Lowering Bike height

VilloFan951
Posts
1334
Joined
3/2/2014
Location
Moreno Valley, CA, USA
Edited Date/Time 10/5/2015 12:46pm
When it comes to working on bikes im a complete newbie. I have a 2012 yamaha 450 and the bike sits really high. Now im 6'3 and when i sit on it i cant touch the ground with both feet flat. I was wondering how i lower the bike to fit my height
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mxtech1
Posts
1968
Joined
7/21/2011
Location
Galesburg, IL, USA
9/28/2015 1:58pm
First thing you should do is set the sag on the shock.

At 6'3", you shouldn't have any issues with reaching the ground. I know a lot of 5'5" 140 lb 15-16 year olds that race 450s comfortably.
VilloFan951
Posts
1334
Joined
3/2/2014
Location
Moreno Valley, CA, USA
9/28/2015 2:04pm
Thats what i was told the other day but was not to sure
10/5/2015 8:58am
Don't adjust the height, it'll mess with the handling. I started riding a full size bike when I was 5'9 just fine, and many other people do it as well. There's absolutely no need to be able to flat foot both feet while sitting.
10/5/2015 12:02pm
Set your race sag first. It should be between 100-105 mm. After that check your free sag. If it's between 30-40 give or take a little that your rear shock is the correct spring rate. If your above 40 your spring is too stiff. Below 30 too soft. There are a few things you can do once you have sag set correctly and right shock spring rate.

1) chop the sib frame
2)cut your seat foam
3)lowering link

Based on your height I would say you don't need option 1 or 2. It's likely a geometry issue. Magazines have said that the newer yamaha four strokes ride a little stink bug. Or high in the rear end. A lowering link from ride engineering or any other company will lower the rear end a tad and stiffen up initial curve of the shock. Help keep the bike more stable through chop.

The Shop

10/5/2015 12:46pm
Set your race sag first. It should be between 100-105 mm. After that check your free sag. If it's between 30-40 give or take a little that your rear shock is the correct spring rate. If your above 40 your spring is too stiff. Below 30 too soft. There are a few things you can do once you have sag set correctly and right shock spring rate.

1) chop the sib frame
2)cut your seat foam
3)lowering link

Based on your height I would say you don't need option 1 or 2. It's likely a geometry issue. Magazines have said that the newer yamaha four strokes ride a little stink bug. Or high in the rear end. A lowering link from ride engineering or any other company will lower the rear end a tad and stiffen up initial curve of the shock. Help keep the bike more stable through chop.

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