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Message started by BryanA on 09/05/14 at 11:51:45

Title: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by BryanA on 09/05/14 at 11:51:45

So I've got the 2001 LS650 and its kinda just sitting there now that I ride my 1100 and I thought about setting it up for the old lady to learn on since shes been hounding me to ride. I thought about this long and hard...I mean....2 riders means 2 bikes, 2 insurance policies, 2 sets of magazines coming in every month, but then again....I'd get MY bike back! Sometimes.... :D

But there are some challenges

Challenge #1: Shes 5'2"
When she sits in the saddle everything fits her pretty good. I had to move the bars a little and re-angle the controls but it's a good fit. Except...Shes standing on the balls of her feet.

Now I figure dropping the bike about 2 inches across the board will put her feet flat on the ground and put enough bend in her knee to move the bike....I might look at 3" But I don't think any more than that. So....on to lowering options.

1. Seat. This is a viable option if I can find one. I'd like to make it a single seater anyway and that means new mounting and a new saddle. But I think any seat I get (new anyway) is gonna be BIGGER not smaller. So....that's kinda out....product pending.

2. Suspension. Shorter rear shocks. (easy enough) Maybe even just take a ring off the rear springs. The shocks in the rear are pretty new. And then shorten the forks. I'm a little nervous about this because I don't have the equipment to machine a specific length off the spacers and I know they have to be pretty darn perfectly matched.

I know Progressive sells a drop in kit that looks promising. And they make em for the newer S40s and S50s but I'm not sure how compatible, if at all, they will be.

I came up with a crazy idea...Call it 3. Replace the 19x2.15 wheel in the front with an 18" or even 17" wheel (assuming I can transfer the speedo drive and the rotor, and then lower the rear shocks accordingly for the proper engine angle. I figure I can keep the stock wheel and shocks if I decide to sell it. Or just pick up a new set of shocks if I cut the ones that are on it.

Let the thoughts, ideas, criticism, and dirty name calling commence below.

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by scannerzer on 09/05/14 at 12:22:06

Hi Bryan

I'm only 5'2" also but manage ok with the savage maybe when she gains a bit of experiance this would not be as important but can you slide the fork legs up through the clamps to lower the front and maybe change the rear shoxs then it would be easy to reverse if needed

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by old_rider on 09/05/14 at 12:23:20

Your wife must have short legs...
My wife is 5' 2" and doesn't seem to have a problem with flatfooting at stop lights if she kinda slides forward.
However...recently she purchased some real nice "biker boots", LOL well, give her a chance to buy new shoes and she is all over it! :)
She bought some that have a 1" sole on them, so her feet touch really easy now, maybe that is something you could get your wife to do...I mean ask her if she wants some new shoes.... ;)

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by Jeff71 on 09/05/14 at 14:07:45

Scan: You can't slide the forks up on an S40. You can lower them with spacers but the tops stay in the same position.
Jeff

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/05/14 at 14:13:50

How would it work if you reshaped the edges of the seat so she could get her ankles closer together? If she is narrow at the hips the seat would be like sitting on a diving board.

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by BryanA on 09/05/14 at 14:15:59

I hope she doesn't read this...
Shes closer to 4'11" than 5'2" But I didn't say that. I like the boots idea, we'll have to try that out. She can duck walk it but its kinda scary to watch :-/

Ya, the forks don't slide up, they are fixed under caps at the top. you have to pull the spacer and spring, and shave them off for the lower. Not complicated but you ahve to be able to do it accurately, You really need a lathe or a mill. I don't have access to either. At least not yet. :)

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by verslagen1 on 09/05/14 at 15:29:11

Can't really recommend lowering, the pegs are a bit close to the ground already. And the rear shock is just that a real shock with an 1.5" of travel.

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by BryanA on 09/05/14 at 16:22:21

3C2F3839262B2D2F247B4A0 wrote:

Can't really recommend lowering, the pegs are a bit close to the ground already. And the rear shock is just that a real shock with an 1.5" of travel.

Ya, I've drug the pegs a time or two and not all that difficultly. If anything this thread made me start to consider selling her, and getting something shorter....but what. LOL :-?

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/05/14 at 18:35:15

Blaahdeeblahhhblaahh

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by Demin on 09/06/14 at 03:57:02

Go with a small solo seat.They're not as uncomfortable as they look.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2013/11/04/bikepics-2612990-800.jpg

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by Yoshi on 09/06/14 at 04:28:11

Demin,
Please pm me the info on where you got those z bars, I WANT!
did you have to extend the wires?

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/06/14 at 22:24:47

Geeeze, I just WISH I could think of a Possible solution that wouldnt be too hard or too costly,, Looks like youre screwed, dude,, Youre just gonna hafta drop that front end..

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by spdfrek on 09/09/14 at 06:48:48

What do you consider not too costly? Being comfortable when you ride is worth a lot to me so with that said what about just using the RYCA lowering kit? It took a bit of work but can be done in a few hours if you really take your time and at $80 its not too expensive.

http://shop.rycamotors.com/lowering_kit.html

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by BryanA on 09/10/14 at 23:54:33

80$ isnt bad.

I was looking at something like this:
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1462/fork-lowering-kit

But didn't know what year MIGHT be the same size.

Window shopping for 250 Rebels at the moment.

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by jashmash21 on 09/21/14 at 17:21:36

Hey Demin, I like that solo seat set up. Where did you get that solo seat? Also how did you mount it to the frame (custom bracket?)

Title: Re: Lowering the front end. Options
Post by Demin on 09/22/14 at 05:09:47

Its just a generic seat.Any aftermarket shop should have them or can get them.I use off the shelf bracket and hinge and clamp kit.All the stuff is on Ebay too.Bolts right where the stock seat tab bracket was.

http://p1.bikepics.com/2013/11/04/bikepics-2612992-800.jpg