new to motorcycling

Lukav · 03-12-2008, 7:27 AM

hey, i'm new to everything about motorcycles...i've read a few posts on lowering kits, but all the links were dead.

has anyone used this lowering kit?
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Vortex_Lowering_Links_Honda_CBR600F4i--505698.html

also, is this all i need to lower the bike or do i need to buy a spring/shock too?

any write ups would be very helpful, but i could only find limited information.

thanks

jhonda41 · 03-12-2008, 9:26 AM

Keep in mind that lowering the bike affects the handling and ground clearance.

You can try other options

1. shaving the seat down some (removing the cushioning). It wont be as soft but there arent many comfortable stock seats out there.

or

2. adding .5"-1" of rubber to the bottom of your boots. Getting used to the boots gives you the added benefit of being able to ride other bikes that arent lowered.

That said, there are guys/gals on this board that have simply mastered the one leg down at a light routine.

to the org

-jh

Lukav · 03-12-2008, 3:06 PM

thanks for the welcome, but the bike is gonna be a highway satr doing about 60 miles a day on i-95 so handling isn't as big a deal as comfort.

plus i figure i can put the stock parts back pretty cheap...but i don't know about reupholstering a seat.

Mattster · 03-12-2008, 7:36 PM

The 'one leg at the lights' routine that Jhonda41 mentions has the added benefit that you can cover the back brake for safety. If you are the first vehicle at the lights it could stop you getting pushed into the opposing traffic if you are shunted in the rear . . . or at least thats what I was told when I took my riding lessons.

It's something I have always done as I am 5'8" with quite a short inside leg; I can get both feet down on my 954 but its tiptoes only

slickwill · 03-12-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lukav

also, is this all i need to lower the bike or do i need to buy a spring/shock too?

You only need the lowering link, stock shock and spring work, but I agree that the other options are probably better since you get full suspension travel.

Lukav · 03-12-2008, 10:23 PM

well thanks for the info, i guess i was wearing chucks, so i'm gonna want more than a layer of canvas over my feet anyway...

slickwill · 03-13-2008, 5:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lukav

i guess i was wearing chucks...

Chucks??

jacobflyin · 03-13-2008, 5:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

Chucks??

Like the shoe Chuck Taylors they are very flat and if they get a pair of riding boots or a normal shoe they should be able to stand up with the bike.

slickwill · 03-13-2008, 8:21 PM

I guess I'll have to google them. I've never even heard of Chuck Taylor's.

slickwill · 03-13-2008, 8:22 PM

Okay, when I was a kid those were just called "converse." I haven't even seen a pair of those for years.

scorpi810 · 03-13-2008, 9:40 PM

mine was lowered 3" for about 2 months and put it back to stock cause it handled like

. if u decide to lower it i wouldnt go very much cause u may not like it and that link that u found seems a little pricey.

Gothy · 03-15-2008, 1:37 PM

hehe we still get converse in england!

CBR929RE · 03-15-2008, 3:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhonda41

That said, there are guys/gals on this board that have simply mastered the one leg down at a light routine.

its a necessity for me at 5'4"

lowering the bike won't do anything for riding on the highway. once you're moving the height doesn't really matter.

curt248 · 03-15-2008, 4:22 PM

For the record the shoes are Converse brand named Chuck Taylor All stars.

They were $20 a pair when I was a kid.

MelScrilla · 03-26-2008, 2:48 PM

i have a lot of friends with lowered bikes. Where i live we do a lot more highway riding and drag racing. those links will work fine the only problem is that you will loose some ride quality and speed bumps might be a prob if you go to low. but if you only go down an inch or so that wont be a prob. I'm short also and have to do the 1 foot thing and it's not fun especially on rocks/gravel or on oil slicks. For normal riding and highway stuff lowering your bike would be ok.

Jok3r · 03-30-2008, 1:12 PM

Just a tid bit of info on lowering that hasnt been mentioned... If your as new to cycling as you say you are... Lowering the bike will throw off the way you might be used to the bike responding when maneuvering... The way the bike responds, could change drastically from what your used to now, and that would be very bad if you needed to make emergency maneuvers to avoid a collision or debri in the roadway. Just remember, usually lowering kits are put onto bikes of people that just want to go fast and stay lower to the ground for less resistance. Its not usually used because they are too short... In any case, best of luck to you and I hope everything works itself out.