How to Lower a Honda Shadow

by Zyon Silket

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The Honda Shadow uses two large coil-over shocks bolted just behind the seat to provide shock absorption. This is the same spring set-up made famous on Harley-Davidson Dyna models. Many Honda Shadow owners want to achieve the look of a chopper, with a higher front end and a lower back end. To do this, you need to lower the back end by replacing the rear coil-over shocks with "lowering" shocks.

Step 1

Remove the bolt that secures the bottom of the shock to the swing arm on the right side of the Honda Shadow, using a socket and ratchet.

Step 2

Remove the bolt that secures the top of the shock to the frame on the right side of the motorcycle, using a socket and ratchet. Pull the shock off the motorcycle.

Step 3

Remove the bolt that secures the bottom of the shock to the swing arm on the left side of the Honda Shadow, using a socket and ratchet. When you pull the bolt out of the shock, the rear fender of the motorcycle will drop down. This is normal. However, place your hand under the fender to prevent it from falling hard against the tire.

Step 4

Remove the bolt that secures the top of the shock to the frame on the left side of the motorcycle, using a socket and ratchet. Pull the shock off the motorcycle.

Step 5

Secure the top of the lowering spring to the frame on the left side of the Honda Shadow, using the bolt, socket and ratchet.

Step 6

Lift up the rear fender of the Shadow and push the bolt through the bottom of the shock and into the threaded hole on the swing arm. Tighten the bolt using the socket and ratchet.