Seat height seems high according to specs ; vtx1100c2 2004

All the specs for the 'seat height' for my 2004 honda shadow sabre vtx1100c2 show a seat height of 27.2...

my other bike is a 2007 vtx1300c with a seat height of 27.5...

related/unrelated data; our friends have suzuki;
c50; height; 27.6
c-90; height; 27.6

our shadow sits higher than all the bikes and is uncomforable/and somewhat unsafe for my wife to ride. it just seems higher than the 27.2
both she and i sit lower , and more comforable on my 1300c.

i have the rear shocks in the lowest #1 setting. i don't want to change the handling, or spend a forture to lower it, but need to get it down about one inch.

i am;
1) curious how the 1100 sits higher than the 1300 when the specs are lower.
and
2) my best information is, for about $300.00 i can put on new rear shocks that will lower the rear 1", not mess with the front, and not change the handling.

please confirm, or deny above info.

thanks much

glenn blahnik