I'm going from a stock 16" wheel with a stock mt90 front tire to an 18" stock wheel with a 130/70-18 tire. As far as axle to ground distance, it should be close to the same due to the 130 tire(Dunlop) is 1 1/2" and the mt90 is 2 1/2". I'm sure this will take away some of the ride quality, but I'm not sure if I want to try the new progressive suspension due to you will have to lower the front end by at least 1". How much will lowering the front shocks acually lower the frame at the front and are there any suspension upgrades that may not lower the front end?

 

Lower the front forks 1.25 or 2" depending on the spacer used

Yes, some upgrades can stiffen suspension