[BiggieDiggs]

Hey this is my first post here, but im not a total newb to this scene. ive ridden dirt most of my life and im lookin for a bike. But heres my question...when a bike is lowered obviously the seat will be lower, but does it hurt some of the handling characteristics of the bike or would it not be that noticable. The bike im looking at is a 2001-2003 f4i. just want to know if a lowered bike would be something to stay away from or if it doesnt really effect anything in a negative way. Thanks

 

[21 natas]

yes it will affect the bikes handling when going into a turn, but it probably will not be noticable if you have never ridden the bike on the original height.

 

[BiggieDiggs]

alright then
thanks

 

[toyotapower]

a sportbike gets its excellent cornering from its high center of gravity (along with other things of course), meaning you have a very large lean angle range, as opposed to a harley which is lower cog (center of gravity).

 

[Xenohunter]

I've always thought, the lower the center gravity, the better?

 

[BiggieDiggs]

i thought the lower cog would be better but then i started thinkging about cornering clearance so it makes more sense now. but it probably would be noticable unless your dragging pegs and i dont think id be doing any of that in the near future.

 

[scatterbrained]

if you've been riding dirt I don't see you being too happy with a lowered bike. It's like riding a barge.

 

[lemosley01]

I've always thought, the lower the center gravity, the better?

For low speed handling, yes. However, a bike with a low CG is harder to flick into the corners.

If the bike is lowered properly (or equally), I believe about the only thing that will suffer is the ground clearance, although with the lower CG, it will be come less flickable. If it isn't lowered evenly, then it may make it more or less stable, depending on which end is 'off'.

Front lower than the rear = less stable, but more flickable (eg, quicker steering)
Rear lower than the front = more stable, but less flickable (slower steering).

You can always return it to stock height if you want.