should I ??!!! - Sportbike Addicts

BIGLIZ34 · 04-06-2006, 11:46 AM

Hey kiddies. I have an F4i and previously didnt see the need to lower it.
At 5'5 i am not flatfooted and felt comfortable with the control I had on just the balls of my feet. However, it gets a bit tough maneuvering the bike in the garage or parking etc.... I have had some not so fun moments to say the least. My problem of course is that my instinct is to sacrifice my body so that the bike doesnt touch the ground LOL ( i am sure most of you can feel me on this )
I feel like at this point I would feel better flatfooted or closer to it so I can bitch slap my baby around a little more comfortably.
If I lower the bike how and what are some of my choices?!
Will lowering take away from the ride quality?

Help me out .
Gracias

PitsVtec · 04-06-2006, 12:25 PM

I'm shorter than you and have not lowered my bike. I bought bigger boots and got my suspension done. You may want to do what I did. I don't agree with lowering bikes. With given time you'll feel more comfortable.

***Cakes206*** · 04-06-2006, 12:26 PM

Hey Liz, the bike can definitey be lowered if you'd like. The front can be done by lowering the tripple clamps down the fork tubes a bit. For the rear you can get adjustable dog bones. Just remember that lowering the bike will infact cause it to turn in alot quicker, so you'll have to get used to that. After you get it done, definitely get the suspension tuned as well. I'e seen people shave off some of the foam from the seat, but I don't really recommend that to much. The seat is designed with the whole bike in mind. The feel you get that travels thru the seat will tell you what the bike is doing. When anything upsets the normal operation of the bike i.e. rear sliding out...you feel it thru the seat. Changing the physical aspects of the seat might change that. For now, for small tight areas that you'd need to manuver in, like a garage or parking spot, just get off the bike and move it around that way. G'luck.

**Rev** · 04-06-2006, 02:19 PM

they offer knee implants...adds about 4 inches to your height...

But seriously...cakes i think she should take time to get used to the weight of the bike..knowing how to control the top heavy part when your at a standstill. My girlfriend (PITS hot as fucking hell VTEC) is probably as tall as you maybe an inch less WITH her riding boots on. She got used to the weight of the bike and being able to maneuver it at a standstill and when she is off the bike. Don't just change your suspension yet...feel out the bike...get off it and walk the bike..and just be one with the bike...once u get used to the balancing of it..you'll be good to go.

BIGLIZ34 · 04-06-2006, 02:31 PM

its not that I can't manage it. just feel tlike there have been times where it would have been nice to be flatfooted. it would suck to get hurt off the bike ( i obviously feel better on it )and thats what was about to happen...at least twice. just want to get more of a pro and cons thing going. luckily i am strong enough to lift the bike because on one occasion me and my genious self decided to put my leg in between the bike and the floor as I saw the inevitable happening. almost got another hole in my leg and i have had enough of those

**Rev** · 04-06-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGLIZ34

almost got another hole in my leg and i have had enough of those

yeah those razors can be deadly....

Pros = lower bike for easy of flatfooting of course

cons = ride will be different / turning won't be as crisp as stock / depending if your a leaner or not...chances of scraping are more evident / bike will look funny...

PitsVtec · 04-06-2006, 02:39 PM

Our friend lowered her bike 3 inches and still feels funny. All I know is that I can't ride it. It's just too uncomfortable and weird. Turning was totally strange and I felt like if I leaned the bike, I would just fall over.

sonny · 04-06-2006, 02:39 PM

i used to think of letting the bike squash me and not hit the ground.. until my katana started falling over because i was off balance putting it on the centerstand.

my back was sore for like 4 days trying to stop it from hitting the ground.. youre best off just letting it fall.

**Rev** · 04-06-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonny

i used to think of letting the bike squash me and not hit the ground.. until my katana started falling over because i was off balance putting it on the centerstand.

my back was sore for like 4 days trying to stop it from hitting the ground.. youre best off just letting it fall.

don't they make those thingies that stick out of the fairing of the bike...

BIGLIZ34 · 04-06-2006, 03:10 PM

dont think so for a katana lol

BIGLIZ34 · 04-06-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev

yeah those razors can be deadly....

yeah old razor used to moonlight as a fiddy

**Rev** · 04-06-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGLIZ34

yeah old razor used to moonlight as a fiddy

what the fuck..ill....

***Cakes206*** · 04-06-2006, 05:01 PM

Dass nasty yo

High_Revs_17 · 04-06-2006, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PitsVtec

Our friend lowered her bike 3 inches and still feels funny. All I know is that I can't ride it. It's just too uncomfortable and weird. Turning was totally strange and I felt like if I leaned the bike, I would just fall over.

It's all relative, of course the bike feels funny to you cuz it's not your bike and you don't ride it every day, if you did it would feel normal. As for the leaning part, you have to go faster to lean the bike without it falling over!

ImmaSquashYou · 04-08-2006, 06:05 PM

wut the hell was that from?? thats pretty deep...