Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
How Low Can You Go !!! How Low Can You Go !!!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Mar 2009
Michael Madill's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Canmore Canada
Posts: 60
How Low Can You Go !!!
I bought a new 2009 DR 650 for my wife because I believe its the right bike for a South American trip and I was under the impression that I could lower it enough for her but at the moment I have not been succesful getting low enough I need between 30" and 31"

So far I have lowered the rear suspension and slid the front fork up an inch
as well I bought a corbin seat .

I read something in Thumper talk about changing something in the front forks and someone mentioned reducing the the diameter of the the front wheel.

Any input would be great.

Freedom Rider
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: perth OZ
Posts: 48
I thought your Suzuki dealer could supply a kit.(?) Even including another sidestand...Or at least they do here in OZ. Go ask them. Good luck Boot.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Michael Madill's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Canmore Canada
Posts: 60
Dear Buniyp01

I did lower the rear suspension and added the shorter side stand is there
some kit you can buy as well.?

Freedom rider
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2009
BlackBeast's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ontario, CANADA
Posts: 313
Hey Michael,
My wife and I also own DR's for a similar trip. Both are '08's. With her's, we had lowered (at time of purchase), got a suzuki gel low seat and now she is comfortable. She's 5'4" if that matters and she went from an xt225 to the DR.
Another idea that may also work - a friend of mine had his motorcycle boots built up so that he can keep his Dakar upright. I think he's about 5'6" or there abouts.
Hope that helps.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Mar 2009
Michael Madill's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Canmore Canada
Posts: 60
Thanks BlackBeast

I will talk to the Suzuki dealer my bike just arrived and maybe they can
modify mine and I will switch with her.
How comfortable is the Suzuki gel seat and how much lower is it than a stock seat.?

Freedom Rider
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Mar 2009
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,190
I don't know the Corbin seat but for me as I am short I always get the seat scooped out on my bikes (so far!) and get a thin gel seat inserted.
I did this again on my new Versys (84cm seat) and it did a big difference. I eventually fitted also a lowering kit to the rear shock and lowered the front forks by about 2 inches.
Overall it probably lowered the seat by about 3 inches in total, more or less.

I find the gel seat fairly comfortable despite being thin (but then being a woman I have some padding down there!). I have sometimes spent up to 12 hours riding and I was fine.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Madill View Post
Dear Buniyp01

I did lower the rear suspension and added the shorter side stand is there
some kit you can buy as well.?

Freedom rider
Freedom rider,

Was it difficult to lower the rear / front shock - something the dealer should do? What was the cost of the lower side stand, or did you cut the original.

googlefish

(soon to be owner of a 2006 DR)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Apr 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 39
Just remember that changing the fork height will alter the way the bike turns as the steering angle has changed.
The rear should be able to be lowered by changing the link on the suspension.
Changing the preload on the suspension to lower the seat height is NOT the right way to go.
Ifyou are not sure on how to go about the above I suggest that you enlist the help of profesional, otherwise you might end up with a dog of of a handling bike.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top