lowered the GS for my wife

[sys49152]

I had the gs lowered by about an inch and a half using dogbones found here :

http://www.venhorstrocks.com/

so far so good!  No issues with build quality, and the fit is perfect.  I didn't drop the front since the bike seems to handle just fine as is.  My wife can now get both feet on the ground (tippy toes at least).  If we start doing track days, then I'll get the front fixed.

She'll be taking her m2 course and test this weekend (Canadian equivalent of the MSF), and if she passes, she'll be riding the gs next week.

[DarkCyDE]

Good deal, glad that it worked out for you. dropping the front is not manditory but it will lower it  a bit more. The reason why I mentioned it b4 was that it is always better if you can get at least the balls of your feet down to the ground. might make it feel a bit better  to her as well. I had a bike that I set up for my girlfriend and found that after I did, she really didnt like riding it as much as I thought she should have. I asked her and she said that at stop lights she didnt feel as safe as she would like to. I lowered the front down as well and couldnt get her off of it after that

Glad you didnt go the $1,500 dollar route!

Cheers,

Mike

[dionysus]

I'm planning on lowering the bike for my wife as well and will probably get those dogbones. with 1.5" drop is the side stand to long? I'll be riding the bike to work normally, and there's a bit of an incline so If the stand is too long it might tip (that and the ground in CA tends to move).

OT does anyone have the sliders there listed? I like the look, but the pic looks like they could be bending in the fairing in a bit, But that could just be a reflection. I've read other people comment on how you need to poke a hole in the fairing for 04s, but these look to bolt onto the fairing bolts.

[scratch]

Don't forget to set Rider sag both front (1.4-1.55 inches) and rear (1.125 to 1.35 inches). That's about 1 inch of static sag in the front and 3/4ths inch in the rear. Edit: Or, is that 7/8ths?

[sys49152]

...with 1.5" drop is the side stand to long?

Yes, it's too long.  It will work, but it's not nearly stable enough.  I would strongly suggest either changing the kickstand (the option I will likely take) or having it cut.  It's also probably a good idea to pull off the centre stand.  It will be pretty tough, although not impossible, to get the bike on it and it will scrape pretty easy if you lean hard in the corners.  I'll likely take it off as soon as my wife gets a bit more comfortable on the GS.

Don't forget to set Rider sag...

Thanks!  That's news to me.. I'm confused even after reading your fork oil post which mentions rider sag also.  But I haven't searched the forum or the net, so I'll do that first.

[scratch]

I'd start here: http://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/suspension.htm

[chiquita]

I had my seat (on the bike) shaved an inch and half.  I didn't want to mess with lowering it because of all the twisty riding i do.   It worked great for me, I can now flat foot instead of just the balls of my feet.  
Just another option to look at.  I also had some gel put in too.

[fettcols]

Here's a photo of the bracket that those sliders bolt to. It might offer a little protection but in a good fall that bracket would be toast.



I'm sure a better slider will come along. Hmmm... maybe my winter project for next year..

[Lozza]

Hi too am vertically challenged and at 5'2 I had a good upholster shop shave some off the top of the seat and also trimmed a bit off the sides.  I also ride wearing hiking boots that have a high sole. Maybe type of shoe might help too.  Now I have no problem with reaching the ground quite comfortably.  I didn't like the idea of messing with the frame by having it lowered either.

Safe Riding

[Thrin]

...with 1.5" drop is the side stand to long?

Yes, it's too long.  It will work, but it's not nearly stable enough.  I would strongly suggest either changing the kickstand (the option I will likely take) or having it cut.  It's also probably a good idea to pull off the centre stand.  It will be pretty tough, although not impossible, to get the bike on it and it will scrape pretty easy if you lean hard in the corners.  I'll likely take it off as soon as my wife gets a bit more comfortable on the GS.

Don't forget to set Rider sag...

Thanks!  That's news to me.. I'm confused even after reading your fork oil post which mentions rider sag also.  But I haven't searched the forum or the net, so I'll do that first.

Let me know if you find a kickstand that'll fit on the GS.  I lowered mine and I need a new one - was thinking about one of those "adjustable kickstands" on ebay, but I dont know if a GSX one will fit on the GS...

[stefman722]

Here's a photo of the bracket that those sliders bolt to. It might offer a little protection but in a good fall that bracket would be toast.



I'm sure a better slider will come along. Hmmm... maybe my winter project for next year..

I had a Accident last summer with F, a lady ran a stop sign and hit me, my right side of my bike got hit, then fell again on the left side. The fairings were all cracked, but that bracket was still there in perfect condition. So dont underestimate the power of that bracket.