RCDean

Hi All,
New to the BB. I'm 5'8" and have read many of the posts here regarding rider fit on the BB, re: bar risers, seats, etc. In additon to risers, was wondering if lowering the rear one inch with a lowering link and lowering the front one inch by allowing the forks to come up through the triples, would be a good idea. I figure ground clearance would be compromised some, but I was concerned about any interferences up front with the fender/fairing during hard braking etc. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

CanadianBird

FW it's W, I'm 5'6" and haven't lowed my Bird. Now I have just installed a Penske with ride height adjustability. Of course this doesn't answere your questions but why do you feel the necessity of lowering your Bird? I do have Heli Bars. Just curious.

RCDean

Hi CanadianBird. I don't have Heli's on the BB but have had them on previous bikes and liked them. I am considering convertibars for the BB for there adjustability, but will have risers of one sort or another forsure. After some miles with the risers I may be OK for comfort but was wondering if the idea of lowering the bike evenly (one inch front and rear to help maintain steering geometry) might provide an extra level of comfort without bad consequences. I only put a few miles on the BB in the Fall before the winter hit so I'm new to how far I might have to go with comfort changes but it is encouraging to hear that you are good with Heli's and the shock. Have you adjusted the shock such that your ride height is now lower than stock? If so, how does the bike handle on turn in? Thanks.

ironmike

FWIW... Pro-Tek makes a good quality lowering link (1" & 3" - although you're cautioned that using the 3" setting will not work, causing interference issues). The link has automotive type bushings rather than needle bearings like the OEM link (they can be switched out, if you so desire). The forks can easily be raised in the "trees" by 1"... but if you get some Heli-bars you might want to re-think lowering the front end.

Just ride it some more before you do anything...

RCDean

Thanks Ironmike for the info. <Just ride it some more before you do anything>, great advice which I will do as soon as the snow disappears and see how it goes after some serious miles. Thanks. Dean.

WWW

Lowering not reccomened at all. My license plate hits the tire now when I ride hard. I replaced the rear shock twice now.

Partsguy

Lowering one inch won't be all that bad,steering will be heavier,you won't bottom out.I'm 1 inch shorter than you and I wouldn't lower my bike.Just ride it is great advice.

Toynut

Lowering the rear is one thing, lowering the front particularily with a heavier rider or rough roads /potholes may lead to unexpected clearance issues at full suspension travel simular to those created by an installation of a Superbrace.

http://www.cbrxx.com/suspension-tire...stallation.htm

You really have to think about the brake hose bracket/horn assembly being smacked by the top of the fender. While the impact may not be as damaging as with a solid aluminum bar on a Superbrace, the fender may be destroyed in the process at the very least. Even a lightweight rider may experience full compression of his forks unexpectedly, if he hits the right bump in the road /or pulls the clutch in/gets off the throttle quickly while lofting his front wheel off the ground.

__________________
Al
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Momma always said "the best things in life are free"! OK,sure.............
Then again, Momma never rode a motorcycle, either!

RCDean

Thanks guys. Looks like lowering front and rear even one inch might have some bad consequences on the BB. Glad to have your advice before going ahead with this. Guess I'll ride the BB the way it is and try to get my 50 year old body into better shape.