Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Nooo not like that

I know that it's possible to lower a bike for a shorter rider. How far is too far when lowering so as not to drastically affect handling/steering characteristics? One inch? Two inches? The bike in question is an EX500.

im sure its possible. With smaller tires and smaller forks i think you can lower a bike. I dont know how low is too low though



JWF

Smartest way to do it is to cut down the seat.

Otherwise some aftermarket rear shocks will allow you to drop the back end a little. There's other things you can do, but realiztically even a small change in height will affect the bikes handling, you're better off messing with the seat.

There are aftermarket links for the rear suspension on many bikes to help you lower it. You can also drop the forks in the triple clamps on the front. You have to pay attention to clearances when you d o this however. My wifes Monster has been lowered and it handles just fine.

just wear taller boots! j/k

I would start with the seat too. Ive heard of people getting EX500's lowered two inches by getting the seat done.

You can lower the preload by 1.5" too. But I would be more inclined to just shave 2inches off the seat. (probably would have an upholstery shop to this).

High_Side wrote:There are aftermarket links for the rear suspension on many bikes to help you lower it. You can also drop the forks in the triple clamps on the front. You have to pay attention to clearances when you d o this however. My wifes Monster has been lowered and it handles just fine.

Right, the Uni-trak tie rods ("dogbones"?) I'm thinking a combination of shaving the seat, lowering the rear and adjusting the forks will work. Maybe start with the seat...and adjust everything else as nec. I know you don't want to drop the forks too much so bottoming out doesn't become a possibility...

Oh..and won't shaving the seat down make it uncomfortable? Anyone done this? Any input?

PS: Just for clarification...it's not for me...I can flatfoot my 500 just fine thanks

SuperRookie wrote:Right, the Uni-trak tie rods ("dogbones"?) :

Different bikes require different parts. Google it.

SuperRookie wrote: Oh..and won't shaving the seat down make it uncomfortable?

Yes. I even considered putting a monster 620 seat on the S2R because it uses the same pan and far less foam. After sitting on one however I changed my mind. More seat foam is a good thing.

DivideOverflow wrote:just wear taller boots! j/k

I would start with the seat too. Ive heard of people getting EX500's lowered two inches by getting the seat done.

You can lower the preload by 1.5" too. But I would be more inclined to just shave 2inches off the seat. (probably would have an upholstery shop to this).

Yeah...some platform boots oughta do

Two inches off the seat...whew...definitely need an "iron butt" for that

Adjusting the pre-load...hmmm there's an idea

Adjusting the preload adjusts how it handles more then the height.

Hmmm..so adusting the pre-load won't affect how much the bike squats when it's sat on?