KTM Seat Height

Rib Eye

New member
I am curious, does anybody have opinions on which way to go to lower my KTM690?

I can go with lower seat height, like a Corbin aftermarket seat.

Or, purchase a set of lowering links for the rear.

Both options will afford a 1" to 1.5" drop in the seat height.

Comments .... ?
 

tomcycle

Past President DSBC 2004 -2018
Staff member
imported post

imported post

Don't mess with the suspension unless you are sure what you are doing. The guys at KTM have already figured it all out, if they wanted you to lower it they would have provided you with the links. Besides a comfortable lower seat sounds like a better idea than a uncomfortable lower bike. Remember you don't ride with your feet down. Also check out Riches Custom Seats outside of Seattle

My opinion for what its worth

Tom
 

Island Hopper

New member
imported post

imported post

Last years model was about 2 inches lower at the seat because it had less suspension travel than this years R model.... The cheapest prospect would be to try to find someone with an 08 that would be willing to do a suspension trade with you....
 

joker650

Active member
imported post

imported post

I'm with Tom....

Go for the lower seat.

.............although, If the forks have ring markers on them (at the top) then they are designed for minor adjustments in the triple clamps, u might get an inch out of that, then set the sag on the rear.



If u go more than what is markd on the forks then u risk the tires hitting the fenders in a "bottom-out" situation.



On my SE I lowered the rear about 1/2"by reduicingthe pre-load on the rear spring.
 

wjm

Member
imported post

imported post

I put a Rich's custom seat on my new Dr Z400S, gained about 1 1/2" down and

a seat to kill for.

Bill
 

Rib Eye

New member
imported post

imported post

All good idea guys, thanks

I am steering towards theseat idea first - Like Tom says this will give double the benefit - one of more comfort and the other being a lower height.

Anybody know of a custom seat fitter close to Kamloops?
 
F

franhoser

Guest
imported post

imported post

The bike is engineered for the height it's designed. Mucking around with the suspension changes the dynamics of the bike. Go with the cheapest option, the seat. Only if you need more inches as a last resort do the suspension.
 

Rib Eye

New member
imported post

imported post

wjm wrote:
I put a Rich's custom seat on my new Dr Z400S, gained about 1 1/2" down and

a seat to kill for.

Bill
Did you go to Rich's fora custom fit or did you ship your seat to them? How fast was the service?
 

Rib Eye

New member
imported post

imported post

Thanks Tom

I have read your posts about the seat fitting day. Excellent information and no doubt is the best way to go. I will consider it but Seattle isa bit of a distance to go. Hey wait, I know. Make a long weekend of it and catch a ball game!:tup:
 
S

stratus

Guest
imported post

imported post

I used RMR Suspensions in Abbotsford to take nearly 2" out of my suspension. I did the seat thing and was not particularly happy about it. I am 5'6" so seat height is a big deal. I have to say that RMR did an excellent job ($300 plus tax) and the bike still handles excellent. My only regret is I didn't do this years ago.
:dr:
 

scottbc

Member
imported post

imported post

I will put in my two cents. First you will likely cange your seat at some point anyway. I highly reccomend Renazco. Dualsport and KTM experts. There is a reason all the Dakar riders use thier seats. I have had a Renazco seat for three years and wouldn't ride without it.

I recently had RMR suspensions in Abbotsford spring,valve and lower my DRZ 400 suspension. I have been riding the bike as hard as I can and it seems to be working great. The lowering is the cats ass. I can reach the ground like a normal human now and when I get to a rough spot where I need to get a toe down I can do it without my bike taking a nap. Should have done it first. I would not hesitate to lower any bike now. It has had no adverse effects.

Good luck, ScottBC :hb:
 
T

trevor

Guest
imported post

imported post

that sounds like a dream. i'm only 5'3 and my bikes are always super tall. they lowered it a full two inches and it didn't compromise the suspension? I have a xcw 200 right now but am thinking of trading for a duel purpose 640. The road riding part might be a bit tough if I can't even tippy on one side of the bike without being half dismounted. Two inches would make a nice difference. What kind of price does that run if you don't mind my asken.
 
Top