lowering?

[shelbyguy]

I read in the manual that the factory sachs shock can be shortned +/- 0.6...as in a half inch...yes im in the shorter range (5'7") and am NOT gonna grow anytime soon my only choice is to possibly lower the bike. opinions on if it would be worth my time? In the past ive switched from a 190 to a 180 a few times to lower it a bit (10-12mm..) Im sitting here at work going man...i could just push it in the shop and possibly lower it half inch???

opinions???:confused:

[Sgt Jiggy]

I read in the manual that the factory sachs shock can be shortned +/- 0.6...as in a half inch...yes im in the shorter range (5'7") and am NOT gonna grow anytime soon my only choice is to possibly lower the bike. opinions on if it would be worth my time? In the past ive switched from a 190 to a 180 a few times to lower it a bit (10-12mm..) Im sitting here at work going man...i could just push it in the shop and possibly lower it half inch???

opinions???:confused:

I'm a stellar 5'4 with a 28" inseam. I've turned the rear shock nearly all of the way down and have 6 lines on the Ohlins front end. I can put both right and left toes down at the same time. In my book I'm "Golden". Stopping is overrated anyway! :kidding:

I usually only put one foot down at a stop. I wouldn't lower the RSV anymore than what I have done or you're really going to screw up the handling IMHO.

[shelbyguy]

for the info...i think its coming in the shop tomorrow for some screwing around..ill have 8 hours to do the job...lol

[Ape Factory]

I'm a stellar 5'4 with a 28" inseam. I've turned the rear shock nearly all of the way down and have 6 lines on the Ohlins front end. I can put both right and left toes down at the same time. In my book I'm "Golden". Stopping is overrated anyway! :kidding:

I usually only put one foot down at a stop. I wouldn't lower the RSV anymore than what I have done or you're really going to screw up the handling IMHO.

+1 on Sgt J's comments.
I'm 5'6" (30" inseam) and the bike ('07 Factory) terrified me until I got used-to it. I contacted the Guys at AF1 and they just said to lower the rear to the max and lower the front (raise forks in triples) until the bike gets "lite/nervous" when riding. I also have (6) lines showing on my Ohlins forks and the bike rides beautiful even though I'm still on my tippy toes. I got used to it and/or only put one foot down. Backing-out, downhill out of my garage is still scary but I figured out a fail safe way to get her out.

[Monstaman]

So for you guys that have lowered it that far how does this effect your side stand height and how the bike sits?

I am gonna do the same but just want clarification!

[Sgt Jiggy]

So for you guys that have lowered it that far how does this effect your side stand height and how the bike sits?

I am gonna do the same but just want clarification!

No issues what so ever - Nebraska is always windy. I've had wind gusts of 35 + MPH hit the side of my APE with it's current suspension configuration while on the side stand and didn't have one problem.

[mossback]

Just under 5' 8" with a 30" inseem. It was the first thing I did too was lower the rear, I think now I have it raised backup as the tippy toe stop stance is what I am used to. Indeed it was unnerving at first especaillly with a pillion. No it's all old hat.

It's even harder with track boots on as the ankles don't flex much.

[fastnfat]

Only 29 inch inside leg here. I used to have a 05 RSVR but didn't have that lowered but I did have some of the foam taken out of the seat. I used to manage on tip toe with one foot, though if I slid across the seat a little I could get the ball of one foot on the floor.
Just taken delivery of a new Factory and got the same problem but it's no big deal, just need to be aware which way the surface falls away so as to put the correct foot down. I won't be bothering to have the seat altered 'cos I don't think it made that much difference in reality. I have fitted a modified sidestand though( the ones fitted to UK bikes are shorter than the US models for some reason)which has made it easier for me to lower/raise the stand especially if the ground falls away on the right side of the bike.

FNF

[Cajun]

So for you guys that have lowered it that far how does this effect your side stand height and how the bike sits?

I am gonna do the same but just want clarification!

when we lowered ours stand was far to upright, so we cut 1 1/2 inchs out of it, and reweld it it, in the reweld we also modifyed it so the side stand is on correct angle so the whole foot is on the front,

[mossback]

Was not a problem on the US bikes, must be a Euro thing with longer side stands?

[Cajun]

I'm only 5'4" and have and have an Ohlins rear with a pre-shortened shock in it. I've got the balls of both feet down on the ground now.

I rode the bike for nine months with only adjusting the stock ride height and this only gave me a toe touching on either side. I don't mind stopping with only one foot down (and I got quite used to it) but I found parking and stopping with strong winds challenging.

The main problem with lowering the bike any more is that your bars will hit the tank sooner.

[Monstaman]

I am about 5' 6" and 1/2 with 30 inch inseam and 38 inch member ... I just tie that up as a scarf tho :blah:

I wear New Rock boots for riding which helps but will be a bit happier to lower her a little especially for when I ride two up with my wife.

If I have 6 rings showing I am quite sure my bike would fall over so I might have to do the chop thing as well.

She is being turned into a Tuono in the next coupla weeks as well with high bars etc.

Gonna put these bars on, should be enough I think. :spankie:

[shelbyguy]

thats an awesome ride...reminds me of titanic...im king of the world...

[gr8scott]

I
She is being turned into a Tuono in the next coupla weeks as well with high bars etc.

Gonna put these bars on, should be enough I think. :spankie:


Well...they do call them APE hangars so why not put them on the Aprilia:happy:

Will you be repainting the bike in a Skull or Flame motif?:kidding:


Scott

[Monstaman]

Well...they do call them APE hangars so why not put them on the Aprilia:happy:

Will you be repainting the bike in a Skull or Flame motif?:kidding:


Scott

I am tuffa than that .... gonna get me some of them there stickon tatoos :D

Coupla tassles and a skull and crossbones sticker for the number plate :eek:

[gr8scott]

I am tuffa than that .... gonna get me some of them there stickon tatoos :D

Coupla tassles and a skull and crossbones sticker for the number plate :eek:

Tattoos: The ones that say "Live To Ride Ride To Live"?:happy:

Don't forget to top it all off with a chrome German army helmet. One with the Kaiser spike on the top.

You be stylin' :worship:

[MASHMAN]

Tattoos: The ones that say "Live To Ride Ride To Live"?:happy:

Don't forget to top it all off with a chrome German army helmet. One with the Kaiser spike on the top.

You be stylin' :worship:

GET SOME PLATFORM SHOES SHORT ASS :kidding::kidding::kidding:

[Monstaman]

GET SOME PLATFORM SHOES SHORT ASS

I already have, Gary Glitter would be jealous of these suckers :D

I think I will get a tattoo of " I love Mum" :happy: .. I don't think chrome would suit my pink top tho .. the one with the big yellow smiley face on it. :p:

[Magi]

I read in the manual that the factory sachs shock can be shortned +/- 0.6...as in a half inch...yes im in the shorter range (5'7") and am NOT gonna grow anytime soon my only choice is to possibly lower the bike. opinions on if it would be worth my time? In the past ive switched from a 190 to a 180 a few times to lower it a bit (10-12mm..) Im sitting here at work going man...i could just push it in the shop and possibly lower it half inch???

opinions???:confused:


raise or lower the bike according to its handling needs - lowering the bike 1/2 inch at the shock could be a inch or more at the rear axle - besides i believe the extention adjustment comes set at its lowest level.

you may be 5, 7 but you are also a man - take command of your machine.

when you are in the saddle you have an advantage - learn to use it.

you are going to be fine - hang with some guys who know what there doing.

good luck..............d magi

[Cajun]

GET SOME PLATFORM SHOES SHORT ASS :kidding::kidding::kidding:

Platform boots do exist so don't knock them! A friend of ours owns a 1098 and is about 5'4". The platform boots are her's and the normal ones are mine.

[StefanJ]

Wow, never knew there were sooooo many verticaly challenged Ape owners out there:D:D:D:D









Sorry I had to. I'm built like a bean pole so I can't talk!!!:cheers::cheers:

[Monstaman]

Wow, never knew there were sooooo many verticaly challenged Ape owners out there:D:D:D:D:

...right step outside ... this is war ... I have you have good ankle and knee protectors :D

[MASHMAN]

Platform boots do exist so don't knock them! A friend of ours owns a 1098 and is about 5'4". The platform boots are her's and the normal ones are mine.

Now that's a pair of boot... not knocking anything, glad they make boots for hobbits's precious :kidding::kidding::kidding:



...right step outside ... this is war ... I have you have good ankle and knee protectors

:funnypost:funnypost:funnypost

[StefanJ]

...right step outside ... this is war ... I have you have good ankle and knee protectors :D


Ok, so where do you hide your pot of gold????:bond::bond::eek::D:D:D







Yes, I got jokes:cheers:

[Monstaman]

Pot of gold .. dude that is a hugh ask, you will have to get past my wife who is a Chinese accountant :D

[Ape Factory]

So for you guys that have lowered it that far how does this effect your side stand height and how the bike sits?

I am gonna do the same but just want clarification!

Nope, I've never been on the track, mostly street and touring (some agressively) and nothing has ever dragged or touched-down. I DO remember trying 7 or 8 lines showing on the front forks and handling was terrible (front tire skipping off pavement constantly). Once set to 6 lines showing, everything was all good (predictable and controllable, not flighty).

[gr8scott]

Nope, I've never been on the track, mostly street and touring (some agressively) and nothing has ever dragged or touched-down. I DO remember trying 7 or 8 lines showing on the front forks and handling was terrible (front tire skipping off pavement constantly). Once set to 6 lines showing, everything was all good (predictable and controllable, not flighty).

APE Thanks for the input on the front forks. I've seen 6 lines mentioned before and this shows what happens if you go beyond. Good to know :cheers: I have mine at the dealer for a few things. I asked him to lower the rear a little and then we'll start looking at the front.

Scott

[DaineseUSA]

Just one leg it..
and if that is a problem... go do more leg presses at the gym.

One legging the RSV is such a great workout! :happy:

[Monstaman]

Nope, I've never been on the track, mostly street and touring (some agressively) and nothing has ever dragged or touched-down. I DO remember trying 7 or 8 lines showing on the front forks and handling was terrible (front tire skipping off pavement constantly). Once set to 6 lines showing, everything was all good (predictable and controllable, not flighty).

Ape Factory, when you mean lines do you mean the small grooves or the lines in between the grooves, doing it on the weekend so wouldn't mind knowing, any chance of a closeup pic to clarify, many thanks man.

[MASHMAN]

They mean the lines at the top of the forks before you hit the preload screw lines, essentially the lines below the cap you take off to fill the fork legs with oil... there's probably pics on a thread dealing with the front end somewhere...

[Monstaman]

Thanks Mashman

just measured it and mine is three rings out which is 12.5 mm so another 12.5 sounds good, was gonna drop it 10 mm but working to rings is better.

We have sun now WOH HOH!!!

[Ape Factory]

here is what I mean...including the line showing flush with the triple clamp, all the way to the top line(gold part), there is 6 lines showing hopefully this pic will come thru
good luck,
Al

[Monstaman]

Thanks for that, I did mine last night, I dropped the rear by 10mm and the front by 12.5 mm, I thought it was six rings but not the first part where the top strews into the leg.

I will go for a skid today and see how she goes based on that and if she is grouchy I will bring her back up one on the front.

Ape factory, did you lower the rear at all?

[Ape Factory]

Ape factory, did you lower the rear at all?[/QUOTE]

...yes I did, to the rear's maximum (which was only like 10-12mm). There is now only approximately 1/2 a thread showing on the rear shock linkage. I lowered the front+ back proportionately and it handles like it did when new (only approx 1" lower to the ground).
As I said, nothing has ever touched down and the front fairing has never hit the front mudguard when landing an occasional wheelie.
Bike is fantastic....now I just have a few more things to try with the Clutch Master Cylinder (loses pressure within a few hundred miles)before tossing it and getting the forged 16X18 Brembo. :cheers:

[Monstaman]

...yes I did, to the rear's maximum (which was only like 10-12mm). There is now only approximately 1/2 a thread showing on the rear shock linkage. I lowered the front+ back proportionately and it handles like it did when new (only approx 1" lower to the ground).
As I said, nothing has ever touched down and the front fairing has never hit the front mudguard when landing an occasional wheelie.
Bike is fantastic....now I just have a few more things to try with the Clutch Master Cylinder (loses pressure within a few hundred miles)before tossing it and getting the forged 16X18 Brembo. :cheers:

That is what I have done, bike feels, spirted ride today with no metal parts done and tire edege to edge so I am hapy with that, no issues with teh side stand either.

Map 2 is in now and shit what a difference, she does not miss a beat and runs very strong.

Taking the wife out tomorrow to try out the new passenger seat, game on!