August 26th, 2012, 07:05 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
To Lower or Not to Lower, that is the question.
I've ordered adjustable lowering links but they're coming from Singapore so I've had plenty of time to ride before they actually arrive. I've gone back and forth between lowering the bike. I've bought some nice boots which have added a little height and I can ALMOST flat foot the bike with them on. I also got a Corbin seat which seems to sit a bit lower.
However, we live in a hilly area and every 'almost-mishap' I've had has been due to me not being able to touch the ground easily. I think 1 inch would make a world of difference for me. How much will that affect the handling? Would I even notice it being a new rider? My husband would slowly and semi-secretly put it back to stock height as I get more confidence. I'm 5'3 with a 27.5 in inseam. Sorry, I think I posted in the wrong category. Please move if necessary! |
|
August 26th, 2012, 07:25 PM | #2 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
I don't see any harm in lowering the bike. As a new rider, I doubt you are scraping pegs anyway. Once you gain more confidence you can always set the height back to stock if you want.
After three years and 15k miles I still find myself putting both feet on the ground sometimes at stops.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
August 26th, 2012, 07:29 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
It's a preference. Lowering it an inch might be just the right amount to add confidence without affecting ground clearance too much. It gets bad when folks get overboard, lowering the rear 2 inches or even more, and soon the tire rubs up against the undertail, causing some surprising damage if it rubs through. If you do lower it at all, consider upping the preload just a bit on the rear shock.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 26th, 2012, 09:13 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Robert
Location: moto town
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): the cool ones Posts: 182
|
I also thought about lowering mine as well but I decided not to. I'm 5'5 with a 29" inseam and I'm on the ball of my feet. I thought it would be an issue but it really isn't.
The only trouble I have is backing up the bike because I can't get enough grip with my feet. However whenever that happens I just hop off my bike and push it like that. |
|
August 26th, 2012, 09:39 PM | #5 |
Freedom for Germany
Location: This World
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.
|
why don't leave the bike like it is and lower the seat instead?
http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r...-seat-mod.html |
|
August 26th, 2012, 09:47 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Bob
Location: NY
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 730
|
My other bike is lowered. Bought it that way. When I did the undertail , I noticed this
So since we don't "give rides" I doubt this will ever happen again. But to be safe, I'm going to try to stiffen the rear end or go back to stock height. Just something to think about
__________________________________________________
2010 Red Ninja 250 2009 Black Ninja 250 -If you ride like lightning,you're gonna crash like thunder- |
|
August 27th, 2012, 05:55 AM | #7 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
|
|
|
August 27th, 2012, 07:11 AM | #8 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
I just don't understand why everyone is soooooo against lowering a bike if the rider is new or simply wants better footing. There is a rider that is a part of my group where the others (with a passion) talked them out of the lowering the bike and guess what.... it was dropped at a stop light 3 days later. They lowered it that weekend. Ugggg.....
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 27th, 2012, 08:12 AM | #9 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
|
|
|
August 27th, 2012, 08:26 AM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
i have a 28" inseam and i basically put a little weight on the opposite peg and rear brake so the bike is easier to balance while tip toeing my left foot.
since you live in a hilly area... i recommend you take this approach since you will have to use the rear brake a lot and wont be able to flat foot. i'm not against lowering bikes, but don't need it. its a matter of learning balance.
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
August 27th, 2012, 08:42 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Lower it a little (not too much!!) so you get more comfortable riding and stopping at lights.
When you get to the point that you want more ground clearance and/or you are comfortable stopping with either your toes or just the left foot (right foot still on the rear brake) then you should think about raising it back up to the stock height. I have mine raised for fun-ness, but I'm lucky enough to have longer legs. I can see why it would be a pain to have short legs. That said, can you talk to corbin and send the seat to have it modified to be even shorter? If every little bit helps, that might be something to look into |
|
August 27th, 2012, 09:38 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Melissa
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 179
|
I'm also 5'3 and used a Vortex link in my first 250, as I moved up from a 125 and was sketchy on how confident I would be on the "bigger" 250. That bike was wrote off after only five months (crazy cager) so when I got my current 250 I didn't bother with the link as I had the confidence of being able to handle the bike at stop lights etc.
The only trouble I have is backing up the bike because I can't get enough grip with my feet. However whenever that happens I just hop off my bike and push it like that.[/QUOTE] Ditto
__________________________________________________
09 Metallic Diablo Black; BikeMonkey Integrated Tail Light, HotBodies Fender Eliminator, Proton Flushmounts, MBRP Ceramic Black Exhaust, Chrome DB Windscreen, Silver Rimtape |
|
August 27th, 2012, 10:01 AM | #13 |
ninjaholic
Name: Dustin
Location: Oceanside, CA
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' SE 250R (sold), 03' ZX-6R, 99' XL1200C SP Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 3
|
There is nothing wrong with lowering the bike... and as long as you don't go overboard it will not be noticeable in the performance, especially as noted... for a beginner who is not going to be cornerning hard to begin with.
__________________________________________________
09' SE Ninja 250R $2,547.83 worth of mods installed... come on Unregistered, you know you want to know what? Check my Blog "Modification List" |
|
August 27th, 2012, 10:57 AM | #14 |
needs a bigger shed
Name: Tim
Location: Tasmania Australia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2x2009 ninja 250's, 1x2011 250 ninja, 1x1990 yamaha fzr 250 1x2006 yamaha R6 1x atomic quad, 1xZZR250 Posts: 43
|
also remember when you put lowering links on its a good idea to lower the front (raise the forks through the tripple clamps) as well otherwise it will affect the balance and handeling a lot, but that might be a bit of a problem without some clip ons. but as long as its done right there isnt any problem with lowering a bike and if you started to get close to scraping pegs there is always adjustable rearsets for that.
|
|
August 27th, 2012, 05:00 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
So my links came in today and I lowered it about 1 inch. I love it when I'm stopped or when I'm starting off but the ride seems spongy and bouncy now. I also feel like I have to get reacquainted with leans because I feel like I'm going to tip over in the turns. It's nothing I can't live with, and maybe I'll get used to it. I only rode for 15 miles or so.
If I still hate it in 2 weeks, I'm going back stock. |
|
August 27th, 2012, 05:06 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Are you sure you got everything installed and properly torqued to spec? Not to be insulting, just checking.
|
|
August 27th, 2012, 05:09 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
|
|
August 27th, 2012, 06:56 PM | #18 |
needs a bigger shed
Name: Tim
Location: Tasmania Australia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2x2009 ninja 250's, 1x2011 250 ninja, 1x1990 yamaha fzr 250 1x2006 yamaha R6 1x atomic quad, 1xZZR250 Posts: 43
|
did you adjust the front? thats prety much how you would expect iy to react otherwise and the front will feel like it about to slide out on you when playing in the corners
__________________________________________________
Fast, Cheap, Reliable... you only get to pick 2! |
|
August 27th, 2012, 07:05 PM | #19 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
I'm going to give it some time. I like the handlebars where they are.. in fact, I've got some clip-ons listed on Ebay that I hated. |
|
|
August 27th, 2012, 10:17 PM | #20 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Domagoj
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2009 Posts: 396
|
Quote:
An example. I think it might be a good idea to do this to keep the handling as close to normal as possible. But the handlebars will be higher relative to the seat. |
|
|
August 28th, 2012, 01:44 AM | #21 |
Freedom for Germany
Location: This World
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.
|
Jessica, when you change your suspension geometry go in little steps, don't do to many at once, 1 inch was way to much for the first time.
Here you have a good description about what's happening when you change it: http://www.wilbers.de/en/fahrwerksgeometrie.php Good luck for you and have a safe ride. |
|
August 28th, 2012, 06:22 AM | #22 | |
needs a bigger shed
Name: Tim
Location: Tasmania Australia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2x2009 ninja 250's, 1x2011 250 ninja, 1x1990 yamaha fzr 250 1x2006 yamaha R6 1x atomic quad, 1xZZR250 Posts: 43
|
Quote:
also be carfull to check all your wireing, brake and clutch lines ect are not stretched as this can be a problem as well when moving the handel bar further away from stock position. sorry, not trying to turn you off doing stuff, just making sure you can do if safely.
__________________________________________________
Fast, Cheap, Reliable... you only get to pick 2! |
|
|
August 28th, 2012, 06:35 AM | #23 |
needs a bigger shed
Name: Tim
Location: Tasmania Australia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2x2009 ninja 250's, 1x2011 250 ninja, 1x1990 yamaha fzr 250 1x2006 yamaha R6 1x atomic quad, 1xZZR250 Posts: 43
|
so i typed reply then clicked new posts and found this thread... maybe he will sell you the risers!
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111576
__________________________________________________
Fast, Cheap, Reliable... you only get to pick 2! |
|
August 28th, 2012, 07:56 AM | #24 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
|
|
|
August 29th, 2012, 02:33 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: angie
Location: Socal
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250 Posts: 21
|
I lowered mine just so that I could plant my feet on the ground instead of struggling to balance/hold the bike up. It definitely helps, the only downside is that, since it's so low, I have to go over bumps really slowly and or stand up so that it doesn't hit the bottom ><!!
|
|
September 13th, 2012, 10:14 AM | #26 |
Master of Shadows
Name: IamMe
Location: Wichita, KS
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 9
|
I got a pair of 3 inch 'hidden heel' sneakers and can finally flat foot. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable you feel stopping uphill/downhill, it was a torture even for my 5'7.
|
|
September 13th, 2012, 11:41 AM | #27 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
The lowering links I purchased were adjustable so I re-adjusted them so that the bike would only sit 1 inch lower. I purchased some riding boots that gave me about a 1.5inch lift and I'm good to go now. My husband is supposed to be slowly adjusting the suspension without telling me so that I'm eventually back up to stock height. |
|
|
September 14th, 2012, 05:58 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: michigan
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 784
|
Be happy that you're too short instead of too tall. I'm 6'2 and this bike is so tiny for me.
__________________________________________________
Rockin' black on black since 2007. |
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:00 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R, 2000 XR650R Posts: 13
|
I laugh whenever I see threads about lowering a street bike, especially the Ninjette. I'm 5'6" with a 26" inseam. I started riding on a YZ250 that was so tall I had to find a rock to put my foot on when I stopped, or I had to slide completely off the side of the seat to barely tippy toe in full motocross boots. Yeah, I dropped the bike a lot the first few rides, then I got used to it and gained a lot of balance.
After my YZ250 I bought my Ninja 250 and it was like a lowrider to me. I could put both feet down anywhere, walk it in between cars, etc. It was like the bike was made for me, so comfortable at low speeds or stopped. Now I have a plated XR650R also that I ride on the street and that thing is a BEAST. Even though I can *barely* tippy toe it while hanging completely off the side of the seat, I still don't have problems splitting lanes, stopping in off camber situations, or whatever else requires getting a foot down. It's all about balance. If I can ride an XR650R on the street at 5'6" with a 26" inseam, there should be no reason to lower a little Ninja 250 |
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:13 AM | #31 | |
Master of Shadows
Name: IamMe
Location: Wichita, KS
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 9
|
Quote:
...congratulations, you've just read a "why-I'm-such-a-badass" post. Didn't you answer your own [rhetorical] question there? I personally don't find 'dropping the bike a few times' being worth getting used to its stock height, call it 'part of learning experience' or whatever else. Why ignore the alternatives, even as a temporary workaround? :/ |
|
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:23 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Whatever that stock plastic piece is called up and under the seat. The aftermarket ones are called undertails, I guess the stock ones are: Black plastic under seat area that keeps stuff from falling out.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:36 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
|
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:50 AM | #34 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Ah, bueno.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:53 AM | #35 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R, 2000 XR650R Posts: 13
|
Quote:
|
|
|
September 17th, 2012, 11:57 AM | #36 | |
Master of Shadows
Name: IamMe
Location: Wichita, KS
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 9
|
Quote:
|
|
|
September 17th, 2012, 03:43 PM | #37 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
I'm honored to have given you a good laugh. |
|
|
September 17th, 2012, 07:17 PM | #38 |
time is running out....
Name: jesse
Location: the land of corn
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): pregen ninjari Posts: 412
Blog Entries: 3
|
i was jus teasing. i hav none of it. since my bike will be lower along with the front. wont matter how low there wont be anythng for the tire to rub on. not that id lower it that much though. jus about 2474inches as all... teehee
__________________________________________________
The King |
|
September 18th, 2012, 09:03 AM | #39 |
needs a bigger shed
Name: Tim
Location: Tasmania Australia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2x2009 ninja 250's, 1x2011 250 ninja, 1x1990 yamaha fzr 250 1x2006 yamaha R6 1x atomic quad, 1xZZR250 Posts: 43
|
any way how are you finding the bike now you have had time to get used to it? or did you put it back to standard in the end?
__________________________________________________
Fast, Cheap, Reliable... you only get to pick 2! |
|
September 18th, 2012, 07:12 PM | #40 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jessica
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 57
|
Quote:
The lowering links I purchased were adjustable so I re-adjusted them so that the bike would only sit 1 inch lower. I purchased some riding boots that gave me about a 1.5inch lift and I'm good to go now. My husband is supposed to be slowly adjusting the suspension without telling me so that I'm eventually back up to stock height. It's probably close to stock now. I've put 900 miles on the bike in about 4 weeks. I'm feeling much more confident but still practicing a lot. I love the little bike but I used to ride 2up with my husband on his Concours and we'd do some 1000 mile trips. That won't be happening on the Ninja. I'll definitely want something else. (I'll be keeping my Ninja though!) |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
lower ny-ct | eddiekay | Group Rides and Local Events | 2 | June 13th, 2014 03:10 PM |
lower bike | Xsavior | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 1 | November 6th, 2012 10:14 PM |
To lower or not to lower? | Talonne | General Motorcycling Discussion | 12 | May 28th, 2010 01:52 PM |
want to lower bike | ninjablk08 | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 5 | March 5th, 2009 12:37 AM |
|
|