog bone.” While this is an inexpensive and easy way to make your Honda Shadow lower, it comes with some serious drawbacks. Even a tiny change in the linkage can dramatically change the compression rate of the spring. Even a change of less than half an inch can increase the compression rate by more than 20 percent. That change can affect everything from the ride comfort to handling. Consequently, others choose to shorten the rear spring to lower their Honda Shadow. This will cost at least $200 to have performed at most mechanics. While it will maintain the factory spring rating and a similar ride, it’s also not ideal. Owners who shorten their rear spring are left with a bike that is permanently lowered. This can present all sorts of problems in the future. While the bike will look lower and be easier to mount, it will ride differently and might be difficult to sell if that time should come. For these reasons we do not recommend spending money on either of these options. Yet, there is another option that allows the owner to lower (and raise) the bike with ease. It also has many other benefits.

An air suspension for your Honda Shadow

An air suspension for your Honda Shadow is the answer to all of these questions. It allows you to lower and raise the bike and adjust the firmness instantly. That means that when you need it to be low, it’s low. If you need it to be higher, you can make it higher. You can adjust the firmness to add more passenger support, or to compensate for road conditions. Best of all, you can do this for as much or less than cost you to only shorten your rear spring. These EZ Rider Motorcycle Air Suspension kits are engineered to be simple enough to install at home with just a few hand tools. At just under $200, it’s one of the least expensive ways to lower your Honda Shadow. However, riders may also want to be able to make that adjustment as quickly and easily as possible. For that, we’ve also designed a fully-automated version of this air suspension. This kit does the same thing as our regular EZ Rider Air Suspension, but with the flip of a switch. At just under $600, it’s still a very affordable way to add some serious function AND style to your Honda Shadow. Ready to make the switch? Order online or call one of our Suspension Experts at (866) 684-0528.

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