Lowering the KLR

[cathouse willy]

I've got short legs for my size,I would like to get a bit more of my feet on the ground. As is I can touch both sides with the balls of my feet but to get any real grip I would like to get my heels down.Any klr riders out there have the same problem? Anyone installed the lowering links ? How much lower does the bike sit? How much clearance and suspension travel do you lose? And finally do you have to lower the front end as well?

Cheers

Willy

 

[yardsale]

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Willy,

I came from the opposite side - bought a KLR with lowering links and I'm taller so I put mine back to stock. The previous owner had raised the fork tubes (effectively lowering the front end) to match the drop in the rear. I rode it off road lowered on forest service roads with some cross ditches and never had any clearance issues. Despite that it felt too low to me with my long legs. I didn't measure how much this raised the bike up but I would estimate about 1 - 1.5 inches.

I just so happen to have the lowering links for sale:

http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=5897&forum_id=12

Let me know if you're interested.

 

[04klr]

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instead of buying lowering links,the money icould be spent on donuts and beer (heaps of each) then the desired results can be had without the need for any suspension adjustments, you're welcome, any other questions?

 

[ToadRide]

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Hehe. had my buddy on the back of mine last week. Another 200 pounder. First time I've had my feet flat on the ground on the KLR.

 

[Gamby]

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Ihave a 1 1/2 in lower links and sidestand.Iwas able to get both feet on the ground ,it made it more controlable when stopped.I also have the lower corbin seat.I did remove the lower kit and put the stock one back on. PM me If you would like to buy themor more info.

 

[Norm]

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Haven't been around here much since going over to the dark side. Replaced the KLR with an ST1100 and 2 stroke WR250, both of which do their specialty much better than the KLR but still miss the cross-over.

If you only need a bit of a seat height reduction it is manageable for the KLR but don't go the lowering links route. The lowering links reduce the suspension travel, reduce ground clearance, and soften the spring rate. You will bottom out very frequently. BTBTTS.

I strongly recommend that you trim the seat foam which will give about 1 1/4" reduction without losing too much foam. I found the seat to be far more comfortable after cutting down 1 1/4" and narrowing the sides. The passenger area was trimmed to the same height but wasn't narrowed. Initially, I tried to leave the passenger cushion area at the original height to give some additional height to the pillion but it didn't work out. I couldn't slide back to stretch or to shift weight off road.

Trimming is very easy to do. Pry the staples from the seat pan and lift off the cover. Use a bread knife to trim the foam as needed. It trims mush like trimming fresh baked bread. Lay the cover on and try, trim as needed. If you cut too much, simply use contact cement to put the piece back.

HIH



Norm

 

[bcls482]

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If you lower your bike, you willeventually raise it back up again. The worst effect of lowering links is the softening of the rear suspension leading to constant bottoming and tummy-scraping, even with the spring cranked up tight. Try a lower seat, or try to get used to it as it is.

 

[KLRchickie]

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Lowering links & a good (aftermarket) shock work well on my KLR. It is true that the rear suspension bottoms more easily - but the stock shock sucks anyway!!!

Think carefully before trimming the seat. I contemplated both methods of getting my feet closer to the ground before I put on links - I would NOT like for my heels & my butt to be closer together when I'm going down the road - so I went with the lowering links. It is all up to the individual & what will make them more comfortable.

If you do lowering links, there are several lengths available. My bike is 1.5" lowered. You certainly need to lower the triple on the forks at the same time or you'll really screw up the geometry of the bike. Don't forget to shorten the side stand too!!!

 

[Norm]

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There are lots of opinions but the trim seat vs lowering links really turns on whether you ride seriously off road. If you do anything resembling rough stuff the lowering is a big mistake.

I agree that the stock rear shock is poor stuff but the KLR is really old tech and very much out classed by modern designs. That said, nothing I know of will do what the KLR does. The list of bikes which will do anything the KLR does but better is almost endless but there isn't anything which will cover the list for anything close to the money.

I rode very serious off road and still bottomed frequently even with the suspension upgraded. The lowered seat made it possible.

Enjoy.

Norm

 

[cathouse willy]

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Well I did it.I purchased a pair of lowering links and a short sidestand from the states, about $170 cdn for the lot. The installation took about an hour and the best part is I can go back to stock anytime.I lowered the front end by raising the tubes in the triple tree as per the instructions. I can now get my feet comfortably flat foot. The bike handles fine on the pavement, the real test will be to ride offroad.

Thanks for all the input

Cathouse