Hey Everyone! May's Bike of the Month challenge is now open for entries!

Lowering the ST3

5793 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Bill_Anderson, Feb 4, 2006

Discussion Starter · Feb 1, 2006

Hello, I currently ride a BMW R1100RT, and I'm looking to trade it in on a 06 ST3s. Did anybody have a problem with the height of the bike and have it lowered in someway? If so what did you do. I've got a 29" inseam and but on Works Low shocks along with a Sargent low style seat on the RT and can get both feet flat on the ground. Will this be possible on the ST3s? It would be a major reason to look at another bike other the the ST3s if this can't be done
Thanks
Mark

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

bjclay

· #2 · Feb 1, 2006

I am 5' 7" and on my stock 05 ST3 my feet touch but not flat footed. It is the same on my R65 and never seem to be a problem for me.
Bruce

Save

dbd

· #3 · Feb 1, 2006

I to have a 1100rt and find the ride height on my 04 st4s to be lower than the rt. I have a corbin seat which feels like it sits a bit heigher than the stock saddle but not a big change.

Save

jerry5

· #4 · Feb 1, 2006

I have a 04 ST4s, these are fairly tall motorcycles. If the 06 ST3s has the same adjustable linkage as the ST4s lowering the ride height would be a simple adjustment with no money spent. I'am sure that the forks can be raised in the triple clamps as well.

Jerry

Save

Mike

· #5 · Feb 1, 2006

jerry5 said:
If the 06 ST3s has the same adjustable linkage as the ST4s lowering the ride height would be a simple adjustment with no money spent. I'am sure that the forks can be raised in the triple clamps as well.

Lowering the rear ride height will completely ruin the fine handling. If anything, it has to be raised a bit to get that delicious balanced feeling. If you lower the front to compensate then you will reduce cornering clearance, unacceptably IMO unless you never get the bike leaned over far enough to matter to begin with.

A custom seat can go a long ways towards getting more ground reach but I would suggest that good slow speed riding/parking technique and a little bit of situational awareness completely eliminates the perceived need to get both feet flat on the ground.

Save

Franklin

· #6 · Feb 1, 2006

lowering the ST

I have a 28" inseam and ride a 2005 ST4s. I have a lowered custom seat by Rich's and the bike is lowered so that the rear wheel does not quite touch the ground when it is on the center stand. I am not flat footed but I can easily maneuver, back up, etc. with just my heels slightly off the ground but not "tippy toed". I have full confidence that East Side Moto Sports (Ducati)
balanced the bike to allow me the exciting handling inherit in the bike.
I am a 70 year old "credit card mechanic" on what may be my last fling.

Save

jerry5

· #7 · Feb 1, 2006

Franklin I am glad to hear that your out there enjoying life,cool ! Good choice on your motorcycle selection.

Jerry
04 ST4s
94 Suzuki RF900R
82 Suzuki GS1100E
82 Honda CM450A (wifes bike)
and many others that I wish that I still had.

Save

acpdx

· #8 · Feb 1, 2006

Franklin,
your my hero!

whats that qoute?,

"you don't quite riding because you get old,
you get old because you quite ridding!"

hope to see out there!

Andrew

Save

VIVID1

· #9 · Feb 3, 2006 (Edited)

I’m 5’5” (28.25” inseam) first I wear Frey Daytona Lady Star GTX boots, they give me an extra 1.5” and are awesome boots. There is a version for men that’s called the Frey Daytona M Star GTX.

Then, I went to the upholstery shop and had them shave 1” off foam from the ST3 seat, it cost me $60 and looks pretty much stock.

I still don't flat foot this bike, but I've never flat footed any of my bikes.

I’ve had 3 other bikes lowered in the past and I’ll never lower another bike, too many handling and clearance issues.

Daytona boots

My ST3 with shaved seat

check out my web page here for more info on the boots and lowering bikes, sorry no info on lowering the ST3 since I won't do it.
http://www.excessivelocity.com/motorcycles/mods/lowering_motorcycles.htm

See less See more