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Post by moorlandman on Feb 8, 2010 19:12:27 GMT
Hi folks, I've bought a really lovely 1999 XJ900S Diversion to use as my 'Return to biking' machine, cos I've been away for a long long time. Since over the years my legs have worn down to 30" inside leg (just about) I am considering fitting a suspension lowering kit, ( being cheaper than a bone graft) Has anyone had any experience of doing this mod, are there any handling issues, and do any other bits of the bike need to be altered because of this. Looking forward to meeting some of you divvy people when the sun shines. Regards Terry  |
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Post by HRHpenfold on Feb 8, 2010 19:31:36 GMT
Hi folks, I've bought a really lovely 1999 XJ900S Diversion to use as my 'Return to biking' machine, cos I've been away for a long long time. Since over the years my legs have worn down to 30" inside leg (just about) I am considering fitting a suspension lowering kit, ( being cheaper than a bone graft) Has anyone had any experience of doing this mod, are there any handling issues, and do any other bits of the bike need to be altered because of this. Looking forward to meeting some of you divvy people when the sun shines. Regards Terry I did it to one of my 900 diversions, it involved making new dog bones about 5-10mm longer between centers, I used some 6mmx30mm mild steel flat bar, drilled the holes together using a 12mm drill, was harder to get on the center stand, but I just used to roll the back wheel onto a bit of 3/4 ply, you also need to slide the forks through the yokes to match, but be carefull of going to low, as the horn will hit the mudguard,someone may have a set lying around, post a wanted advert on my second D9 I never bothered with lowering, I just got used to it! |
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Post by Sean on Feb 11, 2010 9:29:15 GMT
Hi folks, I've bought a really lovely 1999 XJ900S Diversion to use as my 'Return to biking' machine, cos I've been away for a long long time. Since over the years my legs have worn down to 30" inside leg (just about) I am considering fitting a suspension lowering kit, ( being cheaper than a bone graft) Has anyone had any experience of doing this mod, are there any handling issues, and do any other bits of the bike need to be altered because of this. Looking forward to meeting some of you divvy people when the sun shines. Regards Terry I have a 1998 diversion XJ900s which is the same model as yours (blue... ;D?) and with like yourself a more or less 30 inch inside leg standing now at around 5ft 9 inch tall I have no problem riding the bike either stopping and holding it up with both feet on the floor or with one foot on the floor (left side 'natch). Don't lower it- get used to it is my advice! Good luck.  |
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Post by CD on Feb 16, 2010 17:31:13 GMT
I cant get both feet down. I just got used to using my right foot as the road camber (and drain covers!!) can be an issue with left foot stops.  Using both feet "feels" more secure, but to be honest the D9 is so heavy, when it does go 1mm too far over there's no stopping it. With one foot on a foot-peg there's more chance of jumping clear and not getting a leg trapped. |
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Post by biblebasher on Feb 18, 2010 17:25:27 GMT
or go on evilbay and type in- 900 diversion lowering kit. £15 plus carr. no bidding, just "buy now".
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Post by Pops on Feb 18, 2010 20:40:56 GMT
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Post by johnnybgood on Jun 26, 2010 0:32:33 GMT
I have a 96 XJ900 S that I lowered when I bought it recently. I feel much more secure with both feet on the ground. I've carried fairly heavy passengers with no problem, but it has caught the exhaust on a particularly aggressive speed bump at slow speed. That's the only problem. The back has gone down by about an inch, the forks moved up the yokes by 8mm. Handling is fine.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2010 14:02:16 GMT
I have a 96 XJ900 S that I lowered when I bought it recently. I feel much more secure with both feet on the ground. I've carried fairly heavy passengers with no problem, but it has caught the exhaust on a particularly aggressive speed bump at slow speed. That's the only problem. The back has gone down by about an inch, the forks moved up the yokes by 8mm. Handling is fine. My Motad exhaust caught the rear wheel spindle the original didn't. If you have a Motad you should check the hanger spacing. This isn't really to do with lowering more to do with fitting of the Motad. |
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Post by CD on Jun 29, 2010 22:32:13 GMT
My original exhaust was rubbed by the wheel spindle. It turned out to be the pillion footrest/exhaust bracket on the frame was bent inwards. I only found out when I removed the wing rack and couldn't get it to fit back on.
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Post by teejayexc on Jun 29, 2010 22:35:13 GMT
I have a 96 XJ900 S that I lowered when I bought it recently. I feel much more secure with both feet on the ground. I've carried fairly heavy passengers with no problem, but it has caught the exhaust on a particularly aggressive speed bump at slow speed. That's the only problem. The back has gone down by about an inch, the forks moved up the yokes by 8mm. Handling is fine. My Motad exhaust caught the rear wheel spindle the original didn't. If you have a Motad you should check the hanger spacing. This isn't really to do with lowering more to do with fitting of the Motad. Same with the Delkevic zorsts..remedy? spacers in the hanger and cut the spindle back to the end of the locknut |
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micki
CBT Hero
I love pies me
Posts: 26
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Post by micki on Jul 13, 2010 16:58:36 GMT
Hi all,having just bought a 97 model xj900s and being only 5'6" I am on tip toe when astride the thing,heavy arn't they! even compared to my old FZ750.I will have to lower it but by how much and what length dog legs should I get.Also, is it crucial to raise the forks in the yolks and by how much.Cheers all,micki.
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Post by awratemiduck on Jul 16, 2010 21:46:33 GMT
ey up mickistic , im 5ft 6 also , and now have the d 9 previous to this the xj900f which did seem to have a lower seat height?? anyway there are two kits available for this , a 25mm and 45mm both off ebay £15 buyit now , i have put the 25mm on mine and it has made a noticable difference where i was literally on tiptoe , i can now get more of my feet down , but still when coming to stop i put my right foot down & use the front brake to hold the bike ( does take a bit of practice ) to stop the bike rolling back !! cos it has been lowered i took the centre stand off ( youll see y if you fit the kit ? ) i have also lightened the bike by fitting a 4 into 1 exhaust this plus the stand and removing the wingrack & box ( which i dont need ) has knocked approx 14kg off the weight , which for me has made a hell of a difference and for me the bike seems to handle better with out lowering the forks .
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Post by mick28 on Jul 22, 2010 6:46:45 GMT
I have had an XJ900S 95 for four years now, I had it lowered when I bought it by as much as was possible with me being only 5' 4" (on a good day LOL). I believe the front forks were left as they were. I can touch the floor with just enough toes to push it backwards while seated and manage to get a full left foot on the floor when stopped at lights etc if the camber on the road isn't excessive. Speedbumps are to be taken extremely slowly as I found to my cost yet she'll run up the kerb and onto the footpath outside my house with no issues. I've never tried to get her onto the center stand so dunno how difficult that would be but there is an issue with the sidestand in that the bike does not lean as far over as it did before it was lowered so parking in some places can get a bit hairy LOL There may be a fix for the sidestand other than cutting a section out and welding it back together, something I wasn't prepared to do. I'd be very interested to hear if that's the case.
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Post by Ol' Greasy Dave on Oct 28, 2010 23:28:27 GMT
I'm looking at lowering my 900 25mm - seeing as some of you blokes have done it, is it as straight forward a job as it looks (basically four bolts off & bolt the newie on)?
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Post by neilmud Lord Protector on Oct 29, 2010 0:39:20 GMT
I'm looking at lowering my 900 25mm - seeing as some of you blokes have done it, is it as straight forward a job as it looks (basically four bolts off & bolt the newie on)? Have you tried the built in hight adjusters, one fitted to each wheel. first find the screw capped adjusters fitted on the rim remove the cap & using a suitable implement push in the center of the adjuster until the right hight is gained if it goes to low it can be easily raised back up by adding air via a pump to the adjuster. Neil  |
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Post by Ol' Greasy Dave on Oct 29, 2010 0:46:13 GMT
very droll Neil, very droll
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2010 6:15:59 GMT
Yep 2 bolts, take off short dog bones and replace with slightly longer ones.
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Post by Ol' Greasy Dave on Oct 29, 2010 7:36:12 GMT
;D ;D ;DThanks Bev - I owe you a cold beer |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2010 7:46:08 GMT
;D ;D ;DThanks Bev - I may get overseas one day, you'll be the one pom I don't shoot How do you know I'm telling the truth ? When you do it make sure the rear spindle doesn't contact the exhaust when the suspension is compressed. During the job it's a good idea to put a block under the back wheel. |
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Post by Ol' Greasy Dave on Oct 29, 2010 15:48:28 GMT
I've already had to shorten the rear axle as the left side was hitting the muffler after I fitted the Delkovic 'zorst
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Post by Ol' Greasy Dave on Nov 11, 2010 1:09:32 GMT
Bought the links & put them on this morning - easy job (20 minutes & that included smoke breaks) & what a difference.
Can now throw a leg over (the bike) easily with no really discernable difference in handling - only downside is that the centrestand will now be used for maintenance only as the 1" difference has taken a bit of the leverage away & replaced it with a bit of brute strength
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Post by ribbit on Nov 11, 2010 17:34:28 GMT
Bought the links & put them on this morning - easy job (20 minutes & that included smoke breaks) & what a difference. Can now throw a leg over (the bike) easily with no really discernable difference in handling - only downside is that the centrestand will now be used for maintenance only as the 1" difference has taken a bit of the leverage away & replaced it with a bit of brute strength Roll the back wheel on to a piece of ply that's the same thickness as the difference between centres on the dog bones, and she should lift on to centre stand as easy as it ever did |
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Post by Ol' Greasy Dave on Nov 28, 2010 8:28:44 GMT
Ahaa - another foible of lowering 1" - I have to go over the speedbumps in the yard at work at an angle now - hit them straight on & the centrestand makes a big GRAUNCHHHH!
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shu2b
CBT failure
Never Had A CBT Back Then
Posts: 16
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Post by shu2b on Feb 5, 2011 19:20:30 GMT
Just lowered my 1997 900 divi, with the 25mm longer dog bones what a difference, can get both feet down almost flat now so makes it a lot saver when stopping, and yes the centre stand needs that block of wood under the back wheel to get it up
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2011 10:57:18 GMT
Just lowered my 1997 900 divi, with the 25mm longer dog bones what a difference, can get both feet down almost flat now so makes it a lot saver when stopping, and yes the centre stand needs that block of wood under the back wheel to get it up Hope you mean lowering 25mm and not dog bones longer by 25mm. |
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Longway
Harley Rider
Mine was a blue one
Posts: 92
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Post by Longway on Mar 6, 2011 8:04:34 GMT
Been short in the leg I've played around with lowering mine a couple of times, the first set of dogbones I bought lowered the bike quite a bit, enough for me to get both feet flat on the ground (29 inch leg) made me feel a lot more confident at roundabouts and junctions, there's nothing worse than having plan where you can stop in case you can't reach the ground, but after a while I felt the bike didn't look right set so low and I found turning into corners very slow i.e. seemed to have to lean a lot to get any turn, as my confidence grew I went for some intermediate dogbones which didn't lower quite as much, I find these a good compromise for handling, looks, and I'm just about OK for getting a foot down
As I'm sat here I can't remember exact measurements, but should you require them let me know
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shu2b
CBT failure
Never Had A CBT Back Then
Posts: 16
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Post by shu2b on Apr 7, 2011 13:31:25 GMT
Just lowered my 1997 900 divi, with the 25mm longer dog bones what a difference, can get both feet down almost flat now so makes it a lot saver when stopping, and yes the centre stand needs that block of wood under the back wheel to get it up Hope you mean lowering 25mm and not dog bones longer by 25mm. Yes Lowering 25mm,  sorry the wish bones were only 5 to 6mm longer |
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Post by samfan on May 8, 2011 9:28:31 GMT
I found that the ride height on my 900 divvy was normaly ok .exept when loaded up with camping gear stopping and starting of was sometimes entertaining.I have now lowered the rear suspension by 20 mm ,this was done using a peice of 30 mm by 6 mm flat bar drilled at 146 mm centres with a 12 mm drill . I made my own as I wanted the ride height to suite me rather than someone else. Side and centre stands are still ok.
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shu2b
CBT failure
Never Had A CBT Back Then
Posts: 16
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Post by shu2b on May 8, 2011 14:34:25 GMT
Done it from a kit bought at www.cjaccessories.co.uk/product.php?productid=1720925mm is enough it works fine I've had no issues with it and it makes you feel a lot saver when stopping, it will make getting it onto the centre stand impossible so I made a small 2" wooden ramp to push the bike onto to use the centre stand. |
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Longway
Harley Rider
Mine was a blue one
Posts: 92
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Post by Longway on Jul 24, 2016 7:34:55 GMT
Just looking back at this old thread, you have probably all moved onto newer lower bikes by now, but I still have my trusty old Diversion, never lets me down and its just a really nice smooth ride. Anyway, I thought I had it all sorted with lowering it 25mm and fitting Rox handlebar risers, but recently I did a ride up to the Assen MotoGP, travelling from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire down to the EuroTunnel then back up up through France, Belgium and into Holland, which is getting on for 600 miles each way. I know I could have done the Holland - Rotterdam Ferry but as it was a late decision to go, the ferry prices were ridiculously high, something like £400 return and that was the basic price with no extras as opposed to £69 return in the tunnel. Anyway the reason for my post is that, doing close to 600 miles in a day was a real test of comfort on the Divvy 900 and I have to say it was good but could be better. I have the standard divvy seat which slopes down and narrows towards the tank and after 2 or 3 hours in the saddle becomes exaggerated and the fabric of your trousers pulling against your skin as you slip towards the tank gets uncomfortable. When I got back home this has led me me to see what I can do to improve comfort, after looking to see if there are any custom seats on the market and the high prices you have to pay, I opted for a £25 comfort cushion bought from www.bumbags4bikers.co.uk/ which is very good as you can move the contents round to suit shape of seat, ie take the forward slope off the Divvy seat, Result are excellent did a 150 miles round trip yesterday and found it much more comfortable. But, the problem I have now, the height, it has raised the seat height enough to put me back on tiptoes... What to do now, well I don't really want to physically lower the bike anymore as it causes problems with ground clearance and clearance between the back wheel and the inner inner mudguard over the bumps, and further problems with side stand standing the bike too high My options available now, seem to be either get the seat reshaped to suit my height and comfort requirements or get some raised boots.......... |
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sorry the wish bones were only 5 to 6mm longer