Lowering my Train
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Jreichart has many good points. When you start lowering a bike you're changing the geometry and suspension travel. I've ridden a few that were done incorrectly and on the cheap and they felt like death traps.
Couple years ago I lowered my 03 Train. Wanted to look Cool and slam it 2 inches front and rear. Used progressive 422's in the rear and progressive's drop in lowering springs in the front. Had to maximize preload to keep from bottoming out and the bike rode like a rock. It handled the curves well as long a the road was smooth, without imperfections and I didn't lean into it to far. It got squirrely when cornering on rough roads. I never could get the front suspension dialed in correctly even after experimenting with different spacer lengths and fluid weights. Eventually I started over. Installed Progressive's Stock Height Mono Tubes omitting the small 1/4 inch spacers, set the rear to 1 inch under stock and dialed in the rear preload. This was the sweet spot. The bike handled perfectly and the suspension articulated correctly keeping the tires in contact with the pavement.
Couple years ago I lowered my 03 Train. Wanted to look Cool and slam it 2 inches front and rear. Used progressive 422's in the rear and progressive's drop in lowering springs in the front. Had to maximize preload to keep from bottoming out and the bike rode like a rock. It handled the curves well as long a the road was smooth, without imperfections and I didn't lean into it to far. It got squirrely when cornering on rough roads. I never could get the front suspension dialed in correctly even after experimenting with different spacer lengths and fluid weights. Eventually I started over. Installed Progressive's Stock Height Mono Tubes omitting the small 1/4 inch spacers, set the rear to 1 inch under stock and dialed in the rear preload. This was the sweet spot. The bike handled perfectly and the suspension articulated correctly keeping the tires in contact with the pavement.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Well, thanks for all the info guys! I thought that it wouldn't be too much different, maybe even lowering the centre of gravity might make it a little better. Truth is; I was gonna do it on the cheap, but it seems that maybe I'll just hold off on that project and use my money elsewhere - until I'm more sure and can afford to do it properly.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 0
From: BC
and then I won the Shotgun Shock from JD so now I'm on air
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