Rear Suspension Query

[Ledj]

I've been looking for ways to lower my bike - due to me reaching the heady heights of 5'5"!!.
I have no problem with the front end, as I've been able to raise the forks through the yokes using spacers. I have tried using the lowering links for the back end - which do the job height wise, but make the back end a bit 'wallowy'.
I have two queries, has anyone found a way of dropping the back end without the above problem.
Second query is whether or not it would possible to just replace the rear spring in the shock with one that is an inch shorter than standard, but keeping the coil rate, as by my way of thinking it isn't going to alter the geometry of the rear suspension, just the back end would be down an inch?
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Ledj

[Charlesbusa]

You can try using the comp and reb adjustments to get rid of the "wallowy" feel.

They make aftermarket shocks that are adjustable, not sure if they would lower enough for you and they're pricey.

[Ledj]

Yes, I'm aware of the aftermarket shocks - but I'm assuming that they are going to be of the same dimensions of the original - therefore the seat height will be the same!! Cost is a factor, thats why I'm looking for a cheap fix!! The comp and rebound adjusters do help but the handling is nowhere as good as when I have the standard 'dog bones' in.

[TXBusa05LE]

3 turns down on the collar...

[Tufbusa]

I've been looking for ways to lower my bike - due to me reaching the heady heights of 5'5"!!.

by my way of thinking it isn't going to alter the geometry of the rear suspension, just the back end would be down an inch?
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Ledj

No matter how you lower your bike in the rear, you do indeed alter the angle of the swingarm which has an effect on your suspension to perform properly.

You also change the rake on your forks by raising them in the clamps. which will also upset your suspension (More at high speed)...

There is a much cheaper way to make your bike handle like a fat woman in a water bed. Just drain the oil from the shock and forks and your bike will perform just about the same

[Ledj]

Cheers Tufbusa,
I had my suspicions this might be the case - which is why it's back as standard, got to get myself another Tobin seat to sort the problem.(Had one for my last Busa, and been kicking myself since I sold it with the bike a couple of years ago!!)
Ledj

[raydog]

Why can't you lower it via longer dogbones? Also, changing the geometry isn't automatically a negative....talk to Canadian Mike about a 600 swingarm...any length you want. Raydog

[raydog]

Why can't you lower it via longer dogbones? Also, changing the geometry isn't automatically a negative....talk to Canadian Mike about a 600 swingarm...any length you want. Raydog

[Ledj]

LOL!!
Wouldn't be so bad if you had noticed that I've already gone down that road in my original post!!!

[Mr Bogus]

ok wait a sec, are those stock dogbones on top and "gee wonder what these fit" after markets below?..

Raising mine 1" to help with getting around the corners and my new ones are shorter..

[raydog]

You guy are too dam smart and observant for me! I just posted the picture as a generic one illustrating "dogbones at large". And, as to what you originally said in the opening post Ledj....I am inferior and a fool. I read everything else in this whole strand except that! Anyways, (if I have any remaining credibility), Eibach makes a slightly shorter spring for everything I've ever tried to lower. I even have an Eibach on my Busa now (stock height though). I've used em on two hi perf cars and a couple drag bikes...yes you do give up 1" or so of travel but...not the efficiency of the shock itself...IF you're only talking about 3/4" or so difference. Raydog

[Mr Bogus]

well hell you had me worried I got the wrong ones... and considering I have the thing "just" about ready to come apart you had me going there..... Now whats a "Eibach"

[Ledj]

Raydog,
All is forgiven now that you have enlightened me with regards to Eibach Springs!!
Will give them a shout tomorrow see if they can do anything for me.
Cheers
Ledj

[Mr Bogus]

Hey I bet its a spring

[Powers739]

Platform shoes???

[Charlesbusa]

Yes, I'm aware of the aftermarket shocks - but I'm assuming that they are going to be of the same dimensions of the original - therefore the seat height will be the same!! Cost is a factor, thats why I'm looking for a cheap fix!! The comp and rebound adjusters do help but the handling is nowhere as good as when I have the standard 'dog bones' in.

This is what I'm talking about.  Some aftermarket shocks can lower and raise the rear end.  I don't know how much adjustment there is and these shocks are pricey, about a grand.  


Just so you know...

[Charlesbusa]

Just saw you wanted a cheap fix. Scratch all that...

The performance of the suspension is altered when you lower it. You just have to decide if the loss in performance is acceptable with your riding style.

[JusPlaynBob]

I have no problem with the front end, as I've been able to raise the forks through the yokes using spacers. I have tried using the lowering links for the back end - which do the job height wise, but make the back end a bit 'wallowy'.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Ledj

I'm suspicious that,
your not lowering both ends equally.
This is vital to retain the original handling characteristics.

Once you've established that, then you can lower the front a bit more, on its own.
3/4 " front drop translates to about a negative 1 degree change in fork rake which, will actually enhance the turn in of the bike.

I wouldn't recommend any more than an inch but, honestly 3/4 is the most effective.

So again. If you lower the rear two inches, then the front must be lowered the same.
Optionally you can lower the front an extra 3/4" or so if you like.

[raydog]

Ledj, my computer is acting up so I walked away from it in anger an hour ago! (wind and snow I guess). Anyway, just wanted to share the before and after pic of stock Busa shock and Race Tech one...including the Eibach spring...your only difference would be slightly shorter spring thereby lowering ride height. Raydog

[GSXcite]

OK, dumb question. If lowering hurts the handling because it changes the swingarm angle, would raising the rear not have the same effect?