pdb1964
Zone Head
Posts: 536
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posted March 22, 2005 07:16 PM
 Edited By: pdb1964 on 22 Mar 2005 19:17
Lowering a Bike Question
A female friend of mine is thinking of lowering her bike. It was something that I suggested since she has trouble maneouvering the bike around because she can barely touch the ground. I was thinking of lowering links for the rear and sliding the front forks up in the clamps. I realize that this will reduce the ground clearance but at her weight, she probably won't compress the suspension as much as a heavier person would when cornering. If both front and rear are lowering the same amount, then geometry won't change and therefore handling shouldn't be comprimised. The only issue that I can think about besides the ground clearance is the lower centre of gravity. I'm thinking that the lower centre of gravity would actually make the bike feel lighter.
Does the above make sense? Am I missing anything? Just looking for some advise before having her make the changes to her bike. She is concerned about changing the handling of the bike.
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Pauly
  
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ozzy
Needs a job
need guberment cheese
Posts: 3172
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posted March 23, 2005 04:40 AM
I have read that the links change the rear suspension rate.
Dont know how much it alters the rate or if this is even correct as I read it on an internet sight,LOL.
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foxylady
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posted March 23, 2005 03:39 PM
I had this same problem and a friend who supposedly knew alot about suspensions lowered mine for me, I was able to touch better and could actually back the bike up without having to get off and was happy at first. However I continually felt uncomfortable in the corners, felt like I was fighting it all the way, I thought it was just that I was not used to the weight as my previous bike was much lighter. However had suspension looked at during Sport Bike West last year and was told it was way off and probably handled like a Harley, only wanted to go straight. He readjusted my suspension as much as he could while still trying to keep it so I could touch and it made an incredible difference, it is so smooth cornering now and I love it. However I am back to tip toing and either have to get off my bike to back up or have someone push me back which is fine when riding with others but I really have to watch where I park when by myself.
Just my perspective but would take good handling over being able to touch any day. However if any of you have ideas to lower the bike without effecting handling I would love to hear it as well.
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pdb1964
Zone Head
Posts: 536
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posted March 23, 2005 07:11 PM
Thanks for the input foxylady. What was done to your bike when it was originally lowered? Same as what I was thinking of doing to hers?
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foxylady
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Posts: 122
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posted March 24, 2005 08:45 AM
No, he just changed all the settings to the lowest settings possible on both forks and shocks. I would suggest contacting Rob at www.rmrsuspensions.com, he is the one that reset my suspension at sport bike west.
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beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
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posted March 24, 2005 11:08 AM
One thing that is very important, not to forget, and what kept me from lowering my 12. I am 5-10" and I cannot flat foot my 12, but I still ride it. I went as far as purchased Dino's Lowering Links and was going to bring my forks down some more to drop the bike at least an inch, BUT the thing I didnt realize was the kickstand issue. Your gonng have to modify your kickstand to reflect the newly lowered bike so it doesnt fall over. Most people just get the adjustable kickstands which can be found at any major online store for around $150.
Hope that helps. They had a blasted good article on it in one of the popular magazines back in 2002, dont remember which one. Hmmm...
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pdb1964
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Posts: 536
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posted March 24, 2005 07:31 PM
I forgot about the kickstand issue. Thanks Beans.
I think that is a good idea Foxylady. I will contact Rob.
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ZXLNT
Needs a job
Kawpuke Extraordinare
Posts: 2853
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posted April 07, 2005 04:47 AM
Kickstand is really a non issue. Cut some off and re-weld the foot back on. No big deal...
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pdb1964
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Posts: 536
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posted April 07, 2005 07:13 PM
Another great idea.
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ZXLNT
Needs a job
Kawpuke Extraordinare
Posts: 2853
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posted April 07, 2005 10:23 PM
When I lower my bike at the track I just unbolt the long kickstand and bolt up the short kickstand. I bolt and 1 connector not too hard...
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chunter
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Posts: 195
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posted April 14, 2005 09:39 AM
Lower both the same amount to minimize handling gremlins.
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