Lowering for shorter riders

[The Ferret]

Don , I think Hoosier is wanting to know the fix for the rider seat pan itself, without having to change the bikes suspension geometry.
The seat is 'locked' at the front with the metal plate and the rear of pan 'tab' inserts into the chassis. Once the seat pan spacers are removed there will be slack . I think a bit of metal work would be required.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Don , I think Hoosier is wanting to know the fix for the rider seat pan itself, without having to change the bikes suspension geometry.
The seat is 'locked' at the front with the metal plate and the rear of pan 'tab' inserts into the chassis. Once the seat pan spacers are removed there will be slack . I think a bit of metal work would be required.

Well, for the slack in the rear you can drill the plastic tab and insert a bumper on the top of the tab. Not sure you can go lower in the front than the 'low' setting. Thus the Yamaha Low Seat.

 

[HoosierWolf]

Thanks guys. That is what I was going for. We still plan to order the low seat but I'm thinking if I can do away with the tray then that will buy her another say .25 to .5 inch.

I'd prefer not to have to mess with the geometry by using lowering links but if the options above don't go far enough that will be the next step. That or buying her a set of giant boots j/k

 

[The Ferret]

I didn't do the seat mod. I went for lowering links and dropping the front yokes by 13 mm ( the limit on the 2011 due to tapered forks) I also narrowed the seat to make it easier to get my legs down. The bike is slightly slower to turn in. Once I got used to it I did manage to wind the rear suspension preload up to improve the turn in.

 

[EricV]

For what it's worth, 13mm seems to be the sweet spot on the forks for 1" lowering links in the rear.

I have the following items that I bought for my wife when she was considering a Super Ten. She chose to stay with her F650GS2, so they were on the bike for a week and are in excellent condition.

Yamaha Factory Low Seat - $150 + Actual shipping. edit: This is one of the early ones with gray sides and black top. Same fabric texture as the stock height seat.

Ride On ADV Lowering Links - $80 + Actual shipping.

Buy both for $230 and I'll toss in some aluminum off set foot pegs.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

That or buying her a set of giant boots j/k

You may be kidding, but they actually make boots for that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afmMkOhe70Q

My wife wears these boots and they do help.

 

[HoosierWolf]

Ferret, did you shave the foam down to narrow the seat?

Eric, those seem like fair prices and I will keep that in mind.

I've actually considered thicker soled boots but I don't think she's giving her boots up anytime soon. She loves them.

 

[The Ferret]

Yes. I took the cover off, sat on the bike and traced around my legs in seating and stood positions with a marker. Then shaped the seat using a sharp knife and angle grinder. Lots of mess! Refaced the seat with smoothing foam to keep shape and refitted cover. Narrowing is better than actually reducing the seat height.

 

[AVGeek]

Ferret, did you shave the foam down to narrow the seat?

Eric, those seem like fair prices and I will keep that in mind.

I've actually considered thicker soled boots but I don't think she's giving her boots up anytime soon. She loves them.

You could always find a shoe repair place to build up a thicker sole on her existing boots...

 

[Baja Explorer]

I am thinking to buy the lowering link. The stock link has a dimension of 100 mm center to center in the dog bones.
In order to gain a net 1" lowered height, has anybody measures what the dimension of center to center is on the new dog bones?

Which type you guys recommend adjustable link (Soupy's) or solid ones (Jaxon's)
Appreciate any help.

 

[jmcgilroy]

I'm working off of my 2012 and the stock set are 100mm center-to-center. I bought an ebay set from some place in England that advertised 1" lowering, they were 103mm center-to-center but only dropped the bike about 3/8". Wasted money.

My next set was a used set that are not marked but said to be Ride-on-Adv. These are 106mm and dropped my bike about 7/8". Close enough. I raised the forks 13mm in the clamps and I'm happy with the set-up.

Hope that helps,
Jim

 

[Baja Explorer]

thanks Jim.
I will order the Soupy's link and will do what you said.

 

[Brick]

I am purchasing a Soupy's kit including adjustable lowering links and the adjustable side stand. I only want the side stand. And would be pleased to sell the Soupy's lowering links. It is $92 but my price is $50 including shipping in the lower 48 states.
Let me know.

Let's Ride!
Brick