Can you lower a motorcycle? Yes, you can lower a motorcycle, and it’s often done to improve handling, accessibility, or for aesthetic reasons. This guide will walk you through the various methods to achieve a lower ride height for your motorcycle, from simple adjustments to more involved modifications. Whether you’re looking to reduce your motorcycle seat height for easier ground reach or tweak your bike’s stance for better performance, these steps will help you make a motorcycle lower effectively.
Why Lower Your Motorcycle?
Many riders find themselves asking, “Why would I want to lower my motorcycle?” The reasons are varied and often personal. For shorter riders, reducing motorcycle seat height is paramount for safety and confidence. Being able to firmly plant both feet on the ground makes maneuvering at low speeds, starting, and stopping much easier.
Beyond accessibility, lowering a motorcycle can also influence its handling characteristics. A lower center of gravity can improve stability in corners. However, it’s important to note that lowering a bike can also affect suspension travel and geometry, which might have trade-offs in other areas of performance, such as ground clearance or bump absorption.
Other common reasons include:
- Aesthetics: Some riders prefer the look of a lower, more aggressive stance.
- Rider Comfort: While not always the case, some find a lower seat height more comfortable.
- Customization: Lowering is a popular modification in the custom motorcycle scene.
Methods for Lowering Your Motorcycle
There are several ways to achieve a lower ride height. The best method for you will depend on your bike’s make and model, your budget, and your mechanical skill level.
1. Adjusting the Motorcycle Suspension
The most common and often easiest way to lower a motorcycle is by adjusting its suspension. This usually involves adjusting the pre-load on the rear shock absorbers.
Motorcycle Shock Absorber Adjustment (Rear)
Most modern motorcycles have adjustable rear shock absorbers. The adjustment mechanism typically involves a spring collar that you can turn to compress or decompress the spring.
- Compressing the spring (making it shorter or tighter) will lower the rear of the motorcycle.
- Decompressing the spring (making it longer or looser) will raise the rear.
Steps for Rear Shock Adjustment:
- Locate the Rear Shock: This is usually found between the rear swingarm and the frame.
- Identify the Adjustment Mechanism: Look for a threaded collar at the base or top of the shock spring. There might be multiple collars, with one acting as a lock nut.
- Loosen the Lock Nut (if present): You may need a specialized tool or a C-spanner to loosen the lock nut.
- Adjust the Spring Collar:
- To lower the bike, you’ll typically turn the collar clockwise (tightening the spring).
- You might need to apply significant force. Some shocks have multiple collars that need to be adjusted together.
- Tighten the Lock Nut: Once you’ve achieved the desired position, re-tighten the lock nut to secure the collar.
- Test and Repeat: Lower the bike off its stand and check the seat height. Make small adjustments and re-test until satisfied.
Important Considerations for Rear Shock Adjustment:
- Service Manual: Always refer to your motorcycle’s service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
- Safety: Ensure the bike is securely supported on a paddock stand before making adjustments.
- Suspension Sag: Adjusting pre-load affects “sag,” which is the amount the suspension compresses under the bike’s weight. Too much pre-load can lead to a harsh ride and reduced suspension travel.
Lowering Motorcycle Forks (Front)
Lowering the front forks is another effective way to reduce overall seat height and can also affect steering geometry. This is often referred to as “fork dropping” or “fork preload adjustment” (though it’s not pre-load in the same sense as the rear shock).
Methods for Lowering Front Forks:
- Sliding the Forks Up in the Triple Clamps: This is the most common method. The forks are held in place by clamps on the triple tree. By loosening these clamps and sliding the forks upwards within them, you effectively lower the front end of the bike.
Steps for Sliding Forks Up:
- Support the Motorcycle: Use a paddock stand to lift the front wheel off the ground.
- Loosen Triple Clamp Bolts: Identify the bolts on the upper and lower triple clamps that secure the fork tubes. Loosen these bolts. You don’t need to remove them entirely.
- Slide the Forks: Gently slide the fork tubes upwards through the clamps. Aim for an even amount on both sides.
- Check Alignment: Ensure the forks are parallel and not binding.
- Tighten Triple Clamp Bolts: Re-tighten the triple clamp bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. This is crucial for safety.
- Check Brake Lines and Cables: Ensure that brake lines, cables, and wiring are not being pulled taut or kinked after the adjustment.
- Test Ride: Take a short, slow test ride to feel how the bike handles.
Important Considerations for Fork Adjustment:
- Measurement: Measure how much you slide the forks. A few millimeters can make a noticeable difference. For a significant drop, you might slide them 10-20mm.
- Geometry Changes: Sliding forks up changes the steering head angle, making the steering quicker. This can be desirable for some, but too much can make the bike twitchy.
- Ground Clearance: Be mindful of your front fender and fairings. Sliding the forks too far can cause them to contact the frame or fairings.
- Internal Fork Modifications: Some forks can be lowered internally by adjusting the amount of oil or changing the spring length, but this is a more advanced procedure usually best left to professionals.
2. Installing Motorcycle Lowering Kits
If adjusting the stock suspension isn’t enough, or if your bike isn’t easily adjustable, motorcycle lowering kits offer a more direct solution. These kits are specifically designed for particular makes and models.
Motorcycle Lowering Links
These are a very popular method for lowering the rear of many Japanese sportbikes and cruisers.
- How they work: Lowering links replace the stock linkage or dogbones that connect the rear shock to the swingarm. The aftermarket links have a different pivot point, which effectively lowers the ride height.
- Installation: This typically involves removing the rear shock, unbolting the old links, and installing the new ones. It requires good support for the bike and careful handling of the rear shock.
Steps for Installing Lowering Links:
- Support the Rear of the Bike: Use a rear paddock stand or a block under the swingarm to take the weight off the rear suspension.
- Remove the Rear Wheel (Optional but Recommended): This can provide better access to the linkage.
- Locate and Remove Stock Links: Identify the bolts connecting the stock linkage to the swingarm and the shock linkage. You may need to compress the suspension slightly to relieve tension.
- Install New Lowering Links: Bolt the new links into place. Ensure all bolts and nuts are properly tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reinstall Components: If removed, reinstall the rear wheel.
- Lower the Bike and Check: Remove the stand and check the new ride height.
- Adjust Rear Shock Pre-load: You may need to adjust the rear shock pre-load to compensate for the change in linkage geometry and achieve the desired sag.
Pros of Lowering Links:
- Relatively simple to install.
- Provides a consistent and predictable drop.
- Often affordable.
Cons of Lowering Links:
- Only lowers the rear. You may need to adjust the forks to match.
- Can alter rear suspension geometry and ride quality.
- Can reduce ground clearance and cornering lean angle.
Shortening Motorcycle Springs
Another approach is shortening motorcycle springs. This is less common for general lowering and more often seen in specialized applications or with custom suspension work.
- How it works: Literally shortening the spring (or using a shorter spring) will lower the bike. This can be done by physically cutting and re-tempering the spring, or more commonly, by replacing the stock springs with shorter aftermarket ones designed to achieve a specific ride height.
- When it’s used: This is often part of a more comprehensive suspension overhaul or custom build. It’s not typically a standalone modification for everyday riders.
Considerations for Shortening Springs:
- Expertise Required: Incorrectly shortening or modifying springs can lead to catastrophic failure.
- Performance Impact: Dramatically shortening springs without re-valving the dampers can severely compromise ride quality and suspension performance.
- Specialized Kits: Some lowering kits include shorter springs for both front and rear shocks.
3. Lowering Motorcycle Seat Height (Seat Modifications)
While not altering the bike’s suspension, modifying the seat itself can make a significant difference in how low the bike feels to the rider. This is about reducing motorcycle seat height from the rider’s perspective.
Seat Modifications:
- Shaving the Seat Foam: A skilled upholsterer can carefully shave down the foam padding of your seat. This is a relatively inexpensive way to get a few extra centimeters of clearance.
- Pros: Can improve comfort for some riders, relatively low cost.
- Cons: Can make the seat less comfortable for longer rides, might look aesthetically unappealing if not done professionally.
- Custom Seat Pan: A completely custom seat can be fabricated with a lower profile. This is more expensive but offers more flexibility in design and comfort.
- Lowering Seat Kits: Some manufacturers offer kits that replace the stock seat with a lower profile one.
4. Making a Motorcycle Lower via Frame Modifications
For drastic lowering or when other methods are insufficient, frame modifications might be considered. This is a highly involved and potentially dangerous process, typically undertaken by experienced custom builders.
- Chassis “Z” Strapping: This involves cutting and re-welding the frame to create a lower mounting point for the rear swingarm or a dropped frame section.
- Swingarm Modifications: Sometimes, custom swingarms are fabricated to alter the pivot point and thus affect the ride height.
These methods are advanced and carry significant risks if not performed by professionals. They can compromise the structural integrity of the motorcycle.
Lowering a Dirt Bike: Specific Considerations
Lowering a dirt bike presents unique challenges and considerations due to the nature of off-road riding.
- Suspension Travel: Dirt bikes rely on long suspension travel to absorb impacts. Lowering them significantly reduces this travel, making them more prone to bottoming out and potentially damaging the suspension or frame.
- Ground Clearance: Lowering a dirt bike also reduces ground clearance, increasing the risk of hitting rocks, logs, or other obstacles.
- Common Methods for Dirt Bikes:
- Seat Concepts: Many dirt bike riders opt for a lower, flatter seat profile to aid in dabbing feet, rather than aggressive suspension lowering.
- Internal Fork/Shock Modifications: Specialized shops can re-valve and re-spring suspension components for a lower ride height while trying to maintain reasonable travel. This often involves shorter springs or different internal valving.
- Lowering Links (Rear): Some dirt bikes utilize lowering links similar to street bikes, but with the same caveats regarding suspension travel and ground clearance.
- Raising Triple Clamps (Front): For dirt bikes, sometimes the goal is to slightly lower the front by raising the triple clamps, but it’s less common for significant lowering.
For dirt bikes, it’s often a trade-off between accessibility and off-road capability. Riders should carefully consider their riding style and terrain before making significant lowering modifications.
Impact of Lowering on Handling and Performance
When you lower a motorcycle, you’re altering its fundamental geometry and suspension characteristics. It’s crucial to understand these impacts to avoid unintended consequences.
Handling Changes
- Center of Gravity: Lowering the bike typically lowers the center of gravity. This can improve stability, especially at speed and during cornering.
- Steering:
- Faster Steering: If you lower the front forks more than the rear (or vice versa), you change the bike’s rake and trail. Lowering the front end (sliding forks up) generally makes the steering quicker and the bike more nimble.
- Slower Steering: Conversely, lowering the rear can make steering slower.
- Cornering Clearance: Lowering a bike reduces the available lean angle before parts like the footpegs, exhaust, or frame touch the ground. This is a significant limitation for sportier riding.
- Suspension Sag: As mentioned, pre-loading the rear shock or using shorter springs affects sag. Incorrect sag settings can lead to poor handling, instability, and a harsh ride.
Other Performance Considerations
- Ground Clearance: This is directly reduced. Be aware of this for everyday riding, especially over speed bumps or uneven surfaces.
- Braking: While not directly impacted, a lower ride height might mean you’re less stable under hard braking if suspension sag is too aggressive.
- Passenger Comfort: Modifications to the suspension or seat can affect passenger comfort and safety.
- Tire Wear: Changes in suspension geometry can sometimes lead to uneven tire wear.
Tools and Safety Gear
Before embarking on any lowering project, ensure you have the right tools and safety equipment.
Essential Tools:
- Metric Socket Set & Wrenches: For removing bolts and nuts.
- Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening fasteners to manufacturer specifications, especially triple clamp bolts and suspension components.
- Paddock Stands (Front and Rear): Essential for safely lifting and supporting the motorcycle.
- C-Spanner or Shock Adjustment Tool: For adjusting rear shock pre-load collars.
- Allen Keys (Hex Keys): For loosening triple clamp bolts.
- Screwdrivers: For various small components.
- Grease and Lubricant: For reassembly.
- Service Manual: Your bike’s specific manual is invaluable.
Safety Gear:
- Gloves: For grip and protection.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from debris.
- Work Apron or Old Clothes: To protect your clothing.
- Sturdy Work Surface: Ensure your workspace is clean and stable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can lowering my bike affect its handling?
A1: Yes, lowering a bike can affect its handling. It lowers the center of gravity, which can improve stability, but it also changes the bike’s geometry. This can lead to quicker steering and reduced cornering clearance.
Q2: How much can I lower my motorcycle?
A2: The amount you can lower your motorcycle depends on the bike model and the method used. Typically, a drop of 1-2 inches is common. Significant lowering beyond this can compromise suspension travel and ground clearance.
Q3: Is lowering a motorcycle reversible?
A3: Most common lowering methods, like adjusting forks or installing lowering links, are reversible. Returning the bike to its stock height is usually straightforward. Frame modifications, however, are generally not easily reversible.
Q4: Will lowering my bike make it unsafe?
A4: If done incorrectly or excessively, yes. Incorrectly tightened bolts (especially triple clamps), insufficient ground clearance, or compromised suspension can lead to unsafe riding conditions. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use a torque wrench.
Q5: What’s the difference between lowering front forks and rear shocks?
A5: Lowering front forks typically involves sliding them up in the triple clamps, affecting steering geometry. Lowering rear shocks involves adjusting pre-load or using lowering links, which changes the bike’s rear ride height and suspension linkage. Often, both are adjusted to maintain balance.
Q6: Should I lower both the front and rear?
A6: It’s generally recommended to lower both ends proportionally to maintain the bike’s intended geometry and handling characteristics. If you only lower the rear, the bike may feel like it’s squatting, and if you only lower the front significantly, steering can become too quick and unstable.
Q7: What are motorcycle lowering kits?
A7: Motorcycle lowering kits are aftermarket parts designed to lower a specific motorcycle model. Common kits include rear lowering links, shorter springs, or even complete suspension linkage kits.
Q8: Is it difficult to lower motorcycle suspension?
A8: Adjusting stock suspension is usually moderately difficult and requires some mechanical aptitude and the right tools. Installing lowering kits like links can be slightly more involved, requiring careful support of the bike and removal of suspension components. More advanced methods can be very difficult.
By following these detailed steps and considering the implications, you can successfully modify your motorcycle to achieve your desired ride height, making it more accessible and tailored to your needs.