lowering gs500f???

[chefod]

I bought a new set of 37mm clip-ons and some lowering dog links or bones (whatever you want to call them), and want to lower my bike a bit, as I'm on my toes at an intersection? any thought on where to start??? It can't be as easy as dropping the triple tree through the forks, there must be more to it than that?? and how can i change the rear dog bones?? without the bike collapsing??

[makenzie71]

first the clip-ons will actually lever your legs higher up...just so you know.

As far as lowering the bike...yes, it is as simple as raising the forks in the tripples.  Keep in mind that this alters the steering geometry and lowering the front too much will make the bike very fickle and unstable...though it could be corrected with a steering damper to a certain degree.  I would try bringing the front down 20mm or so and try the bike like that.  It it's enough make sure that the bike is still stable...20mm shouldn't hurt anything.  If it isn't enough, then install the dogbones.

[runsilent]

and how can i change the rear dog bones?? without the bike collapsing??

The dogbones can simply be changed with the bike on the centerstand.  I changed dogbones recently without removing the rear wheel, but it would be a bit easier to do without the weight of the wheel to lift while putting the bolts back thru the new links and with the wheel out of the way.  The swingarm will drop after the bolts are removed but the bike will not collapse.

I only lowered the rear about 1 1/4" to keep it below the normal height and easier for an old man to get on and off.  I'm running a 150/70 rear tire that raises it about 1/2" so I have a net rear lowering of only about 3/4".  With the front about 1/2" higher with a 110/80 front tire, it does however results in a 1 1/4" change in attitude; a less steep steering rake angle and slightly slower steering.  Lowering the front and rear the same amount would result in no changes in attitude.  There will however still be a loss of cornering clearance and also a need to shorten the sidestand if the change is much more than this.

With the 1 1/4" change in the rear links, I did notice a stiffening of the rear suspension due to the change in the geometry of the links, shock, swingarm.  Would be best to lower only as much as necessary and try out with caution when you are done.

[scratch]

first the clip-ons will actually lever your legs higher up...just so you know.

37mm clip-ons are handlebars, not rearsets.  They do not affect the legs.  They do allow you to slide the forks through the triples further than with the tube bars.  20mm is quite a bit; 3/4 of an inch.  I'd suggest 5mm increments.  And, be aware that it brings your front fender closer to the engine, and you may bubble the paint on the back part of the fender from the engine heat.  Also, the suspension travel may allow for the fender to actually contact the pipes, if you slide the forks through the triples too much (but, I guess 20mm is safe).

What tire sizes are you running?

In addition: www.peterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm

[chefod]

i'm running now a stock 130-17-70, so what you're saying is that you don't suggest dropping the front any??? if i just change the dog bones, would that be enough for me to get more flat footed at stop signs (i was born vertically challenged)

[scratch]

Oh, no!  If you're lowering both at the same time you will be fine with lowering 20mm at the front.  Sorry for the confusion.

[chefod]

cool, you scared the crap out of me, my life flashed before my eyes, i thought i would have to sell the bike and downgrade to a 250, my groin is taking quite a bit of punishment when i'm getting on and off!!

[RVertigo]

I didn't see any mention of cutting the seat...

The FIRST place to make up height is the seat.  You can get another inch or so by removing some of the foam in the seat (or having a pro like Rich's Custom Seats do it)...  Once you've cut the seat, lowing the suspention will get you another inch or so...


What year GS do you have?  The '01+ seats have a lot of padding on the sides, which forces you to spread your legs out more, causing you to lose precious inseam.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

How tall are you? I'm 5'3, with an inseam of less than 29 inches. I can ride the GS with no problems. It looks a little funny when I get on/off, and I have a little trouble backing her up, but I've adapted, since any bike(s) I upgrade to in the future will be way taller.

[makenzie71]

They do not affect the legs.

Not true.  Lower bars move your body foward and lower which, as a result, causes you to rotate your pelvis to accomidate.  Doing this levers your hips higher and raises your legs.

Don't believe me?  Go out and put the bike on the center stand and sit with your back straight up and take note of where your feet are on the ground.  Then lay across the tank and again take note of where your feet are.  The positions will change if you keep your back in riding posture.  It has very little effect on where your feet are on the pegs.