Rear Shock Question

[FJ1200]

Hi folks, I've recently completed a GS 500 cafe racer project and am rather happy with the end result - for my first time..
On completion, after taking it for a run, I've discovered it bottoms-out - the subsequent result is a bent (plastic) rear guard, number plate bracket and number plate... (And yes perhaps I should lose some weight but at 6'2 and 105kgs I didn't think I was that 'over-weight'...)

In comparing mine to a couple of other similar looking machines on-line, mine appears to have insufficient clearance between the rear wheel and duck-tail.  That being said, it only looks that way - though I'm sure the others I've seen don't bottom out.

Some of these options are a shot in the dark and I haven't taken any measurements or checked in detail, however in seeking your opinions, the following may've occurred (a) the shock needs tightening? (b) I could have put the shock linkage back together incorrectly (can you do that..??), (c) there's something else amiss when I did rebuilt the rear end or (d) I'm a fat bastard and I do need to lose some weight...!

The project was always going to be sold when completed, so I want to make sure it's right (I ride a 'Busa - the GS is a bit small for me...lol)
happy for your comments or thoughts,
thanks in advance..
   

[Armandorf]

your meeasure could be wrong, Fenderectomy was too common, is very rare to find a bike with an original complete rear mudguard .

You probably have a blown shock anyway, at which notch is the preaload set ?
sv650 or r6 shocks are common replacements.

which rear tire size you have?

check for part diagrams, but i believe you can only build it in the correct way.

[FJ1200]

Thanks for your comments, the bike is a cafe racer so has no rear guard..
You could be right though - the shock may've blown, it has more give than it should and presently looks like it's at the softest setting.

Tyre size is 140/70 and there's only 45-50mm between the top of the tyre and the edge of the side cover - not the guard under the seat - the side cover...