Lowering a motorcycle | What are the consequences?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- I lowered my Yamaha FZ-07 MT-07 two inches using the T-Rex lowering kit. Are you having trouble touching the ground while sitting on your motorcycle and wondering whether or not you should lower it? There are advantages and disadvantages. There can also be danger if not done right. Here's what happened to my bike's behavior, suspension, steering, and geometry.
This video is not a paid endorsement of T-Rex products:
• T-Rex Racing 2013 - On...
fit the bike to you. plain and simple. Like Dave Moss says, you dont get in a car without adjusting the seat, controls, and mirrors to fit you. Why would your bike be any different?
Most people don’t realize how much a slight change in geometry can affect handling. A few adjustments in the wrong direction can put you down. Thanks for addressing this.
Yep, I've seen some bikes that were definitely done the wrong way (especially with homebrew mods), where I was manifestly concerned for the safety of the owner.
depend how you ride it, if you ride sport bike for many years and change to stock harley you also feel the affect of handling, it matter how you ride it
Its about time manufacturers made the seats more adjustable , there is no need for all the air space over the rear wheel
Thank you. I ride a zzr 1200 and the weight and height are a problem for me. Thank you for reassuring the idea about safety.
buy a honda rebel, geez.
Thank you for creating this video - very informative! I'm only 5' (barely), and lowered my MT-07 using the same link and am still on my tippy toes, but at least I can reach the ground now. ;) I've come to expect that at my height, if sport bikes are what I want to ride, I'm going to have to adjust to balancing on tip toes, even if the bike's lowered. It's especially difficult as a beginner rider, but I've gotten used to it. My husband has an MT-07 (his and hers!) at stock height, and hasn't mentioned any differences in the ride quality when he's ridden it.
Thanks, I'm glad you found the information useful. At 5 feet tall, you're definitely gonna be challenged by many sportbikes. Luckily, the MT-07 is very light, so it's much easier to handle at low speeds when you aren't flat-footed. Cheers and best wishes as you continue gain experience and skill in motorcycling.
Hi dear. I am also 5 foot and just bought an MT 07 2015. Just bought this kit and am worried it will not be enough. How was the bike at stock height? Mine I can only touch one foot on Tip toes
@@nicolamariecutajar4312 It works for me. At stock height, I couldn't reach the ground, so if you can tippy toe, it'll be enough--you won't flat foot (at 5', you never will be, even if you lower), but you can easily manage on the balls of your feet (the bike is light at only a lil over 400 lbs wet).
@@marshamallow4496 no for sure I wont flat foot hehe. I'm hoping to be on the balls of my feet but I doubt it. Do you use any boots or shoes with a high platform? I'm scared I will drop the bike.
At the moment at stock height i only reach one foot on the ground and that is on the tip of the toe
Nicely done, Mr K. Lowering a bike is a common mod, it has pros and cons like any other, as long as the pros out-weigh the cons, then it's gotta be worth doing, especially if it means someone gets the bike they want. Cheers!
Precisely. Cheers, sir. :)
Awesome video! I lowered my CBR250R because Im 5ft nothing lol and I wasn’t comfortable or confident with the stock height. After lowering it. I did notice the difference in my turns and I thought I was doing something wrong since I just started riding. Turns out that the lowering is the reason I have to work a little harder on tight turns and I can’t lean as much. Overall. I am happy with my lowering, and Im glad I watched this because now I know why my turns and leans are the way they are now.
Awesome, I'm glad this vid was helpful to you. Cheers and thanks.
Hey B, can you touch the ground? I'm too standing at only 5' and it really sucks that I cannot even touch the ground. It's like only the tip of my shoes are touching. I just fear as riding here has a lot of hilly roads. Would suck to have to really stop on an ascending road
@@bulanbintang5741 Hey! I could touch the ground firmly at the time. Since then I’ve gotten a new bike (cbr500r) & I also put an adjustable lowering link on it. I could flat foot the 250 on hills very comfortably but with the 500 I need about another inch to be able to firmly flat foot but my feet touch the ground if that makes sense. On the 500 I can firmly plant most of my foot on the ground but my heel is still lifted a bit so I’m considering adjusting my link slightly so I can have that extra handling control that comes with my whole feet being planted on hills. I hope this helped. Also, you just gave me an idea for a new video😃 Feel free to check out my channel.
I’m so glad you made this video, I lowered my KTM 690 Enduro R by 1” always wondered if I did the right thing it really gave me more confidence I love the bike now thanks for sharing. ✌🏻
My pleasure, Tim. I think a lot of people have been persuaded away from lowering their bikes by the purists, when doing so could actually be a major benefit. Thanks as always, man. :)
@@TimKreitzAdventures cuz those are tall people with logger leg, i definitely not suggest d short rider to touch ground by one foot or swing ur butts, but in my way of concern about the safety issue, the rider must be able to touch ground with both foot as main point, it is more dangerous IF not lower the bike. of course must compromise to forgone the ground clearance that's fair enough. ( for certain bike ONLY)
Huge thanks for sharing this informative video. Your input about advantage/disadvantage surely does justice. I just lowered mine 2inches rear & 1.25 front. Thanks again stay safe
I just lowered my 2017 650 vstrom 1.5 inch's, made 2 dog bone links, cut and welded the side stand, no problem ,the fun part was lowering the center stand and getting it to fit with after market exhaust ,all that for under 20 bucks, it rides great now....
This is a common debate in any V-Strom group or forum that I've been in.
Due to them being somewhat of a tall bike, a lot of people have trouble reaching the ground. But, then for those who take the bike on dirt, plus our crappy roads in general, then you lose that clearance and travel.
I've never felt the need to lower mine, but I know people that have and it worked for them. Glad it worked for you mate!
Appreciated. Yeah, this has always been a subject of debate across various styles and types of riding, and will likely continue to be. I think a lot of it is based in the fact that suspension and ride height are considered dark magic to some. They've been frightened away from experimenting.
The stock front forks are like Pogo sticks.. I put Ohlin Cartages in mine and it has night and day better handling now .
I looked into going full Ohlins on the front and back. But it was well over $2,000 and I just couldn't justify it for a bike that cost me $5,999 off the showroom floor. If I were taking it to the track regularly, then maybe. But this has always been and always will be a street motorcycle, so I've stuck with the cheap stock stuff. It's soft, but it works.
Hey man, I'm in west Texas too. I don't wanna give away where you live but I'm in the town West of you! I just bought a Honda CB300R, and my wife got a Ninja...We're new riders and appreciate your videos!
Appreciated Casey. I think pretty much everybody knows where I am at this point, but thanks for being discreet. Welcome to the channel!
Thanks a lot brother for making me confident I also order lowering kit for my gsx s750
Fantastic. All the best.
@@TimKreitzAdventures thanks will share you when it delivered n installed in my bike
Big plus for me is center of gravitiy. I lowered just the front end of my Tracer 700 for 10mm and change oil for 15W like Dave Moss said.
Before lowering kits were a thing the only answer was a pair of Herman Munster boots! )
Hahaha! So true. :0)
I lowered my 09 Versys 650. It was a tall bike and i had a messed up hip so it was tough getting my leg over the bike. Lowered the front also but put the front back to the stock position and liked it better that way. Lowering the bike was a huge improvement. I lowered my Versys 1000 but then put it back to stock because with it lowered the center would drag when going over speed bumps...
can dig it. Dragging the oil pan of the FZ across speed bumps and the like was one of my primary concerns with lowering it. So far, so good, though. :)
The height of the motorcycle seat is important.
When I ride a motorcycle with a high seat, I go on a trip with shoes with high heels. The channel has been registered.
Thank you! :-)
Great teaching brother i was wondering about lowering my 2008 Yamaha FZ1. But now i changed my mind iam 5'9 also i have ridden all bike brother its comfortable already but i wanted to lower it for looks but Naww iam good.
My gen1 zx10r is lowered 2 inches and it still handles great. It also keeps the front end down during hard acceleration so it has shown major benefits
So how’s the bumpy grounds when you hit it? I’m debating if I should lower my 2020 R6 and I’m 5’3 tall but then I realize most of the time I’m usually on top of the bike anyways
@@liljfunk21 I am 5"3 with 29" inseam. Just wondering if I can plant both feet even on tippy toes?
@@kunichiyawa1660 depending on your inseam
@@liljfunk21 yeah I got 29" inseam. Do you think I could ride that r6?
@@kunichiyawa1660 really on a sportbikes you’re suppose to be standing like a flamingo anyway
I had a Triumph sprint st 955i that was lowered and that thing handled great.
Yeah, the more I ride the FZ like this, the more I like it.
*I have to wonder who are these bikes made for. The average height of men in the US is 5' 9" and yet this bike is still too high? Obviously, bike makers don't take the customer into consideration. And they have zero concern for women.* It's the new millennium, how about adjustable ride heights or adjustable seat positions? How about bikes that lower when stopping?
Great to hear from West Texas. Good review on that kit install, that bike looks awesome as well.
Thanks, DJ! :-)
I think that is a great modification for those that need it and I like the safe message too. RSM8
Appreciated, Kevin. I think it'll be both safer and more fun for me in the long run. Cheers, sir.
I lowered my cb500x, front & back. It made it feel more stable which surprised me. Must be the lower center of gravity I assume.
Nice. I'm just impressed you were able to find a CB500X. Those things are virtually unobobtanium here in the American Southwest. I'd love to have one.
I'm too tall for this video, lol! but found it quite informative all the same mate :)
#ShortPeopleProblems LOL. :-)
Jajajjaa
Well said and spot on Tim. Cheers mate
Much appreciated. :)
Great video, thanks for sharing. I'm getting ready to lower my '09 Yamaha FZ6R. Being used to riding a CBR600F4i, the front end of the FZ6r just feels too light and obviously it's a higher riding stance due to the upright handlebars vs. the clip-ons on the CBR. I'm hoping this helps the handling of the bike as I will be lowering the rear end the same height as the front. I'll post a video after this is done to help out others with the same bike and predicament.
Getting a new engine on my Wide Glide, I was on my Sportster Superlow and realized it takes a fair amount of effort to corner. And then I got on a 2019 Fat Boy. With the wide back tire and solid wheels, that was FAR more effort to corner. And then I got my Wide Glide back. It just rolls into corners ever so smoothly. After being without her, I've come to appreciate what a nimble bike that is. I'm not sure I'd want to sacrifice that. Obviously, if it's a safety thing, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. But beyond that.. nah.
Yeah, I can imagine lowering a cruiser could be risky proposition since they are already lacking in handling and ground clearance. I've ridden a bunch of different Harleys and my lowered FZ is still a precision scalpel by comparison. My Bonneville isn't too bad with its more standard geometry, but I still wouldn't lower it, either.
Yea, the wide glide will destroy a fatboy. Hell I would spank a fatboy with my 850lb roadglide.
@@TimKreitzAdventures You say lowering your fz lack a bit of performer; may I know what kind of performer? Corner? Top speed? Drag race? And you said you have ride harley, have you lower your harley?
For me it's a "No", Not familiar with your fork type on that bike, but on my Bonnie I installed Race-Tech Cartridge Emulators and springs up front; the difference is quite noticeable, totally transforms the front end. Might be an option for the FZ. (If you have a cartridge fork, try their Gold Valves and springs.)
Yep, there's wide variety of options out there for sure. At one point I considered going with a full Ohlins setup all the way around, but I just couldn't justify dumping $3,000 into a bike that I only paid $6,500 for. Considered a fork kit, too, since most are less than $200, but that still wouldn't have solved the ride height preference. For about $100 bucks or so, I think I found a good compromise for what is essentially a budget bike.
Sounds like a great deal, glad it works for you! For my Daytona, I sent the stock shock to Race-Tech and they rebuilt it; parts and labor came to about half of what an Ohlins shock would've cost (don't know if they do those rebuilds since they came out with their own line of shocks, it's been ten years or so since I did it). I did the fork myself, an interesting experience going into the cartridge. I did spring for Ohlins shocks for the Bonnie, but I went with the less-expensive non-reservoir type, still a bit over $600 but damn sure worth it for the ride!
Thanks brother for your clear explanation. Will buy lowering kit n get confident..
Good luck and be cautious with the mod. Cheers.
Great advice. I'm going to lower my bike about 1" at the rear, and the proportionate amount at the front. It used to be fine, and still is when on the bike but arthritis in my knee and hip is making it difficult to get on the bike.
Lust Racing of England makes a top quality kit for most bikes and instructions on how to do the front forks as well.
@@wirenut3020 thanks, I will check them out before I buy anything 👍
I’m lucky enough not to have needed to lower a bike. The only related thing I’ve done was put a GSXR shock on an SV1000. The shock on the SV was awful. Unfortunately the the shock I could get hold of was about an inch shorter than the SV but I put shorter dogbones on to raise the ride height back up. Luckily the bike was better than standard, but messing around like that could have messed things up completely!
No doubt! BTW, I remember the first and second generation SV suspensions. They were definitely budget equipment.
I'm a simple man tim kreitz makes a video I click it. have been for years
This made me smile. :0)
Very honestly said. But less wheelies??? Maybe I am still too young. Not that short either. Dave Moss is the shit.
Moss is the man for sure. I got to meet him back in the early '00s. Super nice guy, though a bit matter-of-fact. LOL.
Thinking of lowering my gsxr , struggling to maneuver it
Me too.. lol
Surely you have to lower the front and back equally, otherwise the dynamics of the bike are not the same.
There must be issues of the foot pegs and other bits of the motorbike grounding when going round corners.
The chassis is pretty balanced in this setup. Obviously, you'll scrape pegs sooner and there is a bit less ground clearance. The turning radius is also a bit bigger. That is all mentioned in the video if you'll take the time to watch the entire thing.
I have no need to lower my bike due to height/leg length (I'm over 6' and can easily manage any bike I've ever sat on), but I'm still considering lowering my bike in the rear. I fell for the "nooo, keep it the heckin stock ride height! It's what the engineerarinos designed!" meme and specifically bought a GSXR 600 with stock height suspension (or would've planned to convert back if I had settled on a lowered one). Well, after riding my wife's bike, which is a mechanically identical GSXR 600 with the only difference that it's lowered 2 inches in the rear from the previous owner, I'm seriously considering lowering the rear of my bike as well.
Lowering the rear of a bike has a lot of benefits for the street beyond helping short people reach the pavement:
-extends rear swing arm to help prevent wheelies and improve acceleration. I have no interest in intentional wheelies and don't like accidental ones at all. Active suspension in MotoGP literally does exactly this for better launches.
-increases effective rake angle for better stability (at the cost of turning radius)
-makes it easier to walk the bike around when parking even if you're tall
-requires more bike lean angle for the same cornering force, which makes it more engaging to ride at street amounts of cornering force (you should never be maxing out cornering potential on the street)
-makes riding position more upright and therefore takes weight off of your palms for a more comfortable riding position (makes a typical supersport feel more like a Ninja 400 or R3 riding position, much more comfortable in day to day riding)
-somehow being lower just instills confidence as you feel like you could put a foot down and save it more easily if you were to slip, and slipping on sudden gravel or liquids is one of my biggest fears in street riding.
The only drawbacks to lowering only apply in track conditions (lean angle potential, quick flick-ability into corners, etc), and frankly there are so many setup differences between an ideal street and track bike you should just own two separate bikes anyway.
How the heck does it increase the swing arm length ? Absolutely ridiculous comment. Also, if you drop the front forks like your supposed to, it doesn’t change the steering geometry.
@@douglasalexander4348
"How does it increase swing arm length"
Watch the MotoGP holeshot device video and it'll explain it, but because instead of the swingarm at an angle, it's now horizontal to the pivot point, which increases the distance from the axle to the pivot point by 1-2" horizontally, which is a non-trivial distance. You need to go back to high school geometry I guess if you can't understand that.
I also deliberately did NOT drop the front forks because I disagree that you're "supposed to". Leave the front forks all the way up, lower the rear, period. No reason not to set it up that way on a street bike or really any bike that isn't a full time dedicated track bike where you're trying to really shave every last second off of your lap time.
@@nunyabusiness896 If you want to keep the SAME geometry and handling but just want to lower the bike, you HAVE to lower the front as well. That’s why your ‘supposed to’ If you don’t, you will notice the difference on the street quite easily. Like all settings It may be better or worse depending on how and where you ride. The difference in swingarm being a less angle and effecting length is so minimal in this case, your 1-2” is laughable, it’s less than adjusting chain slack. You seem to over exaggerate everything. Drop your forks, and if you can’t tell the difference on the street, you certainly won’t be able to tell a few mm extra swingarm length. I did geometry at school, and am now a mathematical engineer. Do you work in a coffee shop ?
@@douglasalexander4348
"If you want to keep the SAME geometry and handling but just want to lower the bike, you HAVE to lower the front as well."
I guess you haven't been paying attention very well because I DON'T WANT THE SAME GEOMETRY AND THAT'S THE WHOLE FUCKING POINT. I explained, in detail, why lowering ONLY the rear yields many rideability improvements for street riding because the stock setup is a track setup meant for steep lean angles and tucks, not cruising mostly in a straight line and cornering at safe lean angles.
"The difference in swingarm being a less angle and effecting length is so minimal in this case, your 1-2” is laughable, it’s less than adjusting chain slack."
It's not just the increased distance of the swingarm, it's also the lowering of CG. I'm not going to ask your feeble brain to understand what "summation of moments" means, but suffice it to say that people that know what they're talking about understand why it allows for harder launches. And for the record, racers have been known to add or subtract links to adjust even the chain adjustment range to affect stability and handling, so chew on that. You know far less about this than you think you do.
"Drop your forks"
No, that would defeat the whole point of everything. Read my original post again and read everything I listed. If you drop the front forks, you go back to the palm-heavy, nut bashing, back breaking riding position, you lose the increased rake angle at the front that makes the bike more stable on bumpy city streets and helps prevent tank slappers, etc.
"and am now a mathematical engineer."
I don't know what paper towel dispenser that presented you with your diploma, but as a MECHANICAL ENGINEER, you know, the people that actually design this shit for a living, you're wrong and should probably just stop using the internet altogether.
@@nunyabusiness896 Could I have a skinny decaf and an American to go. Thanks Nunya.
Have a friend with a lowered Concours 14. Eek, that thing bottoms out too easy, plus it can no longer support the center stand. Bummer on a long haul machine.
No doubt. That centerstand would be a bitch to lose on such a big heavy bike, especially when it comes to maintenance.
Always solid advice Tim.
Thank ya, sir. :0)
lowering the rear will increase rake slow at corner but more steady at straits line, more suitable for chopper, and also improve the look. however you have said lowering your fz lack a bit of performer; may I know what kind of performer? Corner? Top speed? Drag race? And you said you have ride harley, have you lower your harley?
I ride a cbr600rr and can only get 1 foot down on my toes, ass cheek off to one side and been doing it like that for 2 years. Had to many sketchy calls at a stop and backing up that i finally said f#ck it and dropped front and rear 1 inch. After all the hipe and negative feedback on lowering a bike i actually like it better lowered. Front doesn't feel light when you hammer down. Easier to flick it into a corner but it does feel like you have to use more effort to hold your line. A little more stiff over bumps but not that much more noticeable than before so had to make some adjustments. I'll scrape pegs faster than before but new rearset will fix that. I only wanted to lower it no more than an inch. Atleast now i can tip toe the bike back instead of having to get off the f#cken thing or end up on a high side putting my foot down in a dip and almost dropping it. Sucks being short
Well, the upshot is that short people live longer, so at least we have that going for us. Hahaha.
How tall you be man?
@@liljfunk21 5'4" with an inseam of 28. I have tree trunk legs as well so that doesn't help. Should be my excuse for skipping leg day lol
@@MegaChevy65 If it makes you feel any better I'm only 5'3 and I ride a 2020 Yamaha r6
@@liljfunk21 that's a tall bike. I know I'm looking at an R1 just because i love the way it sounds. I'll make it work somehow someway lol. What's your inseam? My wife can get both feet on the ground with my bike before i dropped it but she has long toothpick legs lol. Same height as me though.
At 6 1 i have no problem but good vid for the smaller rider i have to say rsm
Thanks, Andy. :-)
Being only 5ft1 and thats on a good day...i have trouble just reaching the ground on 95% of bikes and i prefer and are more comfortable flat footing... And my choice bikes is limited unless i lower them..
Yep. At 5'1", you're in that class of folks who are just barely able to engage in the sport.
@@TimKreitzAdventures i am and it is incrediably frustrating
you detailed your experience very well..good video..thanks
I'm glad you found it helpful.
It's like you ask 10 different Doctors the same question, and you wind up getting 10 different answers. Anyway I have a 2021 MT-07. I bought a lowering link off of eBay and now I'm second guessing myself after seeing T-Rex makes one, some company that starts with a "P". Makes one. I'm 5'8" and I cannot sit flat footed on my bike either. Plus I'm brand new to riding motorcycles. Should I use the one from Ebay or get a brand name one? Also do I have to lower the front? I just plan on riding and having fun. No wheelies, no stunting,no off-road, nothing. Ride Safe and let me know what I should do.. thank you
This video is very good. Thank you so much.
I'm glad it was helpful to you.
@@TimKreitzAdventures I am actually lowering the seat first with a customized Corbin saddle. :-) But good to know that there are so many things on using the lowering links. I learn a lot from this video.
I like it! Sounds great too.
Oh yes, that engine is pure mechanical music. :)
Nice video. How does lowering the bike effect the original preload setting you had on the rear shock, do you need to adjust it after lowering?
Thanks. I increased the rear preload slightly (one notch, IIRC), but I generally keep it on the softer side to match the front and keep things balanced. Cheers.
Nicely done video 👏
Good mod Tim, I loved Dave Moss' channel but it's all gone a bit awry with all the trailers trying to get people to pay up if they want to see the whole video, kinda puts me off.
Yeah, Dave is a genius, but I agree that his business model isn't optimal. Seems like he has been struggling a bit since AMA Superbike cratered.
I got my klr650 it's a tall bike I'm 6ft2in lower it 1 1/2in..lot better now and I'm going put a sidecar on it so I can take my gold prospecting stuff with me
Right on. I would've bought a KLR long ago were it not for the ride height. At 5'9", I'd likely need to lower it even more than you did. Cheers.
Great video I’m leaning towards your same setup do you feel maybe a high end after market shock may help with the overall performance? Also so you think you could of gotten away with 1 full inch in the front ? Thank you
Yeah, an inch might work, but I erred on the side of caution. If I were going to replace the rear shock, I'd go ahead and do the entire suspension system. I've considered it in the past, but I can't justify the cost. For me, it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend $1,500 to $2,000 in Ohlins or Fox components for a bike that only cost me $6,400 new. My plan right now is to put another 20,000 miles on this bike over the next few years, then sell it for half of what I've got in it and buy something else. That'll be harder to do if I spend big money on aftermarket kit. Cheers and thanks for the comment. I appreciate you dropping by.
Lust Racing makes top quality lowering links for most bikes to lower 30mm. They tell you how much to lower the front for good handling as well. Links are made in the UK.
awesome review, will definitely lower my bike. by the way, you said turning is reduced, by how much? i weave through traffic
You won't notice it in traffic. I was referring to cornering radius. Cheers.
Great video as usual
Much appreciated. :-)
You deserve more subscribers ❤️
Thanks. TH-cam doesn't like me, but you guys do, and that's what matters.
My Fz07 came lowered, only used for 400 miles but I wanted to know whether or not will effect my riding
I’m a new rider and excited to get my license
Trying to learn as much as I can and I’d love any input.
So long as the bike behaves normally, I'd imagine you'll do fine using it to learn on. Good luck.
Only way your giving up performance is if your taking those corners like a moto GP rider😂 that bike will be fine you will be find just learn to get comfortable with the lowered stance first and then you know where the bikes boundaries are short people unite💪🏻
hi Tim, I have a cbr500 2019 I want to lower it to have more confidence riding it because I cant flat foot it, im only 5'5", I found this lowering kit from dimotiv, im confused what to get, they have 2 lowering for cbr500r, a 30mm lowering and a 40mm lowering, can you give me advice what to get? i just want it lowered to add more foot grip, not exactly wanting to flat foot it, I just thought that the 40mm is good but the ground clearance will suffer more than a 30mm, or it doesn't really have much of a difference? can you give me advice
I don't know anything firsthand about those kits, but I'd start by taking some basic measurements and deciding how much height reduction you'll need to feel comfortable. Once that's determined, compare those numbers to how far down you can safely lower the bike. That should give you a rough idea of which setup might work. Good luck.
What bike do you recommend for someone who's 5'5" ?
Any motorcycle the person can take full responsibility for with regard to weight, power, etc. Those choices depend not only on height, but skill level and experience as well. I'd get out and kick a few tires, sit on some bikes and do some test rides until a good fit is found. Good luck.
I might be in the same boat, heavily considering your setup. I'm 5' and about 9 or 10" and about 230lbs. Taking my class on a Harley 500cc made me appreciate the lower seat height. I've swapped out to Renthal Ultra Low bars and it really improved turning ability so maybe that could negate the heavy steering? Just kind of curious about any issues like bottoming out or scraping you might have had since this video. Mine will never see a track and I'm really interested in lowering vs trying to trade a 1 year old to me bike in on a cruiser when I still like the bike.
I haven't bottomed it out, and as bad as the roads are out here in the oil patch, I know I would've by now if it were an issue. The heavier steering is mainly noticeable on mountain runs when the weight shifting moves forward during downhill braking and similar situations. It hasn't been an impedance at all, just a characteristic that took a little getting used to. Congrats on passing your course. I taught those classes for a decade and it was always fun making new riders. Cheers.
@@TimKreitzAdventures
The MT07 is good for wheelie ?
you don't have to lower your bike at all. most bike design for the average person height which is 5'9"
I didn't *have* to, but I *wanted* to.
Can i only set my bike height on the resr without lowering the front shocks?
Something doesn't make sense to me, if you lower the front and back, would that decrease the overall wheelbase? If that's the case, it should be able to turn sharper radiuses.
Lowering the bike reduces the turning radius by decreasing the maximum lean angle.
what if you only lower the rear and not the front?
The question is, why would you do that? You'd probably be okay, but you might end up with some adverse handling characteristics. Personally, I think it's very important to keep the chassis as balanced as possible.
PS. Tim, when are we taking the BIG GUNS to Penwell, Texas? 😀Big Kawi vrs Big Suzuki? Sound like fun? Friday Night Lights, Motorcycle Style.
If I can ever make the time to put the new tires on it. LOL.
Tim Kreitz Adventures took me two years to finally get the King new Tires when it needed them. Yeah, so I get that.
Good video bro ride safe
Did you lower the front? I want one of these as my next bike but I'm a short guy. I have a cbr300r now and am really comfortable on it height wise, so I figure a lowering kit with that bike having a 31.7 inch seat would be perfect. I just love the look of them and how they have an awesome motor without the super aggressive riding position of a supersport like an r6 or a cbr600rr.
As I explained in the video, I lowered the front fork tubes one inch. It works well. Good luck.
@@TimKreitzAdventures Ah my bad I didn't hear that part.
@@LunchBXcrue No worries.
I know there is a lot of talk about lowering a bike, but how about raising a bike? You think it would make it more dangerous than lowering?
That's an interesting question, but at 5'9", it's one I've never personally had to ask. :-D
Hi Tim. I just ordered this kit and wondering whether I need to touch anything else when using this kit. I mean any modifications?
All I can offer you is what's in the video. I had good luck doing the manufacturer-recommended installation and then lowering the front suspension on the fork tubes by about an inch. YMMV. Good luck and have fun.
I wanted to take z900 but my height is 5.4 so what shall I do sir should I take the 2019 model I should I buy the 2020 model or if anything be like lowering the height off seat I hope you will respond sir thank you ❤️.
I wish I could be more helpful, but I am unfamiliar with the Z900's suspension design. Look around for a lowering kit to see if one exists for the bike. That should lead you to more information on the available options. Good luck!
Good vid- helpful
Appreciated, sir. :)
ive just got the 2018 MT-09. but im on tippy toes , ive bought the lowering kit which says it will lower it 0.8" how much do I need to to adjust the front forks? is there a ratio ?
You'll need to experiment with it to see what works best. First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If it were me, I'd start by lowering the front forks half an inch and see if the chassis is balanced there. From that point, I might go up or down a bit more depending on how the bike feels. For me, .9 inches down in the front worked great with the 2-inch drop in the back. YMMV since the MT-09 is very different from the FZ-07. Good luck and be cautious. Messing with suspension can cause adverse handling if done wrong.
Hey I have a 2020 and short legs. How did your kit turn out? How bad were effects?
Second!
You almost had it. LOL.
How is the straight line stability
Better than stock.
So if i understand correctly. You are 5.9feet tall and reduced 2inch of height?
Correct.
👍
:0)
any effect on performance?
Just the stuff I mentioned in the video.
What exhaust do you have?
It's an HG-1 header with a generic pipe from H2Racing. I control the fuel with a Dobeck EJK.
what is your inseam?
34"
dam too much noise
I can't give you any pros. I can flat foot any production motorcycle so I can't help you there brother
Perks of being tall. ;-)
@@TimKreitzAdventures trust me it's not always good being 6ft 6 brother
Yeah, I guess you gotta take the good with the bad.
@@davidcunningham00 don't act like it's any kind of real inconvenience. I'm 5'9" . I know better.