tonyla Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 I am looking to lower the bike just 2 inches how can this be accomplished?
Haynes Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 I assume that it's to accommodate a rider who needs to raise the ground closer so his/her feet can reach the ground. Firstly, a seat modification is easiest method that won't upset any settings. For further lowering, best way is to have the springs modified. Shortening of the springs must be done by a spring works who can set the new short length and maintain the rate and frequency of the original. You may even be able to buy some "off the shelf". Of course this may cause a reduction in suspension travel unless the shock absorber is modified as well. Getting it right is a rather precise process so you should either consult a skilled suspension technician or someone of similar weight who has already completed the operation successfully. It will be a very expensive or even dangerous exercise if you choose a "trial and error" approach.
tallman Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Seat change and boot soles can give you almost that. Or, aftermarket shocks. #2 will be more expensive and you'll probably lose the centerstand. #2 will also reduce some ground clearance, twisties, pillion, loaded bike, all may be different.
AndyS Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Are you sure you want to drop the height by that much? In other words are you trying to get both of your feet flat on the floor? If you are, I would suggest you are going to make some real sacrifices to: a/. Rider comfort or b/. Fun riding. If you chop your seat down it (generally) will be less comfortable as ride distance increases. but may well be the best compromise. You could try to make it narrower which may give real benefits as you effectively can get your legs closer together. And may increase confidence - although this is probably only perceived, because your legs are not triangulated away from the bike it will be less stable. If you opt for the suspension route you are going to sacrifice some serious ground clearance (where there already isn't much). You will also find the side stand will need modifying (or the bike will keep falling over in side winds - because the bike will be either too upright....or leaning the wrong way!). You will find getting the bike on the centrestand a real pain. You will find that over bumps the bike will generally feel more 'crashy', (because you are already much nearer the bump stops). Unless you get it spot on, the steering geometry may well feel strange too. The solution of built up boots is not too good either because hooking up the gear lever can be a real swine(unless you get a heel and toe conversion - which I have seen done). So....do you still really want to lower the bike??? Andy
crnagel Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 I have a similar problem. Bought an r1100rt with Corbin seats and I could hardly reach the ground, I was tip-toeing just as a Ballerina (but not as graceful). Bought a set of standard lower seats, and also wear high sole hiking boots when riding, that helped me reach the ground better, but not quite flat footed. Interesting enough, I changed the rear tire a week ago, that raised the bike another ½”, but I still can get to touch the ground with both feet. I’m a bit unstable now. I had many suggestions on how to lower the bike further, but I believe it may change the riding characteristics more than what I really want. My suggestion is you try first the seat, the narrower at the front the better. Take your time on other modifications; make sure the changes are reversible.
knight88 Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 How I did mine without changing the actual bike height is I got a Sargent lowered seat(for a 29" inseam), lowered the peg to offset the lower seat height with a kit, and got a harley boot with a 2" heel and had a boot shop add an addional 1/2" layer on the entire sole. This gave me enough height to flat foot both feet! I would highly suggest lowering the peg because on long rides you DO feel it in your knees if you don't lower it.
BigAL Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 How I did mine without changing the actual bike height is ..... and got a harley boot with a 2" heel and had a boot shop add an addional 1/2" layer on the entire sole. This gave me enough height to flat foot both feet! . Man, it must feel weird walking around, though!
knight88 Posted July 12, 2008 Posted July 12, 2008 Man, it must feel weird walking around, though! What was that? Can't hear you from this altitude No, not really I just added 1/2 inch to the original boot height but the pegs do need to be lowered.
Toto Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 02 R1150RT and I got it with the Corbin Heated seats...had the local upholstery shop cut down the sides a bit but it looks like a lot more radical seat rework will be req'd (needs new covering so I think changing to the 4-way vinyl may be the best option for redesign). Any experience with changing from Leather to 4-way?
TNT Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Seat and lowered shocks ... So what shocks did you go with? How much lower did you go? I have 29" inseam and looking at lowering 1 to 2 inches. Or just go get the F800ST.
AndyS Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Hi TNT, You tell us your inseam measurement is 29inches. From my experience quite a few of us are in that league and have not needed much more than the seat set to the lowest position and maybe a modified seat. To ruin ground clearance and handling is something I would highly recommend you re-think and ask other riders with shortish leg length how they get by. Maybe it is a bike handling thing which may help you? What do you think? Andy
German Rider Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 I lowered my RT with Wilber's Performance Shocks available at Max BMW. The best thing I could have done for the bike. Not only is it easier to mount the bike, it actually handles better too. It was pricey, but worth the expense. Good Luck
TNT Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Hi TNT, You tell us your inseam measurement is 29inches. From my experience quite a few of us are in that league and have not needed much more than the seat set to the lowest position and maybe a modified seat. To ruin ground clearance and handling is something I would highly recommend you re-think and ask other riders with shortish leg length how they get by. Maybe it is a bike handling thing which may help you? What do you think? Andy Thanks, Andy for the reply. Yes, for years there are quite a few that ask the same things over and over about the seats and lowering the RT. I have done everything but, lowering the bike. Now, I don't think by lowering the RT 1 to 2 inches well do anything to the handling. I watch some of the big boys get on there RTs and lower it 1 to 2 or more inches by just getting on the bike!!!! So for someone like myself that come in at 150lbs or less, that lowering the bike maybe not that bad. It well put the ground clearance the same as the big boy and give the short legged riders more foot to the ground. I just put down some 2x4s on the ground and what a difference. Yes, that's only 1 1/2 inches. Yes, you are correct it is a handling thing for anyone that does not flate foot the RT when stoped! At every stop. Every stop has to be well planned and you must look at the ground to see if it is good to stop or not stop! I would like to know by how much some have lowered the RT, 1 or 2 inches and has there been any negatives at all in the handling? I know you have to shorten the side and center stand. After doing all this to a bike that I love, is it worth it? I liked the demo ride on the F800ST low frame. That bike would fix my short comings.(LOL) It is not the RT, so I would gain on one end a give up a lot on the other. Richard
Capt_Ron Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 TNT, Just FWIW, my wife lowered her R1150RS one inch with a set of HyperPro shocks and it was a HUGE improvement for her. She can nearly flatfoot the bike at a stop, has a lot more confidence, the bike feels 80 lbs lighter, and if the handling was impaired, it would take better riders than we are to notice. I'd recommend you lower the bike as little as necessary, allowing as much travel in the suspension as possible. You'll be amazed at what just an inch will do. We did the same thing with the 2x4s (they actually measure 1 1/2" x 3 1/2") and 1x6s. With the bike upright and with her feet on boards of varying thinknesses, she figured 1" would be OK. The shock distributor I spoke with strongly recommended that the bike be lowered the same amount at both ends to minimize any adverse effects on handling. A little pricey ($1360 plus installation) but she believes it was worth it. Good luck. Ron ps. I whacked an inch off the side stand and haven't done anything yet with the center stand.
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