How do I lower the front end?

[seamonkeyaj]

For lowering the 08 GSXR 600:

Yes, I know the easiest way is by raising the forks through the triple tree (or whatever the proper terminology is there!). My bf is concerned about the electronically controlled steering dampener on my bike though - he's never dealt with a bike with this many electronics to it, and didn't know if there was anything he needed to know about the dampeners. I can't seem to find any info by internet search - all the sources I'm finding say just buy the links and make sure you lower the front to match - none seem to address this issue! :duh2:

[PlayfulGod]

it shouldnt be an issue. I've not heard anyone mention any issues with it. IIRC the dampner is attached to the lower triple clamp right?

[seamonkeyaj]

I believe it is.... I'll have to run out and look to be sure though. LOL

[seamonkeyaj]

OK, yeah - I went and did a visual verification - the dampener is attached to the lower triple tree. Doesn't look like it would get in the way of lowering or anything, but will it still "work" properly with the length of the tubes changed like that?

[lee]

Damper will still work fine. It may be slightly compromised because you don't have complete suspension travel, but I can't imagine that you'd be getting the most violent tankslappers that you'd really need 100% anyway.

Just drop it through the triple. Be aware it'll turn in faster, and obviously you could knock on speed bumps a bit easier. Lowering the rear too?

[seamonkeyaj]

Yeah - I've got a link ordered that will take the rear down our choice of 1 1/4 or 2 1/2 inches - we're just going down the 1 1/4 though - I don't need much of a drop, just a slight bit for ease of moving the bike around and stability with my feet down.

And since we're not actually shortening the tubes, just re-positioning them, wouldn't I actually still have full suspension travel?

[lee]

I can't find any articles to backup my claims, but as I understand it, lowering the bikes through the triple increases how far your static sag is.

[Headlight]

And since we're not actually shortening the tubes, just re-positioning them, wouldn't I actually still have full suspension travel?

In essence you are shortening the tubes, the travel point is from the triple down, so by moving them farther up in the triple you are decreasing the length they can travel before they bottom out.

[jobe357]

here is a write up on the do's and dont's of lowering a bike

look i made a clicky (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0210_lower/index.html)

[jobe357]

moving the tubes up in the triples wont make them bottom out in the tubes any easier . but you will lose ground clearance so the bike will drag on speed bumps and drag pegs alot easier.. maybe i just made myself sound stupid but thats the way i understand it

[PlayfulGod]

I can't find any articles to backup my claims, but as I understand it, lowering the bikes through the triple increases how far your static sag is.

In essence you are shortening the tubes, the travel point is from the triple down, so by moving them farther up in the triple you are decreasing the length they can travel before they bottom out.

here is a write up on the do's and dont's of lowering a bike

look i made a clicky (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0210_lower/index.html)

moving the tubes up in the triples wont make them bottom out in the tubes any easier . but you will lose ground clearance so the bike will drag on speed bumps and drag pegs alot easier.. maybe i just made myself sound stupid but thats the way i understand it

^^^ is basically right. In any case, with the lowering link in the rear, n the forks slid up in the triples, the bike will be closer to the ground thus reducing ground clearance and lean angle. First being what ya need so ya not on ya tippy toes, and the later you prolly wont notice unless ya a knee dragger in the closet :lol: