Lowering Question

m19skb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Dec 2012 Karma :

Is lowering a bike a practical proposition and does it effect handling very much?
I am 5ft 3ins, and would like a Yamaha R1, but having sat on one I can only just get my toes down each side!
I was told a lowering kit would drop the suspension by up to inch and half, which would do the trick for me.
Any views/advice appreciated.

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Better to make yourself taller than lower the bike. Daytona Mstar/Ladystar boots ftw.

Andrew_ · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 01 Jan 2013 Karma :

Is there a way to push down the yoke and handle bars further down the forks as well?

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

sidewinder · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

Apparently the blade takes lowering pretty well Very Happy

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weasley · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Karma :

If you just lower the rear, then the steering will get lazier as the rake angle gets wider. You can drop the forks through the yokes to level the bike out again and get the rake and trail back to stock, but now the wheelbase gets shorter, giving you the effect Paddy was eluding to; even worse if you drop the front more than the rear and sharpen the rake angle. You also lose some suspension travel and ground clearance. You could get the seat reshaped to take some padding out, but fundamentally you are banging a square peg into a round hole.
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

My suggestion is learn to deal with it. If you want an R1, buy an R1. If you want a bike that is lower than an R1, buy one of those.

Toe down on one side is enough, you only need to do it when you stop anyway.

I'm over 6 foot and I've owned a bike in the past that I had to jump to get my leg over the seat when it was on the sidestand, slide across the compress the suspension THEN push it upright off the stand with my toes. (930mm seat height, so 100mm higher than an R1).
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raesewell · Traffic Copper Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Karma :

Take a look at this
https://www.drshull.co.uk/

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Andrew_ · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 01 Jan 2013 Karma :

J.M. · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Karma :

cimbian · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :

I lowered my TA with a kit (well a single part and instructions) from Germany as well as dropping the forks through the yokes 20mm (as per the instructions in the kit).

Handling seemed better BUT I fitted new matching tyres at the same time AND the TA is not a sports bike.

I'd blame my dad for my short-arse legs but he's been dead for 13 years. Neutral

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Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
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Andrew_ · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 01 Jan 2013 Karma :

I just want to see were my bike and bikes I may get are ranked on the table. Not questioning his integrity.

J.M. · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Karma :

m19skb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Dec 2012 Karma :

Thanks for all the links and help...all comments useful, including the funnier ones!
Yes, I am a short arse, no getting around that, but I make up for it in other ways...I have long fingers...
Anyway, the Yamaha dealer I went to said they sell lowering kits for just this purpose (£130) and as long as it is lowered equally front and back by around an inch, no more then there should be no detrimental effects. An inch would probably be enough.
I would consider a Fireblade too, but the R1 is my first choice, so still looking around.
I have ridden many big bikes before but just looking to get comfortable while seated.
I know the performance of bikes like this is never used but how much of the capability of high performance cars and bikes is?
We don't buy/use them to ride the wheels of them every time we go out, but it is HAVING the potential capability that often thrills us just as much.
How many Ferrari (or any other fast car) owners drive at 9/10ths?

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

No one really rides a 600 to its full potential.

Are you sure you aren't doing this for the image? I was riding a GSXR1000 and got my anus handed to me because I didn't push the thou as far as the 600 rider pushed his bike.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

m19skb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Dec 2012 Karma :

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

FWIW the GSXR1000 k5/6 could probably spank an R1.

I have seen some stupid speeds on that bike...

But, with the lowering and the potential to turn it into a 150hp boomerang... I wouldn't want to have that much power.

m19skb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Dec 2012 Karma :

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

OK, so it is about the looks.

Thanks Wink

m19skb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Dec 2012 Karma :

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

MILES apart from the R1.

Thumbs Up

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

I don't see what people's problem is with the R1 thing - frankly if it came down to 'what we realistically use' nobody would need anything more than a cb250.

If you want it and can afford it, why not have it?

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Heh, yes, we've established it's not another "I'ma tamed my YZF-R125, R1 is just same thing innit" intro. Wink

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