Lowering a Sport Classic? - Ducati.ms

LondonDutch · Jan 22nd, 2012, 7:02 am

I'm trying to persuade the Dutchess that the SC1000 is the perfect bike to replace her written-off Buell XB9SX - but she is only 5'4" and even though the SC isn't very tall, it would need lowering a little for her to feel comfortable on.

I'd suggest a narrower seat too, but can anyone advice on lowering experience on this model. I'm assuming I can drop the yokes 10-20mm but how much adjustment is available at the rear, or do I need shorter springs, etc?

Thanks

Monstyr · Jan 22nd, 2012, 7:23 am

Someone did this mod a while back, though the only one I can find is for a single shock models but the principle would be the same.
Making a lowering bracket (lay-down kit). Need some specs...

Personally I think narrowing the seat would be more effective as its the seat width that makes these bikes awkward.

poolagent · Jan 22nd, 2012, 7:39 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by LondonDutch

I'm assuming I can drop the yokes 10-20mm

Be careful… unless you want fender-lower triple contact under hard braking

Lowering the rear is relatively safe when you buy shocks with less overall length… 360mm instead of 380mm

MTScott2 · Jan 22nd, 2012, 7:54 am

What is she just packs on a few more pounds?(kilos)
Just kidding...
Got to figure the handling differences in ...

There have been threads about people getting boots with thicker heels, seriously, Which I thought was kinda of obserd , but it may help for that little bit extra needed...

I had softer foam installed in my Hyper seat and narrowed the seat too which helped , the seat guy charged Very little to do this...with good results..

Best to keep them happy!

LondonDutch · Jan 22nd, 2012, 12:35 pm

To avoid messing up handling or clearances, I think I'd do a little bit of everything.

She already has 2 inch lifts in her boots, so if I also lower the front and back 10-15mm and find a narrower seat unit, that may be enough...

Riding a tall bike is fine, it's stopping on a camber that causes issues...

petrole · Jan 22nd, 2012, 1:21 pm

This. I bought the YSS G366-TRCL shock. The "L" stands for lowering capability ~10mm. So i bought in length of 360mm, which would give me 10-20mm lowering adjustability. Of course I had to drop the front by 10mm to keep same "angle of attack".

Also , look at buying a pair of Daytonas. Theyre a German company that makes boots with internal lifts. Can't even tell from the outside. Gives about 2" lift. My wifey uses these. Ladystar is the model.

-Pete

Quote:

Originally Posted by poolagent

Lowering the rear is relatively safe when you buy shocks with less overall length… 360mm instead of 380mm

slowerthan · Jan 22nd, 2012, 1:30 pm

What is her inseam? I am 5'-7" with a 30" inseam.

I shaved my seat, both on the top, and on the sides to narrow it a bit. It probably gained me a little more that an inch. BTW, I found a used seat cheap on E-bay and modified that one, so I still had my standard seat as a spare.

When I had the suspension tweaked (installed new GP cartridges in the forks), they raised the forks in the triple clamps about 1/2". As they were re-valving the rear shock, I believe they also put shims inside the shock, to effectively shorten it. This way, the front and the rear were lowered an equal amount, so there was no change in the geometry of the bike.

Of course they were sure to set up both the forks and the shock to work together, and also set up correctly for my weight. My point being, not only do you need to adjust the heights equally, but to be aware that if you modify the springs or such, you throw off how the front and rear interact.

Anyway, I can flat foot just fine with those modifications.

mikedsilva · Jan 22nd, 2012, 2:42 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LondonDutch

I'm trying to persuade the Dutchess that the SC1000 is the perfect bike to replace her written-off Buell XB9SX

Maybe it isn't the perfect bike for replacement?

LondonDutch · Jan 22nd, 2012, 2:57 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedsilva

Maybe it isn't the perfect bike for replacement?

Well, if you can name another non-japanese 1000cc triple or V-twin street/cafe-style unfaired non-race-rep with decent handling & performance (80+ bhp), plus a hefty dose of brand, heritage and character, good for a lady of 5'3", then please do let me know.

(She doesn't want a Monster - thinks it's ugly, Triumphs are also too tall and she thinks they are too common in the UK)

The Buell was "cool" with heaps of character and style, it drew admiring glances at the lights, and it was even respectable around the track, but it was also too hot, too heavy and although the engine pulls, it takes it's a while from twisting the throttle to the back wheel taking notice. It was a love/hate machine.

slowerthan · Jan 22nd, 2012, 8:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LondonDutch

......She doesn't want a Monster - thinks it's ugly......

Monsters don't do much for me either, but they are really just a blank canvas to start with. Now here is a Monster I'd love to have. Maybe seeing the possibilities, she will reconsider...