wanting to raise my bike

[308nut]

wanting my bike to sit a little higher, I dont want a new bike only have 19k on this one but I would like it to be a little more stout.

suggestions


bike is a 2001 R1100RL



Wade

[mlaser59]

My R1150RT has some seat adjustments under the seat that allow me to raise or lower the seat height. I would recommend lowering the footpeg if you are looking to raise the seat height so it does not interfere with the MC geometry.

[Andy VH]

Well, that has to be the first I have heard of this. Most everyone else that wants to modify the ride height of thier bike is trying to get lower. My first question is to why? What is the goal? Better ground clearance? Longer travel for better ride? Greater lean angle clearance? Less "squat" when you sit on the bike? More leg extension when stopped? Can't be to reduce leg bend when on the bike, because that you can do with a custom seat alone. So the question remains, what is the goal?

I would assume, that if you want more ground clearance, the easiest way is to go with longer custom shocks. But, there is limited capability with that, because you have to take into account the u-joint angles where they'll spin much of thier time when riding. I would guess at most, you "may" be able to go an inch longer per shock, and then get the shock spring rate matched to your weight and riding style. Then with enough preload on the shock you can limit the squat when you are on the bike.

If I assume greater lean agle clearance, the stock R chassic allows a pretty generous lean angle as is. When I get my RS to the point of touching down the pegs, sidestand or centerstand I am very near the edge of the tread on my tires. So there is not much to gain there with a bike that rides higher.

Perhaps the easiest way, though it involves more parts, is to compare a GS model to your RL model, and use the GS parts with the longer shocks to make your RL equal to the ride height of the GS.

[308nut]

i guess the biggest concern or goal is less squat when stationary. I love the way the bike handles, and it fits me well. I just feel like it squats a lot while stationary.



Wade

[ultracyclist]

I think you are headed down the road of custom suspension if I understand you correctly.
This is an expensive option. How long do you plan on keeping the bike?

[Andy VH]

If you are only after a little more ride height, and less squat, then I would look into getting some quality shocks, and NOT OEM shocks. I put Wilbers on my bike two seasons past, and though it was the most money I ever put in my RS in 16 years, it is BY FAR the BEST money I ever spent on the bike.

Whether its Wilbers, Ohlins, Hyperpro, Progressive, Hagon, Penske, the idea is to get real quality suspension components calibrated to your wieght, riding style and personal preference. If you plan to keep the bike and enjoy it for many more years, the money spent will be worth it. Plus, quality shocks are rebuildable, and can be tuned much better than any stock OEM shock.

Going with a custom made shock set, you might be able to get slightly longer shocks, with higher spring rates to minimize the sag when you sit on the bike. That's the way I would go. My 94 RS with Wilbers shocks, I feel rides equal to, for ride quality and accuracy, to the many brand new demo models I ride every Saturday working part time at Nick's BMW.

[ragtoplvr]

There are some answers

I think that a R1100RL the L is for low suspension can anyone elaborate?

The weight on the bike is important, so how much do you weigh. and what luggage is on there, side cases, tale case etc.

You can have a low suspension, in which case some used OEM standard shocks could be the ticket.

Your stock suspension can be worn out, how many miles.

You can put a shorter link from the GS on the rear and raise it a bit, for little money. There are even adjustable links, some do this.

There are lots of aftermarket shocks, and they really do work really well if you ride hard enough to notice.

Just a bit of information and maybe we can help.

Rod

[ultracyclist]

L=Limited Edition.
I have one.
A bit more chrome, wire wheels, and a pinstripe.

[piperjim]

i guess the biggest concern or goal is less squat when stationary. I love the way the bike handles, and it fits me well. I just feel like it squats a lot while stationary.



Wade


Hey, there's your problem, don't let that thing be sitting there stationary!!! Get it on down the road!!!:brad

piperjim

[Andy VH]

If it squats a lot, then the first thing to do is adjust the preload up on the rear shock. Take out the tool kit, and get the tool that looks like a bent finger on the end. That is the spanner to adjust the preload. There are rectangular notches around the rear shock just below the spring. Use the wrench, with the extension in the tool kit, and turn the adjuster clockwise to increase the preload.

[308nut]

Thanks guys I will give it a go with the adjustment first.

I weigh 255


great advice and the least expensive the better, and I do plan on keeping the bike a very long time.

currently it has only 19k miles on it


Wade

[Andy VH]

Sounds good Wade. I'm not commenting on your weight, but at 255 lbs, if the preload on the rear shock of your bike is at the low setting it is going to squat, a LOT! If your bike also has an adjustment for dampening, which it likely does, then you'll want to adjust that up a bit too.

On the rear shock, just below the preload collar, is a small adjustment knob you can turn with a small screwdriver. Turn it clockwise to increase the dampening adjustment. I'd say almost all the way up for your wieght.

Finally, if your bike has more than 20,000 miles on it, it is likely time to replace the shocks anyway. The stock shocks are really only any good for maybe 20,000 miles. Then if you chose to go with a quality rebuildable shock you can get it sized and valved for your wieght. It will transform the bike handling and ride wise!

[308nut]

I will try it, Thank you



Wade

[axlray13]

I just discovered the shock preload adjuster this weekend. I was concerned as to why I would scrape the pegs on a moderate turn. I found out my preload was set to the softest setting #1. Moved it to #4 and I had to lower my seat a notch. I'm 200lbs...