Lowering a Sportbike

CBRJenny · 07-05-2007, 11:56 AM

Hi Ladies,
I am looking for some input! I just purchased my 1st bike, a 2002 CBR600F4I. We just put the lowering link in (lowered 3 inches and I intend to bring it back up 1 notch once I am comfortable) We did not touch the front. I keep hearing conflicting information regarding how and how much. The bike sits fine and seems to handle but then again, what would I know how it is supposed to handle being a new rider and I am only putting around my neighborhood.( I have had the bike 3 days)
Any input would greatly be appreciated!!

svmom · 07-05-2007, 12:03 PM

Is this your first time riding ever ? If so, you won't have to worry too much about the suspension. It's only when you want to hit the corners or a track day that it might affect the handling. I'm not an expert or anything just from what I've read and heard.

Once you get comfortable riding and your feet position then yes you should bring it up a notch or two.. There are few threads on here about lowering bikes. If you have time and can find them, read up on em'...

svmom · 07-05-2007, 12:09 PM

Here is one thread I found about lowering a bike.. Don't know if it's what you're lookin' for but I thought I'd try and find something for ya..
Shorties!!!

edit: here is another one..
Lowering link question

if you go to the search bar and type in "lowering" it should give you a few choices to look at..

CBRJenny · 07-05-2007, 12:18 PM

Yes I am a new rider and I have a long way to go before I 'll even think of doing the track!

acalliste · 07-05-2007, 12:37 PM

Welcome to SBN, Jenny!

I have never lowered a bike, so I'm not sure what you need to do for the front on that one. I'll try to get more info and let you know. But I think SVMom is correct in saying that right now, you probably aren't going to be as concerned about the suspension. As you become a better rider, it may become an issue though, and you will either want to raise it back up, or have the front adjusted as well.

blndebmbr · 07-05-2007, 02:06 PM

Exactly. Focus on learning how to ride the bike. Once you have a couple thousand miles under your belt, then the suspension or height could be revisited. If you do have an 'oh dear moment' that could be suspension related that would also be the time to investigate. But for the time being, just keep putting!

Welcome to SBN, BTW and be sure to keep asking questions.

nkegol4girl · 07-07-2007, 01:02 AM

my bike is lowered 3 inches. they dropped down the front about an inch. i believe they did it by loosening the triple tree and pushing it down about an inch or so. i think it's called the triple tree, its the thing that has the 2 holes for the forks to go in.

Southernbelle · 07-09-2007, 12:31 PM

lol, yeah, just slide the triple tree down the forks about an inch. my girl is down 1 in front and 2 in back.

with yours being down 3, BE CAREFUL of bumps and debris in the road. you WILL bottom out.

svmom · 07-09-2007, 03:02 PM

Yeah, I forgot to mention that whole bottoming out thing.. that can be a bitch on the back side.. good point.

mssdrider · 07-09-2007, 03:30 PM

i lowered my 600rr 1.5 in the back and 1 in the front, just to get comfortable. But to be honest, i could tell the difference on the handling between the stock height and mine (or it could have been just psychological) but since you are a new rider, do what the rest of the girls said and don't worry about the handling, just get use to riding, you will be fine.

good luck and welcome to SBN!

Southernbelle · 07-09-2007, 03:31 PM

another way to lower the bike, is to soften the suspension.

svmom · 07-09-2007, 04:39 PM

with my sv, we went to good ol' wally world bought a memory foam pillow, cut out the middle of my seat and put the section of pillow back in, recovered the the seat and restapled...

It gave me another inch or so and it's way more comfortable..

Southernbelle · 07-11-2007, 12:34 PM

hmmm, thats a great idea.

harleyxlc · 07-11-2007, 12:43 PM

How is your side stand after lowering? When I lowered my sportster, the harley kit included fork springs, shocks and a new side stand...in other words, front and rear get lowered to try and maintain the original geometry.

On the triumph, I did the triple tree thing and seat, but not the rear. And the bike sits pretty close to upright...since I have a bike for commuting, it's nto a biggie, but you want to be careful. I know for the speedy, I am having my dad "adjust" a side stand I got on eBay

CBRJenny · 07-11-2007, 02:28 PM

I had to cut reweld the stand...about 2 inches...