Sub-Frame Shortening/Cutting

Paul333
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Paul333
Edited Date/Time 2/19/2013 8:29am
Anybody ever cut their sub frame so it's shorter? My bike sits a little high, and I hate the look of cut down seats. I will get a shorter seat if it ends up being the only way though. I have access to world-class welders, but I am a little scared of things lining up again after its done.

Or if it's even worth the effort.

Anybody got any advise?
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motoxer517 12/1/2012 3:13pm
12/1/2012 3:13pm
Cut and re weld the lower mounts but be sure to make the same adjustments to the exhaust mounts (either subframe or muffler, depending on how much room/material you have to work with. Another way is to elongate the lower and exhaust mount holes if there is enough room on the subframe mounts like the 09+ kawi which allows plenty for plenty of adjustment. Make sure to leave the upper mounts alone (by the upper shock mount), your essentially trying to swing the subframe down, not shorten it all together.
Paul333
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Paul333 12/28/2012 10:00pm
12/28/2012 10:00pm
motoxer517 wrote:
Cut and re weld the lower mounts but be sure to make the same adjustments to the exhaust mounts (either subframe or muffler, depending on how...
Cut and re weld the lower mounts but be sure to make the same adjustments to the exhaust mounts (either subframe or muffler, depending on how much room/material you have to work with. Another way is to elongate the lower and exhaust mount holes if there is enough room on the subframe mounts like the 09+ kawi which allows plenty for plenty of adjustment. Make sure to leave the upper mounts alone (by the upper shock mount), your essentially trying to swing the subframe down, not shorten it all together.
Thank you, much appreciated.

What do you gain in loss of seat height? Is it worth the trouble?
FGR01
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FGR01 12/28/2012 10:44pm
12/28/2012 10:44pm
The difference is most noticeable at the back of the seat and fender junction. It makes it easier for riders with shorter legs to swing their leg up over the bike when getting on.

You should also cut the the seat down as that is more noticeable in the front area where you sit and the 2 mods go well together. I had Josh at MXSeatPro lower a seat for me. He does excellent work. It looks professional when he is done and most people would not even suspect the seat was lowered without looking twice.

http://www.mxseatpro.com/
Craze
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Craze 12/30/2012 2:00am
12/30/2012 2:00am
Elongate the holes at the bottom of the subframe.....not cutting required

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brilama
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brilama 2/18/2013 6:25am
2/18/2013 6:25am
Paul333 wrote:
Anybody ever cut their sub frame so it's shorter? My bike sits a little high, and I hate the look of cut down seats. I will...
Anybody ever cut their sub frame so it's shorter? My bike sits a little high, and I hate the look of cut down seats. I will get a shorter seat if it ends up being the only way though. I have access to world-class welders, but I am a little scared of things lining up again after its done.

Or if it's even worth the effort.

Anybody got any advise?
Paul,

Did you try any of these mods? I have a new RMZ250 coming and it will be high for me (5'6"). I am giving consideration to cutting the subframe down 5mm. That is only about .20 of inch but, I hear it makes a big difference. The other option is a link like the one from Devol.

Take care and ride safe,
Brian
Paul333
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Paul333 2/18/2013 6:43am
2/18/2013 6:43am
Not yet, I am a little worried about screwing it up and having the pipe/what ever not fit.

I have the Pro Circuit link on my KX450F and it dropped the bike 10mm but I still feel it is too tall. I was hoping to hear from others who have done it, but I think this is a rarely done mod outside of the race teams.

It's just easier and safer to cut down the seat - but I was hoping to avoid it.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 2/19/2013 5:54am
2/19/2013 5:54am
only cut a small amount like ... 1/4 inch
Kidkawie
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Kidkawie 2/19/2013 8:29am
2/19/2013 8:29am
The easiest and cheapest way to lower a bike is to shave the seat.

If you want to get into suspension limiters, they can be made for next to nothing, and you can lower the bike however much you want. However, to keep the same chassis geometry you need to lower both the front and rear equally.

I wouldn't lower the subframe too much or your back wheel may bust through your fender. There's not much, if any room there. Any bike I've had I've seen black tire marks on the inside of my rear fender.

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