i have lowered the back of the bike by 3cm with a lowering kit and was advised to lower the front by the same I have done but it is to low looking and also hits the bike ramp when putting it on. Would I get away with lowering the front by say 2cm would it really make such a drastic change . the rear shock is set about half way down the threads would changing that make any difference. Or could I put a top spacer 6mm in the top of the rear shock. Hope u can follow all this any advice.
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Suspension
- Thread starter tsm23
- Start date
What was the reason for lowering it ?
The spacer will only reverse the lowering you have done
If it is short legs - I would look at a lowered & reshaped seat rather than lowering the bike.
That's my thinking I have lowered the bike cause of 29"legs but if I put a 6mm spacer in I am only lowering the bike by 24mm in effect yes? My thinking is this 6mm spacer increases the turn in lowering the ride height makes the bike harder to turn in so u must lower the front as well so if I lower the bike at the back by 3cm and put a spacer in then only lower the front by say 2cm I am only 4mm out of level yes or am I on another planet
Last edited:
ianrobbo1
good looking AND modest
I honestly think the best "read cheapest" method of getting your feet on the floor, is put the bike back as it was "standard ride hight" and fit a slightly narrowed/lowered seat, it's what I did with the same inside leg, and then was able to mess about with the bike knowing I had a solid base to go back to if the "adjustments" proved unsatisfactory :dunno:
D
damientt
Guest
You could try ......
GK Trim
Stephen Weir
info@gktrim.com
07802 979151
and/or
http://arekcardesign.com/html/index-2.html
If it was me, I'd get my seat off to Tony Archer ..... or .... you might want to buy a second-hand seat and have it posted to Tony .. then you could keep the original as a spare or flog it.
the 6mm spacer will give more than 6mm lift - I think it is something like 18mm lift from it because the rear suspension is 3to1 ratio IIRC.
Correct Deano..
TSM, the way you are messing about with the suspension you are going to end up with a bike that is going to handle like a rubber barge.
Remove the lowering kit, remove the 6mm spacer, lower the fork legs back down and THEN see how it feels
Changing the ride height with the dog bones ( or plates ) is one of the worst things that has ever come out.. It changes the way the rising rate linkages work and changes the rate the suspension alters.
It should always be a last resort thing
Slim, as a VERY rough guide because it depends on many variables, the preload rings should be set ABOUT a 1/4" from max
TSM, the way you are messing about with the suspension you are going to end up with a bike that is going to handle like a rubber barge.
Remove the lowering kit, remove the 6mm spacer, lower the fork legs back down and THEN see how it feels
Changing the ride height with the dog bones ( or plates ) is one of the worst things that has ever come out.. It changes the way the rising rate linkages work and changes the rate the suspension alters.
It should always be a last resort thing
Slim, as a VERY rough guide because it depends on many variables, the preload rings should be set ABOUT a 1/4" from max
Thanks jaws that's all I needed @tu* being a lightweight I always have to mess with settings to suit me & just needed a start point
Reckon you have a few problems riding ... If these measurements are correct ??
Bike dynamics and aerodynamics together with traction issues ...
60mm spacer ??? That's quite a lift !!
Lowered the bike by 2400mm ?? Have you dug a massive trench ???
That's quite a massive lowering ... Do you have a ladder to climb down to your bike ?? Maybe your riding a sub surface missile ???
If your measurements are anything like your calculations ....
Do not ride your bike !!!
Personally I would go back to normal and wear higher heels !!!
Rheumatoid
B.I.R.D Intellectual
I have already suggested this but he doesn't seem keen
http://www.bikersoracle.com/blackbird/forum/showpost.php?p=754746&postcount=4
I was merely pointing out the measurements may be a little awry !!
Lowered by 2400mm ????
Looks like you and I sing from a similar song sheet ??
Great minds think alike ??:dunno:
S
Saffie
Guest
Bloody hell! You do like making a point...think it was a error of 1 0 too much. Never doing a dick measurement competition with you! :whi5tl:
Yip u would think they would realise I had put in to many 0s. but it's more fun to take the piss. no matter I'm a sponsor now so I will take it on the chin, and send a couple of redundant west Belfast fellows to shorten their knee caps by let's say an inch is that about 2.5cm?
All I have done so far is lower the back and front as advised I haven't been out on her yet I just thought the front looked very low and wondered if I could put it up or does it have to stay the same as the rear. If I have to I will buy a lowered seat but they are ?260 for some foam and plastic seems a lot.
S
Saffie
Guest
Silly question, but do you have the standard seat on at the moment or has it been changed by aftermarket?
Raising the front too much will actually cause the bike to lift easier on take off and also make the front a bit looser on corners. If I was you I would play with a few different set ups as riding style influences these type of decisions a lot.
I usually take the bike to a quiet traffic circle(preferably a big one) and ride around it increasing speed and leaning as I go around till I feel uncomfortable with the front wheel grip. Thats just me as I am a cheapskate and try and fix thing using the tested Darwin theory in the process. :-0)
Raising the front too much will actually cause the bike to lift easier on take off and also make the front a bit looser on corners. If I was you I would play with a few different set ups as riding style influences these type of decisions a lot.
I usually take the bike to a quiet traffic circle(preferably a big one) and ride around it increasing speed and leaning as I go around till I feel uncomfortable with the front wheel grip. Thats just me as I am a cheapskate and try and fix thing using the tested Darwin theory in the process. :-0)
Before you do anything remove that spacer and put the standard rising rate parts back on..
As mentioned, the spacer will give about an 18mm lift to the arse end
As to doing the front and back..
Ever ridden a chopper ? I mean a real one with longer forks..
By just lowering the rear you are effectively doing the same thing.. Increasing the angle the forks stick out.
The Bird is not exactly known for its quick agile turning as it is.. Dropping the rear down will amplify the issue 10 fold !
As mentioned, the spacer will give about an 18mm lift to the arse end
As to doing the front and back..
Ever ridden a chopper ? I mean a real one with longer forks..
By just lowering the rear you are effectively doing the same thing.. Increasing the angle the forks stick out.
The Bird is not exactly known for its quick agile turning as it is.. Dropping the rear down will amplify the issue 10 fold !