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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: TonyP on February 15, 2014, 05:18:05 AM
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Would like to lower the rear on my 2013 SERK 1 in.
Any thoughts?
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new seat. I would not lower another inch or your ride will suffer. Billy
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If you can do it without reducing clearance I would go for it if it makes you more stable. Otherwise, I wouldn't as we have too little clearance already compared to other bikes on the road.
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i want too lower just one inch, plus I ride solo anyways. How would I know the ride suffers?
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I am going to the 300mm (11 3/4") Bitubo;s from Traxxion and was told the ride does not suffer. I am doing this to replace the stock rear shocks in my SESG, not for height since I put a Corbin solo on that was narrowed in the nose and lowered which made a big difference. If you are just looking to have flatter feet on the ground, start with the seat. If you want the look, be careful how low you go since the ride can suffer on bumps and when leaning into turns. I went with Progressive 11 1/2 years ago and every bump hurt.
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With shorter shocks you have less travel and will bottom the suspension out more than standard. You will also loose ground clearance and will start scraping parts sooner on turns and bumps etc.
Are you trying to lower bike just for looks or are you trying to feel more sure footed in parking lots? If it is to reach the ground in parking lots then the above suggestion is good to consider.
Other riders on this site with leg reach issues have had a seat maker narrow the nose of the seat to bring legs closer together to gain some reach, others have added an inch or two to their boot soles to be more flat footed. Some members have spent the money on an air suspension with an on board compressor to be able to raise and lower the bike as needed too.
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Would like to lower the rear on my 2013 SERK 1 in.
Any thoughts?
You are a candidate for air ride as you can lower the bike when you need to flat foot and air it back up to ride and have full suspension travel. Lowered shocks reduce your suspension travel.
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WOW!! You guys are the experts here.. Didn't think one inch can make a difference. Thanks for the input fellas. I think the main reason is for looks and I like sitting low on the bike. I already have a mustang low profile solo seat with back rest on it. I guess i need to figure out what I want to sacrifice.
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WOW!! You guys are the experts here.. Didn't think one inch can make a difference. Thanks for the input fellas. I think the main reason is for looks and I like sitting low on the bike. I already have a mustang low profile solo seat with back rest on it. I guess i need to figure out what I want to sacrifice.
The SERK comes from the factory already lowered one inch, so when you say you want to lower it another inch that's really like lowering a standard bike two inches. That is a lot, and the bike wasn't designed for that. Others have already mentioned the loss of ride quality, and that loss will be substantial. There is also the possible clearance problems of the fender (and wiring) to tire, the adverse affect on handling and safety, etc.. In other words, it's a very bad idea.
The "tail dragger look" popularized in the magazines may look cool to some, but those bikes are rarely actually ridden for more than a short hop to the nearest bar. If you plan to ride your SERK like the touring model it is, you will be better off forgetting about lowering it any further.
JMHO - Jerry
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Puzzled is right, if for looks air suspension is the way to go. You can slam it on the ground when parked and raise it back up to ride safely. You can buy one from many manufactures or if you are a do it yourself kind of guy this is a good read. There are a few on here that went this route and seem to be happy. http://choppedbaggers.com/forums/showthread.php?2938-Air-ride-101
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WOW!! You guys are the experts here.. Didn't think one inch can make a difference. Thanks for the input fellas. I think the main reason is for looks and I like sitting low on the bike. I already have a mustang low profile solo seat with back rest on it. I guess i need to figure out what I want to sacrifice.
If you want to drag the jiffy stand, frame, floorboards,once even an oil cooler line and it slowed me down because of less lean angle, go ahead lower it. Bought a lowered Road King...loved the bike but HATED that it was lowered. Speed humps,curbs,friends driveways,railroad tracks all PITA. It did LOOK good when sitting still, thats the only good thing I can say about lowering a bike.