Can the R3 be lowered?

[Maltese demon]

Im just wondering if anyone knows of any rear shocks that can be used on the R3 that can lower it? YES YES, I already know Im a short arse, Ive already had foam cut out of my seat, Im just after 2" or even just 1", that'll make all the diffrence in the world to me, Riding the bike isnt a problem, its just when Im stopped and have to push it around ......

 

[Power-Tripp]

Yes, the R3 can be lowered.

Many of the shocks available for the R3 allow tham to be lowered in the rear, and you can slide the front forks up in the clamps a small amount to lower the bike. The downside is that the bike will turn-in more slowly.

 

[Maltese demon]

Does it just slow the turning in, if the front end is lowered or if the bike in whole is lowered? I think its just the arse end I need to lower....

 

[scot in exile]

I had Corbin take a bit from my seat and also installed the 11.5" progressives you do not notice one bit in the turning of the bike.

 

[Power-Tripp]

If you leave the front end alone, most don't notice the handling issues from just lowering the rear. But they are still there. It is when you start altering the front end...


I would highly recommend having the seat modified. You can even do it yourself with serrated and straight carving knives. You don't just want to cut it lower, the most important thing is narrowing it. Look at the seat front - how much it is spreading your legs when seated. This makes your legs splay outward, not straight downward.


Seat building 101:
Go down to the local hardware store and pick up a can of spray foam insulation. Remove your seat.
Pull the staples from the seat cover and foam padding.
Put the seat base back in place.
Hold a garbage bag in place over the seat base.
Spray the contents into the garbage bag, and hold/tie the bag closed - the contents will be STICKY.
Sit on the bag - forming the foam inside to your backside.
Sit on it long enough to let it set.

Now shape the seat foam as closely to the bag/foam as possible.
Recover. Get a heavier stapler and some Stainless staples - normal ones will rust quickly.

If you really want to get fancy, Kemmler makes the best foams and gells I have ever used. You will really like the Air2Gel foam. And you can buy them direct in small sizes for motorcycle seats.
SHOCKtec Gel & Air2Gel Products

 

[RatBoy]

Im just wondering if anyone knows of any rear shocks that can be used on the R3 that can lower it? .

I used 1/2" shorter than stock Progressive 440s when I changed out. Works just fine. I suspect that you could go 1" easy.... I still have lots of clearance in the back.

 

[Maltese demon]

With the 440 series progresive shock 1" lowered, is it still ok to carry pillion?

Thanks for the advise guys, Im taking notes.....

 

[Power-Tripp]

With the 440 series progresive shock 1" lowered, is it still ok to carry pillion?

As long as you have plenty of clearance between the rear tire and the brackets under the rear fender, going over bumps, you should be fine.

 

[Joker]

I have recently fitted 1" lower Progg 440s. My front is slightly lower anyway because of the CF front wheel and tyre being a fraction smaller overall diameter. Be careful if you regularly grind the pegs Prior to lowering there's plenty of room to grind the pegs, lift your foot, and go further over. Now, just after the pegs scrape the frame touches down on the lugs below the rear of the engine (where the main stand would go if you had one). Most of the time this isn't a problem because the combined weight of me and the bike means it just cuts a spud furrow in the road. If, however, you throw it over hard, or encounter bumps mid bend, it can lift the rear and it will step out. Not fatal so long as the tyre grips when it comes back to earth, but an interesting sensation the first time it happens if you're not expecting it, hence my warning.

Wayne is right (as ever ) about making sure the rear wheel doesn't foul the underside of the rear fender, but if you bump the pre-load up when 2 up you should be OK. I'm 20st (280lbs) and I've carried a 12st (168lbs) (a friend, the GF weighs next to nothing) passenger without a problem, but I have a Toyo Proxes 235 / 50 and a Motoplan (Carbon Dry) rear end.

I hope this helps.

 

[Maltese demon]

I have found a company here in Australia that will make shocks to my specs, I was asked if I could find out what would be the max angle I could put on my drive shaft universals without doing damage to them,I can get 1", I am hoping to go 2" lower, but it more or less be riding on a rigid frame. The million dollar question is what can be the max angle that could be put on the universal joints? does anyone know the answer to this?