How easy is it to lower a motorbike?

Question

I am 4ft 9, is it easy to lower? Can all bikes be lowered. Oh and how about the handlebars can they be changed i would need them closer thanks in advance

Answer 1

I've never seen a bike that couldn't be lowered. Easy ways to lower it would be change the seat to one that sits lower which can usually get you about an inch lower seat hight. more complicated but still relatively easy is to change the rear shock to a shorter one. This in general can get you about 2 inches lower at the seat. changing the front forks IMO is more trouble than it's worth and I would get a smaller bike if you need to go that far but if you really want to that can probably get you an extra inch or 2 but it usually isn't cheap. And a good set of handlebars can be had for around 50-75$ and can be found in every shape and size imaginable.

Answer 2

It depends on the bike....

It will be easier to lower a bike that has twin shocks (get replacements that are shorter - but check tyre clearance under the seat), lower the front forks in the clamps - try a little at a time.

It will be easier to change the handlebars on a bike that is fitted with a single tube that is clamped on. These can be loosened, eased towards you and re-clamped. The other type (separate item for each side) cannot be adjusted, only replaced - and that can be an expensive trial-and-error process.

Cutting down the seat foam is another mod. that's often reported. Remember that the foam is there for a reason!

If you haven't bought the bike yet then look out for adjustability features before you buy.

Answer 3

As has been said - it depends on the bike really. Do you have a particular model or general style in mind?

Many of the suggestions on the page so far would indeed lower the bike but many will also have side effects. Dropping the yokes down the front forks, tightening up the rear shocks and so on will effect the handling and possibly to the point where you will not be happy with it.

It certainly can be done but in all honesty you would be better served identifying the bike you want and talking a local dealer or someone who really does know what they are all about and they can then look at you, the bike, what needs to be done and sort it out for the optimum solution.

You can get on the road with not too much hassle.

Answer 4

The supplying dealer could tell you of any suspension lowering that can be done

The seat itself can be sculptured to provide a lower seat height

Finally there are an abundance of different bars on the market and I feel sure that there is one out there to suit

If all else fails a bike builder would be able to help but research thoroughly to find a good one

The internet is a great source of info and will help in gaining many such builders then you will have to work out the one that inspires confidence by perhaps visiting their place and looking at some of their work

Answer 5

Most sportbikes are easy... can lower the front end by setting the bike lower on the forktubes and re-adjusting the clamp-ons. Back end can be lowered about an inch by tightening the suspension coil. If you need more than an inch in the back end, you can buy lowering links. I know girls who have lowered the back end as much as 4 inches with lowering links.

Answer 6

Start by changing out the handlebar risers with "pullback" risers. (see link). Its quick. Its easy. Its cheap.

Perhaps after you have done that, you won't even need to lower your bike.

Ride On!

Answer 7

I am 5ft 2 and my husband changed out my handlebars, lowered the forks, and put shorter shocks on mine...worked for me.

Answer 8

It depends on the bike. You ought to be able to get suitable bars to fit. you can often get an inch or 2 off the height by cutting the seat foam down.

Answer 9

the easiest way to lower the bike is to take it down hill

Answer 10

Any ran horn handles can be loosened and pulled toward you for comfort!! Just watch your cable lengths!!