Guys, need help...please
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 2
From: (Houston Area), Texas
Guys, need help...please
Okay I've searched this forum for 2 days trying to find a post. Someone did a cheap mod (& yes I looked through all 138 pages of the "under $50" mods) on the front-end. They lowered the front by cutting down the oem spacer that fits above the spring on the front forks or cut the oem springs..or something. Progressive drop-ins have the same principal, different size pvc spacers...but I'm looking for a more economical way of doing it.
On my 2010 there is no room to run the forks up into the trees, I attached a pic. They are already almost touching my handlebars.
Does anyone remember this thread or have any new ideas? Thanks.
On my 2010 there is no room to run the forks up into the trees, I attached a pic. They are already almost touching my handlebars.
Does anyone remember this thread or have any new ideas? Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 5
From: long island.ny
i think by cutting those spacers, you would reduce the preload on the springs but not lower the front end. you just end up with a mushy front end which would have a tendancy to bottom out. just my 2 cents for what its worth.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: East of Tulsa
By cutting (shortening) the spacers you will decrease preload (spring tension) and increase sag. It will set your bike lower, but you may bottom out the front more since you are not putting in stiffer springs. Cut off a little at a time. Measure how much the front drops with each cut and ride the bike. A 1/2in cut will probably not give a 1/2in drop because of spring tension.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Progressive drop-ins have the same principal, different size pvc spacers...but I'm looking for a more economical way of doing it.
Remind me to never buy a used bike from you. LOL
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
These guys are right on the money. Do not shorten the spacer or you will bottom out on a rough bump and possibly get the handlebars knocked out of your hands when it happens.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
don't shorten the spacers! buy the progressive drop in kit. The kit is easy as anything to install in your fork tubes.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Like dpriest says the spacers are there to set preload. Shortening the suspension will make the bike lower but at the cost of making it handle like crap. 1) less suspension travel means less controlled and confidence inspiring ride over bumps and irregularities in the road surface. 2) Lower ride hight means you will be dragging hard parts in turns much sooner, possibly at just above legal speeds - which would mean you have no handling safety margin.
Just a suggeston but try sculpting the foam in the seat first to make it narrower or shallower as a first alternative. This will allow you to get your legs closer to the bike at a stop. Also you do not need to be able to flat foot a bike to ride it safely, just as long as you can get the ***** of your feet on the ground.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 243
Likes: 2
lowering
i agree that its possible you might scrape more...but i lowered my sb 2" in the front and 1" in the rear and the ride and handling is much better then when it was stock...i also ride 2 up alot with my wife and never bottomed...the front of my bike had a mushy feel stock and after i lowered it i love it....just mt 2 cents.....