Handling a Lowered K

[Paul_F]

At the present time, I get the balls of my feet on the ground while stopped with my K100RT. Since I am getting a new shock, what would be the disadvantages (if any) if I were to have the bike lowered an 1/2". or 3/4" or an 1" at both ends. Thanks for your input in advance.

[bikerfish1100]

Major downside is that hard parts would scrape sooner than normal. Your alternatives are either slow down, or you might fall (slide) down.
Have you tried modifying your seat (restructure the foam) to allow for easier reach to the floor? Rick Mayer does a good job of building a custom seat that gives an effective inch or more drop in saddle height while gaining comfort.

[deilenberger]

Paul,

As already mentioned - if you're a very enthusiastic rider - you might risk some touchdowns of hard parts. I lowered a number of K bikes between 1-2" and never had a problem, but I'm not close to a 10/10ths rider.

Other problems you may have - difficulty in getting the bike on the centerstand (which isn't too bad a problem if like me - you only centerstand in the garage, where you can ride up on a plywood ramp on the rear wheel - making it easy to get on the stand again) - and the sidestand will set the bike more upright (also fixable by bending the sidestand IF it's a problem. Never was enough of a problem for me to bother with.)

You'll also loose some suspension travel - which can cause bottoming of the suspension on really rough roads.

The seat can be built with less height, but it's really the width of the seat (which is forced by the width of the two upper frame rails) that's the problem.. the width keeps you from putting your legs straight down, so they become shorter. There are also taller boots available that you might find of help.

[Paul_F]

I've just returned from dropping off my boots at the shoe repair to give me additional height. I just received a new (to me) Corbin which is causing the concern. As well, I am about to order a Wilbers. With 1/2 plywood on the garage floor, I am not tippy toeing the bike. However, I'd hate to lower the bike and then discover the new seat isn't as comfortable as the stock seat and then return to the stock with the shorter bike. With the stock, I can pretty much flat foot the bike.

Unlike most folks, I have found no discomfort on long rides with the stock seat (reupholstered) but bought the Corbin hoping that if my wife should come along for a trip, she would travel in more comfort. Thank you for your advice. I'll know later in the week if the improved boots will do the trick.

[bikerfish1100]

Corbin is notorious for taking an already wide seat, and making it even wider. and harder. Maybe you want to return the Corbin?

[kbasa]

They're hard to get on the centerstand when they're lowered.

[jcridge]

At the present time, I get the balls of my feet on the ground while stopped with my K100RT. Since I am getting a new shock, what would be the disadvantages (if any) if I were to have the bike lowered an 1/2". or 3/4" or an 1" at both ends. Thanks for your input in advance.

I have the same issue with my wifes low seat K75 and here is what we have done so far.

Lower profile radial tires
Shorter progressive rear shock ( 13.6")
Dropped front clamp 3/4"



This combination gave a 1.5" - 2.0" drop in seat to ground clearance, without changing the seat to peg clearance.

Her new riding boots have a 1" heel that helps.

We are also talking about doing what Don mentioned, shaving the front side of the seat to allow easier access to the ground when you slide forward to put your feet down at a stop. This would be a good time to insert a gel pad.

The center stand can be cut and shortened if you are having problems. We are also thinking of this as well for her bike, not so much for parking in the shop but when traveling on the road with a full load.

[68820]

A friend modified an R1100R for his wife. She's 5'2", maybe 5'3" on a good day. In order for the bike to fit, he had to jump through some hoops:


traded R1100R rear wheel for K1200RS rear wheel
shortened the kickstand (cut and welded at machine shop)
shortened the centerstand (machine shop)
lower seat with aftermarket seat (Corbin or Sargent, not sure which)
Wilburs shocks


The bike handles fine. It's a little harder to put on the centerstand since the leverage is less. I have no idea what the total cost was, but he was able to get some of the stuff done with used parts.