I lowered mine three years ago using the links intended for a Ducatti Monster 650. No lowering kit was offered back then. I slammed it a full 50mm. I am not short, just old with decreased strength and a bad back, and the height combined with the top heavy weight was more than I was comfortable with. I have been happy as a bug since then.
Just want to thank you for posting this video. I did this with my son on his himmy last night and he can now touch ground with both feet. He is a new rider so this made a big difference for him. Best wishes
Well done !!!!🙂. Lowering the bike is a definite game changer for you . Enjoy !!!!🙂
ปีที่แล้ว +1
Hi, I did the same job on my wife's Scram yesterday. I think you mounted the links "upside down" - the bushings need to be on the upper side (as you can see on original links before dissasembling at time 14:01).
I've re-looked at this and you are 100% right! Good spot! I will be doing a follow up on this install and this will definitely be changed. Thank you! Everyday is a learning day and I'm all about learning by mistakes. 😊
When you put the weight of luggage on you will find it will take it a bit lower. The only thing I would suggest is normally when you fit the new “ dog bones” as you did, you normally need to compensate the front suspension also as that now is standard height. I’ve fitted those dog bones many times to various bikes and had to adjust my front by lowering it on the “ tripple trees”. Maybe ask at your dealership or phone up an independent suspension place to ask their advice
Really enjoyed this one! Great bikes, brilliant café meet venue, lovely people and a generous topping of doodling in the garage. The only thing is, now I have to go and visit that museum and have a nose around.
The museum used to be the Sgts mess, if IIRC. It's been a while. 9:43 in, my wife used to work in that hotel in the left. Some great roads around there, perfect Enfield country.
Hey Charlie, now that you've lowered the rear suspension I didn't see if you lowered the front forks as well?. Some lowering kits add that info in the instructions and others don't. Some years ago I installed lowering links on my Yamaha 660 Tenere & quickly discovered that changed the steering angle enough that it felt a bit lazy and sluggish on tight twisty roads. It's an easy cost free fix if you haven't & with Roger maybe you'll find it's not needed?. Glad to see you're still smiling and riding 😊.
@@restdayrider no worries Charlie, some bikes geometry are more susceptible than others. It's a geometry physics thing lol. Not like I'm a physicist but I did learn the lesson the hard way lol. Keep smiling and keep enjoying the ride.
Fantastic! As a short lady myself it is amazing the confidence you gain from being able to get both feet almost flat and a light bike. I have a Honda Monkey and a Kawasaki 400, my husband has a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. My Monkey is called Clyde and the Z400 Zac. My husband thinks I am mad as I talk to them like children. 😀I am pleased you name your bikes and talk to them as well.👍
Me dad used to take his bike boots too a shoe repairer and get a built up sole fitted. Just seen online a ladies waterproof boot called lady x boulevard tcx. These give a 4.5cm internal elevation,so could be something to consider if you ever struggle again with ground clearance 😃
Really good video. The music choice when guys taking off helmets at start, LOL. The new links lowered the bike a lot and will make it much easier for you. Thank you for your hard work and enjoy.
Hey Charlie, I know others have mentioned lowering the front forks. Just to let you know of my experience last year on my CB500X, put lowering links on = seat perfect for me, but!... bike at its limits on the side stand, centre stand much harder to use and worst of all it wouldn't go around corners properly! To correct the steering would have ment lowering the forks,buying a new side stand, and taking off centre stand as would have been impossible to use. In the end, I put the original links back on sold it and bought an interceptor! For reference seat lowered 30mm=forks have to be lowered 12mm on the honda. Best wishes.
Excellent, and a great result! It does make me rather sad though, since my wife's Himalayan, Fiona, is lowered AND has the lower seat, but is still is too tall for her. She got a 2021 Yamaha XT 250 (Aspen) that she had lowered, and can flat foot Aspen. Unfortunately, Fiona now sits neglected😞 I have my own Himalayan, but may begin to ride Fiona this year as well. She only has 15 miles on her!!
Welldone Charlie, always good to see a happy face, glad the lowering kit sorted it for you. Mind you if you keep on going to the REME cafe you will need to get Roger widened and not lowered:) Been there quite a few times myself over the last 3 years
Thats a Brilliant Idea the Ratchet Strap Over the Seat & Through the wheel I didnt know that Trick this will be Handy to Know as I want to Clean & Grease my Linkage Bearings
Charlie when my CB500X was lowered at the rear shock the front forks were also raised up through the top and lower front yokes by the same amount to lower the front end and keep the ride hight even . .Good luck with yours hope it rides ok . Love your vids by the way .
19:36 I'm glad that this worked out well for you. It's visibly safer and more comfortable, now. Nice _fettling._ 🔧 ...and today I learned a new word: _fettle._ Because I was taught American English, it took me some time to understand what fettle meant, but throughout the video I eventually got it.
Hi firstly great video, I've been thinking of putting this lowering kit on my Himalayan but I'm wondering how it affects the centre stand. One putting it on the stand and two stability as lowering the backend must put the rear wheel closer to the ground maybe affecting stability when left on the stand. Can you do an update about this please.
I'm finally lowering mine today... I'm 5'7 and I have to lean just a bit to get on and off just as you. I enjoyed your video. Very helpful!! Thank you friend!! Safe travels! Have fun!✌😀
Another fun & enjoyable video. I was going to do the same to my Himalayan but was told it would make it difficult to use the main stand as the bike is lower and it would need a lot of effort to pull it up and over the main stand pivot point (hope that makes sense). Part ex’d it for a Meteor but still miss its luggage carrying capacity. Might get another Himalayan and fit those lowering links. Looking forward to your next video…
Nice one Charlie, lovely mod from Hitchcock 👍, well done all for making the mods safe and more so putting a big smile on your face , all the best for your French trip , cheers Mitch 👍
Happy you can flatfoot it. I did the same thing to mine, but not able yet to flatfoot the bike (did I mention I'm vertically challenged? 😃 ) I even put on the lower hitchcock saddle. How ever I lowered the frontfork as wel cuz otherwise you end up with a sort of chopper. Loved the video again, and off course it was topped of with your happy smiling face, llke a kid in a candyshop😀😉. Grts Danny
HI charlie I was thinking of doing that to mine. Only problem is I think you have fitted them upside down as i,m sure the end with the bearing goes on the swing arm and the solid end of the dogbone attaches to the link which has it,s own bearing.
Hi and thanks for the video!! We're thinking of doing the same and wondering if there are any issues with side stand bieng too long. Many thanks in advance !!
Nice one Charlie and friends, personally I'd have cleaned the area first (and worn nitrile gloves) then photographed it so you knew which way everything went together but a great job and I know this is going to be a game changer for you.
the important thing is to keep the spirit, I always pray that I will always be healthy, always happy, stay focused with positive thinking that is done every day
Good to see. I'm 5.3" yes I can ride my 23 plate himmi but do I do the wobble dance on it .I'll be ordering them this week pity you didn't add the price of them
Did you also lower the front by sliding the forks in triple threes up towards the bars that will give you more lowering and keep the bike geometry correct.... Enjoyed the post lots.🤗... Harry
Hi Charlie. I started following you when I was deciding on getting a Meteor - my first bike for 50 years. I discounted the Himalayan because of the height - I'm only 5'7" with a 29" inseam. You mentioned that you're keeping the Meteor but I haven't seen you ride it for a long while. Do you still have it? If so, what determines which bike you ride? I plan on swapping my Meteor for the Super Meteor when I've build up my experience after so long in a car and an older (lowered) Himalayan sounds like it would be a great second bike to throw around...
Hi, I did move the Meteor on as I was just searching for a 6th gear that wasn't there. The Himmy has been a perfect bike, I did lower him 20mm with lowering links. 😊
Another great educational video Charlie. Not sure why they make the bikes for just tall people in most cases! It makes your confidence levels so much higher having your feet touching the ground. Take care 😊
I know exactly how you feel, I changed the dog legs on my Versys 300X, lowering it one inch, I have 29inch inner leg, ie short arse. But then had the seat rebuilt, 300’s are famous for having extremely uncomfortable seats. But it came back one inch lower, so now two inches in total, haven’t got round to putting original dog legs back, never mind I can live with it.
I had mine lowered by the dealer when I bought it 2 years ago, they also lowered the front , Henry ( that,s his name ) and I have toured Norway all the way up to North Cape and then back home via Sweden some 5100 miles , and all for !/4 of the price of a GS 1200/1250 . Enjoy the bike and please keep up the good work entertaining us, WM and yourself honest unassuming bikers, if you ever make yourself up the A361 look out for a little chap with grey hair and glasses on a black and red himi.
Great that it worked out for you. Do you not have to also drop the front? My Dad and Uncle were both in the REME :) Your bike will also be more upright when on the side stand so watch out when parking up and also for speed humps scraping on your centre stand.
Being a new rider like you, i understand how the right hight make a big difference to your confidence. Great bunch of mates, really makes jobs easer. Great video, well done.
I feel your pain. @ 5'6" i struggle to get both feet down even on a factory lowered. Out of my S1000Xr & Techmax 560, the techmax is the worse but great once I get going, one leg always seems to get a rest!
I lowered my TDM 900 by this method. Nicer being lower, but a struggle to get it onto the centre stand; heavy bike. So rather than also shortening the centre stand I put the original 'dog bones' back on and the bike back to the original height.
I agree with lucky Phil, you should probably have dropped the yokes down the front forks a tad, to maintain the geometry of the steering setup... Also it will be harder to get the bike on the centre stand now... You probably don't use it much anyway but when need you could put two 1"/1.5" high wooden squares on floor in front of each wheel, push bike onto boards, THEN put bike on centrestand....
As others have mentioned and you may already have discovered, lower the fork clamps by 20mm as well, otherwise the steering geometry will be out and it will steer slower. If you add luggage as it is, it will compound the issue. The rear will be even lower. I've fitted kits to a few bikes, one day the manufacturers will fit adjustable ones, I have no idea why they don't as they would sell a lot more bikes to shorter people. What's this about France? Love the place, been there more times than I can count, and even lived there for a while.
I'll will be doing a follow up vlog this weekend , I'll be going over the side and centre stand, forks and also covering some issues I've identified! . 😊
Is he putin them in upside down.? The enfield links had a smaller boss on the shock link. The new longer links looked if the boss on 1 end looked bigger than the other end !
Nice work Charlie. Here are a few pro-tips for you. 1. Always check your chain tension after such a mod. You need to check and adjust at the tightest point, which is imagine a line starting at the front or countershaft sprocket, thru the swinging arm attachment bolt, to the rear axle. This will always be the tightest point of a final drive chain or belt. Turn the rear wheel and find the tightest links in the chain and adjust the final tension with regards to those 2 principles. Suspension bolts and hardware should generally have a locking type compound such as Loc-tite as we have in the states. Medium strength is fine. Our blue colored compound is Medium strength. If any I'll mannered handling is encountered, try lowering the front forks SLIGHTLY in the triple clamps. I believe you call them yokes in the U.K. 10 M.M. at a time, and test ride. These bolts require the locking compound as well, and must be torqued to the factory settings. I'm a Engineer as well as a Master Tech from 3 manufacturers. RIDE SAFE. T. S. RACING
Great to know that they can be lowered ! I’ve been looking at the Himalayans for a while and now in India so will try one ! Im 5.2 but with my Daytona boots on about 5.4 😂 that makes a lot of difference. Give them a try - enjoy the video 😊
I added a lowering kit to my Tiger Rally Pro and had to get a shorter side stand as it was too upright when on the stand. Have you found this to be a problem?
Great video. It always takes me about 5 times longer than it would take any mechanic (even after years of doing small jobs on bikes) but it certainly is satisfying to do it yourself when the result is such a big improvement. My question is the same as lucky Phil below. If you changed the height at the back, don't you have to somehow compensate that by changing the height at the front? Otherwise the geometry of the bike is out and in theory, it won't handle like it did before. I'm sure it's a lot more confidence inspiring if you can flat foot it but have you noticed any change in how it handles?
aint it great to have mates to help you frettle around with and get things done. Ive gotta install a Carberry vibration kit on my 500 Classic with no one to frettle with. Bugger or Booguh if your from Yorkshire. Onya Gal.
Hi Charlie ! Nice to see you happy with the modifications and that it worked perfectly for you which of your 2 motorcycles do you prefer the most and why?
That's so difficult to answer, I love them both, but for such different reasons. I think maybe, Roger is becoming a firm fast favourite tho. Just dont tell Lagertha!
Just curious if you felt the rear suspension get stiffer with the lowering? I know it's adjustable but am wondering about your initial ride after the lowering.
I lowered my CRF300 Rally too. Certainly makes a difference lowering them doesn’t it 😊. So much better at junctions. It still surprises me how much easier it is 😊
@Rest Day Rider Thank you! Yes, I found that information in another of your videos. Sounds as though you're about the same size as my daughter, so these links from Hitchcocks should work well. Thank you so much for adding to the Himalayan knowledge base! Your efforts are truly inspiring!
What would be a chore in normal circumstances doing that sorta thing alone, you made it like look fun with the help of your friends. Cool vid, see you on your next adventure ✌️ 🤙 🤟
I haven’t received my Himalayan yet, but I know I’m gonna have to lower it because I am 5 foot seven with my boots on How tall are you? Thanks for the video.
That's brilliant Charlie, makes a world of difference when you can flat foot. The only problem l have is l ride a lot two up and she scrapes over speed humps 😭😂
Charlie, if the bike steers the same after altering the suspension as it did before then don’t worry about lowering the forks in the yolks . If you are correct about lowering the seat 20mm then that’s less than an inch and you will get that much loading your bike for a tour! Most kits lower 50 mm, I lowered my er6 by 50mm and it steered ok without lowering the forks at the front yolks. I did have to fit a shorter side stand though cause it wanted to fall over to the right when parked. It’s a good feeling when you fix your bike yourself, a sense of achievement even if it’s not major surgery! Having seen you work on your BSA you obviously have mechanical aptitude, which helps!
I lowered mine three years ago using the links intended for a Ducatti Monster 650. No lowering kit was offered back then. I slammed it a full 50mm. I am not short, just old with decreased strength and a bad back, and the height combined with the top heavy weight was more than I was comfortable with. I have been happy as a bug since then.
Well done mate 👍
Just want to thank you for posting this video. I did this with my son on his himmy last night and he can now touch ground with both feet. He is a new rider so this made a big difference for him. Best wishes
That's fabulous. 😊
Well done !!!!🙂. Lowering the bike is a definite game changer for you . Enjoy !!!!🙂
Hi, I did the same job on my wife's Scram yesterday. I think you mounted the links "upside down" - the bushings need to be on the upper side (as you can see on original links before dissasembling at time 14:01).
I've re-looked at this and you are 100% right! Good spot! I will be doing a follow up on this install and this will definitely be changed. Thank you! Everyday is a learning day and I'm all about learning by mistakes. 😊
When you put the weight of luggage on you will find it will take it a bit lower.
The only thing I would suggest is normally when you fit the new “ dog bones” as you did, you normally need to compensate the front suspension also as that now is standard height. I’ve fitted those dog bones many times to various bikes and had to adjust my front by lowering it on the “ tripple trees”. Maybe ask at your dealership or phone up an independent suspension place to ask their advice
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
Great to see how you have put it all together. medic myself, ODP
Really enjoyed this one!
Great bikes, brilliant café meet venue, lovely people and a generous topping of doodling in the garage.
The only thing is, now I have to go and visit that museum and have a nose around.
There you go, a day out!
Nice one Charlie, can't beat being able to flat foot your bike, excellent job with a lovely Staffie ( mouse ) helping you out...
Thank you 😊
The museum used to be the Sgts mess, if IIRC. It's been a while. 9:43 in, my wife used to work in that hotel in the left.
Some great roads around there, perfect Enfield country.
Hey Charlie, now that you've lowered the rear suspension I didn't see if you lowered the front forks as well?.
Some lowering kits add that info in the instructions and others don't.
Some years ago I installed lowering links on my Yamaha 660 Tenere & quickly discovered that changed the steering angle enough that it felt a bit lazy and sluggish on tight twisty roads. It's an easy cost free fix if you haven't & with Roger maybe you'll find it's not needed?.
Glad to see you're still smiling and riding 😊.
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
@@restdayrider no worries Charlie, some bikes geometry are more susceptible than others. It's a geometry physics thing lol. Not like I'm a physicist but I did learn the lesson the hard way lol. Keep smiling and keep enjoying the ride.
Fantastic! As a short lady myself it is amazing the confidence you gain from being able to get both feet almost flat and a light bike. I have a Honda Monkey and a Kawasaki 400, my husband has a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
My Monkey is called Clyde and the Z400 Zac. My husband thinks I am mad as I talk to them like children. 😀I am pleased you name your bikes and talk to them as well.👍
I thought everyone talks to their bikes? 😂
You are only mad if they talk back to you.
@@davesy6969 🤣
Why would you not speak to your bike? I chat with Belinda (my 1988 BMW K75) all the time. She feels loved, and in return gives excellent service.
Me dad used to take his bike boots too a shoe repairer and get a built up sole fitted. Just seen online a ladies waterproof boot called lady x boulevard tcx. These give a 4.5cm internal elevation,so could be something to consider if you ever struggle again with ground clearance 😃
Really good video. The music choice when guys taking off helmets at start, LOL. The new links lowered the bike a lot and will make it much easier for you. Thank you for your hard work and enjoy.
Thank you 😊
Great video looks like you had fun, what I do not understand the new link bars looked the same length did anyone explain how it worked?
I'll will be doing a follow up vlog this weekend and I'll try and explain. 😊
Hey Charlie, I know others have mentioned lowering the front forks.
Just to let you know of my experience last year on my CB500X, put lowering links on = seat perfect for me, but!... bike at its limits on the side stand, centre stand much harder to use and worst of all it wouldn't go around corners properly! To correct the steering would have ment lowering the forks,buying a new side stand, and taking off centre stand as would have been impossible to use.
In the end, I put the original links back on sold it and bought an interceptor!
For reference seat lowered 30mm=forks have to be lowered 12mm on the honda.
Best wishes.
I'll will be doing a follow up vlog this weekend , I'll be going over the side and centre stand , and also covering some issues I've identified! . 😊
Excellent, and a great result! It does make me rather sad though, since my wife's Himalayan, Fiona, is lowered AND has the lower seat, but is still is too tall for her. She got a 2021 Yamaha XT 250 (Aspen) that she had lowered, and can flat foot Aspen. Unfortunately, Fiona now sits neglected😞 I have my own Himalayan, but may begin to ride Fiona this year as well. She only has 15 miles on her!!
Awe I'm sorry to hear that. 😐
Aw what a lovely group, we have a caravan in Wiltshire and I love going to the REME museum, may catch you there one day, (I wont be on my bike though)
Welldone Charlie, always good to see a happy face, glad the lowering kit sorted it for you. Mind you if you keep on going to the REME cafe you will need to get Roger widened and not lowered:)
Been there quite a few times myself over the last 3 years
I agree Sandy! 😂
Thats a Brilliant Idea the Ratchet Strap
Over the Seat & Through the wheel
I didnt know that Trick this will be
Handy to Know as I want to Clean & Grease my Linkage Bearings
Charlie when my CB500X was lowered at the rear shock the front forks were also raised up through the top and lower front yokes by the same amount to lower the front end and keep the ride hight even . .Good luck with yours hope it rides ok . Love your vids by the way .
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
Looked like another great modification to Roger. I was in REME for 23 years, but have never been to the new museum yet, looked good
19:36 I'm glad that this worked out well for you. It's visibly safer and more comfortable, now. Nice _fettling._ 🔧
...and today I learned a new word: _fettle._ Because I was taught American English, it took me some time to understand what fettle meant, but throughout the video I eventually got it.
Ah yes, Fettle is a great word for tinkering with your bike. 😊
@@restdayrider Yes. 😁
I love the look of the bars! Glad the lowering kit worked so well.
That is soo sooo amazing! Love how happy you are with it at the end hahahhaa! To many more adventures!
Thank you 😊
wow awesome charlie looks like now roger and you will get along even better, cant wait to see the new adventures coming up of you both !
Thank you Leo. 😊
Hi firstly great video, I've been thinking of putting this lowering kit on my Himalayan but I'm wondering how it affects the centre stand. One putting it on the stand and two stability as lowering the backend must put the rear wheel closer to the ground maybe affecting stability when left on the stand. Can you do an update about this please.
Ho , I filmed an update yesterday and will try and upload this weekend. 😊
@@restdayrider great looking forward to it thanks.
I'm finally lowering mine today... I'm 5'7 and I have to lean just a bit to get on and off just as you. I enjoyed your video. Very helpful!! Thank you friend!! Safe travels! Have fun!✌😀
Hope you find it as great a change as I did! 😊
Another fun & enjoyable video. I was going to do the same to my Himalayan but was told it would make it difficult to use the main stand as the bike is lower and it would need a lot of effort to pull it up and over the main stand pivot point (hope that makes sense). Part ex’d it for a Meteor but still miss its luggage carrying capacity. Might get another Himalayan and fit those lowering links. Looking forward to your next video…
I'll be showing this in an update at the end of this week. 😊
Nice one Charlie, lovely mod from Hitchcock 👍, well done all for making the mods safe and more so putting a big smile on your face , all the best for your French trip , cheers Mitch 👍
Thank you Mitch. 😊
Great video! ..Did you drop the front as well to match up? Otherwise I thought it may feel a bit odd lowered at rear but stock at front?
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
Another great show Charlie thanks muchly 😇
Fabulous content Charlie, My wife rides a lowered Honda 2017 CB 300, loves it. thank you.
Thank you 😊
I have a trip to Hitchcocks soon for parts for my Scram. If and when you are heading to France I am in Brittany.
Happy you can flatfoot it. I did the same thing to mine, but not able yet to flatfoot the bike (did I mention I'm vertically challenged? 😃 ) I even put on the lower hitchcock saddle. How ever I lowered the frontfork as wel cuz otherwise you end up with a sort of chopper. Loved the video again, and off course it was topped of with your happy smiling face, llke a kid in a candyshop😀😉. Grts Danny
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
@@restdayrider Looking forward for the explanation. ✌
HI charlie I was thinking of doing that to mine. Only problem is I think you have fitted them upside down as i,m sure the end with the bearing goes on the swing arm and the solid end of the dogbone attaches to the link which has it,s own bearing.
Hi and thanks for the video!! We're thinking of doing the same and wondering if there are any issues with side stand bieng too long. Many thanks in advance !!
Hi Ed, have a look at the follow up Q &A vid, I show you the centre stand. ,😊
Happy face, nice easy fix and gives you more confidence when out n about, enjoy your trip 👍
Ur learning a lot these last few months. Keep up the good work
Nice one Charlie and friends, personally I'd have cleaned the area first (and worn nitrile gloves) then photographed it so you knew which way everything went together but a great job and I know this is going to be a game changer for you.
the important thing is to keep the spirit, I always pray that I will always be healthy, always happy, stay focused with positive thinking that is done every day
Good to see. I'm 5.3" yes I can ride my 23 plate himmi but do I do the wobble dance on it .I'll be ordering them this week pity you didn't add the price of them
Sorry did I not, I did put the link in.
Greetings from down under, love everything about your channel. Woger,s looking good, a very happy bike. Thankyou.
Thank you Keith. 😊
Did you also lower the front by sliding the forks in triple threes up towards the bars that will give you more lowering and keep the bike geometry correct.... Enjoyed the post lots.🤗... Harry
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
@@restdayrider look forward to seeing your update🙂👍
Nice Video, like all the others. I´ve watched them all. Still wondering where you get all the nice Music from. Do you mind telling me ?
This is all from an App called Artlist which I subscribe to, it provides access to copyright free music. 😊
Well done again Charlie. I bet that feels a lot safer now you can flat foot it when stationery. So looking forward to you traveling to
France.
It really does. 😊
Hi Charlie. I started following you when I was deciding on getting a Meteor - my first bike for 50 years. I discounted the Himalayan because of the height - I'm only 5'7" with a 29" inseam. You mentioned that you're keeping the Meteor but I haven't seen you ride it for a long while. Do you still have it? If so, what determines which bike you ride? I plan on swapping my Meteor for the Super Meteor when I've build up my experience after so long in a car and an older (lowered) Himalayan sounds like it would be a great second bike to throw around...
Hi, I did move the Meteor on as I was just searching for a 6th gear that wasn't there. The Himmy has been a perfect bike, I did lower him 20mm with lowering links. 😊
Another great educational video Charlie. Not sure why they make the bikes for just tall people in most cases! It makes your confidence levels so much higher having your feet touching the ground. Take care 😊
Thank you 😊
I know exactly how you feel, I changed the dog legs on my Versys 300X, lowering it one inch, I have 29inch inner leg, ie short arse. But then had the seat rebuilt, 300’s are famous for having extremely uncomfortable seats. But it came back one inch lower, so now two inches in total, haven’t got round to putting original dog legs back, never mind I can live with it.
I had mine lowered by the dealer when I bought it 2 years ago, they also lowered the front , Henry ( that,s his name ) and I have toured Norway all the way up to North Cape and then back home via Sweden some 5100 miles , and all for !/4 of the price of a GS 1200/1250 . Enjoy the bike and please keep up the good work entertaining us, WM and yourself honest unassuming bikers, if you ever make yourself up the A361 look out for a little chap with grey hair and glasses on a black and red himi.
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
Great that it worked out for you. Do you not have to also drop the front? My Dad and Uncle were both in the REME :) Your bike will also be more upright when on the side stand so watch out when parking up and also for speed humps scraping on your centre stand.
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
Yup, not lowering the don't will aler the geometry slightly, changing steering and braking
A another excellent vlog Charlie
It looks brilliant Charlie tbh , looking forward to your next adventure , take care & ride safe
Being a new rider like you, i understand how the right hight make a big difference to your confidence. Great bunch of mates, really makes jobs easer. Great video, well done.
Thank you 😊
Happy for you and hope that extra bit of confidence results in many happy miles for you and Roger! Motorcycle friends are the best 👍
Thank you Chris. 😊
I feel your pain. @ 5'6" i struggle to get both feet down even on a factory lowered. Out of my S1000Xr & Techmax 560, the techmax is the worse but great once I get going, one leg always seems to get a rest!
Do the instruction's in the lowering kit not suggest checking chain tension following fitting?.
They didn't.
@@restdayrider oops!, just seen your follow up. ADHD, what can you do 8o/
I lowered my TDM 900 by this method. Nicer being lower, but a struggle to get it onto the centre stand; heavy bike. So rather than also shortening the centre stand I put the original 'dog bones' back on and the bike back to the original height.
I have tried the stand since, not really any different. 😊
I agree with lucky Phil, you should probably have dropped the yokes down the front forks a tad, to maintain the geometry of the steering setup... Also it will be harder to get the bike on the centre stand now... You probably don't use it much anyway but when need you could put two 1"/1.5" high wooden squares on floor in front of each wheel, push bike onto boards, THEN put bike on centrestand....
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
As others have mentioned and you may already have discovered, lower the fork clamps by 20mm as well, otherwise the steering geometry will be out and it will steer slower. If you add luggage as it is, it will compound the issue. The rear will be even lower. I've fitted kits to a few bikes, one day the manufacturers will fit adjustable ones, I have no idea why they don't as they would sell a lot more bikes to shorter people.
What's this about France? Love the place, been there more times than I can count, and even lived there for a while.
I'll will be doing a follow up vlog this weekend , I'll be going over the side and centre stand, forks and also covering some issues I've identified! . 😊
Great stuff. Every time I think of your bike Roger the Himalayan, it just reminds me of Captain Pugwash. 😁
😂
Is he putin them in upside down.?
The enfield links had a smaller boss on the shock link. The new longer links looked if the boss on 1 end looked bigger than the other end !
I'll will be doing a follow up vlog this weekend , I'll be covering some issues I've identified! . 😊
Just gonna say that is truly awesome and inspiring to watch you working on your bike, well done! 👍👍
Thank you Nello. 😊
Nice work Charlie. Here are a few pro-tips for you.
1. Always check your chain tension after such a mod. You need to check and adjust at the tightest point, which is imagine a line starting at the front or countershaft sprocket, thru the swinging arm attachment bolt, to the rear axle. This will always be the tightest point of a final drive chain or belt.
Turn the rear wheel and find the tightest links in the chain and adjust the final tension with regards to those 2 principles.
Suspension bolts and hardware should generally have a locking type compound such as Loc-tite as we have in the states. Medium strength is fine. Our blue colored compound is Medium strength.
If any I'll mannered handling is encountered, try lowering the front forks SLIGHTLY in the triple clamps. I believe you call them yokes in the U.K. 10 M.M. at a time, and test ride. These bolts require the locking compound as well, and must be torqued to the factory settings.
I'm a Engineer as well as a Master Tech from 3 manufacturers.
RIDE SAFE.
T. S. RACING
Don't forget to check the headlight adjustment, it may be shining upwards after lowering the rear.
I have had 20+ years of riding cruisers and so the Scram feels really high to me. I am considering the lowering kit after watching this.
Small changes making a huge difference. Perfect. Really pleased for you :)
Thank you 😊
how low did you get to drop the seat height too? so happy for you!! looks like the perfect fit after the drop.
20mm ,😊
Harley Davidson belt drive Charlie. You’re a natural born mechanic.
Be needing the headlight adjusted now Charlie come MOT time
What is the frame that you have fitted inside the windscreen ? Is it a home mod or an RE part ?
It was a RE part from India, to mount things on. 😊
Great to know that they can be lowered ! I’ve been looking at the Himalayans for a while and now in India so will try one ! Im 5.2 but with my Daytona boots on about 5.4 😂 that makes a lot of difference. Give them a try - enjoy the video 😊
Hi Bella, well hopefully you can persuade a garage to let you try a lowered version. 😊
I added a lowering kit to my Tiger Rally Pro and had to get a shorter side stand as it was too upright when on the stand. Have you found this to be a problem?
I have an adjustable stand so that's not been an issue. 😊 i'll will be doing a follow up vlog this weekend and I'll address all these points. 😊
At 6'3 I have the opposite issue with the Himalayans. I wonder if they can be raised alittle?
They also Dona raising kit, it's got shorter links. 😊
Nice one, definitely a game changer, 🏍👍
Great video. It always takes me about 5 times longer than it would take any mechanic (even after years of doing small jobs on bikes) but it certainly is satisfying to do it yourself when the result is such a big improvement. My question is the same as lucky Phil below. If you changed the height at the back, don't you have to somehow compensate that by changing the height at the front? Otherwise the geometry of the bike is out and in theory, it won't handle like it did before. I'm sure it's a lot more confidence inspiring if you can flat foot it but have you noticed any change in how it handles?
Hi - Im creating a follow up vlog this weekend where I answer all the questions about the front etc.
Bonsoir,toujours cet humour 😁 quel beau groupe et de magnifiques machines! Merci pour ce partage ✌🇫🇷
Content que ça t'ait plu Alain. 😊
Great job! A much better height for you… I had to do the opposite on my bike as it had been lowered by the previous owner
"I dont think thats the attitude"😂. Classic stuff. Grand job!
aint it great to have mates to help you frettle around with and get things done. Ive gotta install a Carberry vibration kit on my 500 Classic with no one to frettle with. Bugger or Booguh if your from Yorkshire. Onya Gal.
Hope the install went ok!
Really enjoyed video strange how something that looks bigger can lower bike but glad it's worked brilliant x
I couldn't get my head around it!
@@restdayrider when I looked I was thinking they don't look smaller so Ur not alone lol X
Haha bless you glad it worked never seen anyone so happy to be flat footed haha xx
Hi Charlie ! Nice to see you happy with the modifications and that it worked perfectly for you which of your 2 motorcycles do you prefer the most and why?
That's so difficult to answer, I love them both, but for such different reasons. I think maybe, Roger is becoming a firm fast favourite tho. Just dont tell Lagertha!
@@restdayrider there will always be the one that makes you smile the most
Just curious if you felt the rear suspension get stiffer with the lowering? I know it's adjustable but am wondering about your initial ride after the lowering.
I didn't notice any stiffness at all, and no handling changes. 😊
Great bike.Put in a Hitchcock's camshaft .Freeflow exhaust and air filter ,booster plug .Now you have a real 20% h.p. and torque gain.
So happy for you getting your bike lowered great job great video love it
Thanks 👍
Looking really good now. Love those bars.
They're great. 😊
Glad you`re happy with the result Charlie, I bet you went out for a spin straight after !! 😄😄
I did. 😊
Another decent Mod Charlie. Nice to see the Happy face
I lowered my CRF300 Rally too. Certainly makes a difference lowering them doesn’t it 😊. So much better at junctions. It still surprises me how much easier it is 😊
New side stand, new exhaust, new suspension, Roger has had more cosmetic surgery than a pop star. 😄 Good that it makes life easier though. 👍
Thank you! May I ask, what is your height and inseam? I am considering lowering my Himi so my daughter can ride it. Thanks again!
Hi, I'm 5'6 with a 29.5" inseam.... Little legs!
@Rest Day Rider Thank you! Yes, I found that information in another of your videos. Sounds as though you're about the same size as my daughter, so these links from Hitchcocks should work well. Thank you so much for adding to the Himalayan knowledge base! Your efforts are truly inspiring!
Hi. What were the handlebars you used? I’m looking for some replacements.
They are actually from a Motorcross bike, slightly wider and 22mm of that helps.
Thanks Charlie. Another excellent video. Good on you for lowering your motorcycle. A wise move.
Thank you 😊
What would be a chore in normal circumstances doing that sorta thing alone, you made it like look fun with the help of your friends. Cool vid, see you on your next adventure ✌️ 🤙 🤟
Thank you 😊
10:41
Bro-mance. 😏
@@restdayrider Haha. 😂😂
Did you lower the front forks?
Nope, didn't affect the handling at all. 😊
I haven’t received my Himalayan yet, but I know I’m gonna have to lower it because I am 5 foot seven with my boots on How tall are you? Thanks for the video.
I am 5'6. 😊
Have you tried using the centre stand yet?
And chop a bit off the side stand!
I have, it wasn't really any different. I will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this. 😊
I have an adjustable side stand. 😊
That's brilliant Charlie, makes a world of difference when you can flat foot. The only problem l have is l ride a lot two up and she scrapes over speed humps 😭😂
Charlie, if the bike steers the same after altering the suspension as it did before then don’t worry about lowering the forks in the yolks . If you are correct about lowering the seat 20mm then that’s less than an inch and you will get that much loading your bike for a tour! Most kits lower 50 mm, I lowered my er6 by 50mm and it steered ok without lowering the forks at the front yolks. I did have to fit a shorter side stand though cause it wanted to fall over to the right when parked. It’s a good feeling when you fix your bike yourself, a sense of achievement even if it’s not major surgery! Having seen you work on your BSA you obviously have mechanical aptitude, which helps!
No, step away from that BSA.
I didn't lower the forks, i will do an update at the weekend to cover all the points people have raised like this and explain why. 😊
is this available in India? 🤔 been searching for lowering kits for a year now , couldn't find one in India.😢
I can't see why it wouldn't be?
Top Work All involved 🙂