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Post by swigger on Feb 4, 2014 14:44:32 GMT
Hey Folks,
Just bought a T plate xj 600 S, as I am short in stature I have a lowering kit for it, wanted to know if anyone on the forum has ever fitted one (its a spring plate type not a dog bone type) and if they are worth it.
Got a secondhand seat that I am going to get re-sculpted 1 1/2 inches lower as well (I am that short LOL).
cheers Andy G |
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Post by m40man on Feb 4, 2014 14:59:29 GMT
If it was enough on it's own, I'd prefer only to lower the seat padding.
I've used the dog-bone type lowering kits before, not other types.
The suspension lowering will affect use of the centre stand (& pitch of the bike when on the side stand). But if you fit it, also lower the yoke through the front forks to compensate for the lowered rear (to keep the steering rake close to standard). Otherwise, the steering will be a bit slower with just a lowered rear.
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Post by m40man on Feb 4, 2014 15:06:40 GMT
..... worth mentioning, lowering the suspension will obviously also reduce your ground clearance so don't go mad on your favourite roundabout until you've got used to it  . |
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Post by HRHpenfold on Feb 4, 2014 15:26:10 GMT
I think my 93 model is lowered, by fitting a shorter shock, not sure there is any other method to lower it, other than scooping the seat down,
I will be changing the shock for a higher one, as I have already purchased it,
Maybe the last owner can confirm it's lowered, as I am only going by how the side stand rests against the ground, so am only guessing that it's been lowered!
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Post by swigger on Feb 4, 2014 17:37:50 GMT
I did do a bit of research and knew about the lowering and the effect it can have on ground clearance etc, I'm not a racer, I will just be using it on a 35 mile round trip to work with the odd trip to go and see family.
The kit is from MFW who do seem to have a good reputation (although they don't include fitting instructions), it says that it lowers the rear by 30mm so was going to lower the front by 10-20mm. From the looks of what I got it is a plate that fits on top of the spring.
I am not going to fit it my local bike shop is so hopefully they will sort it out.
HRHpenfold if it does turn out that the shock fitted is a shorter one than standard and it is still in good condition would you be willing to sell it (so long as it will fit a '99 model xj 600S (new diversion owner so don't know what's interchangeable between models) as I would prefer a non altered shock to one that is.
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Post by neilmud Lord Protector on Feb 4, 2014 19:53:35 GMT
If it was enough on it's own, I'd prefer only to lower the seat padding. I've used the dog-bone type lowering kits before, not other types. The suspension lowering will affect use of the centre stand (& pitch of the bike when on the side stand). But if you fit it, also lower the yoke through the front forks to compensate for the lowered rear (to keep the steering rake close to standard). Otherwise, the steering will be a bit slower with just a lowered rear. Who said that!! where are you !! stand up so I can see you  Neil PS good luck with the lowering BTW my sister has built up bike boots that don't look like it could be away to go. |
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Post by swigger on Feb 4, 2014 21:30:36 GMT
where did she get them from & any idea of costs?
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Post by neilmud Lord Protector on Feb 4, 2014 22:57:50 GMT
Well I think she got them from a now defunct shop in Dorking that was mainly for women but maybe they are available for hobbits men try interweb search.  Neil |
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Post by swigger on Feb 5, 2014 18:17:50 GMT
thanks for all the input guys, I will be fitting the lowering kit on Saturday so will let everyone know how it goes and if it is any good, might be useful for other hobbit sized diversion owners
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Post by m40man on Feb 5, 2014 18:25:40 GMT
.... I will be fitting the lowering kit on Saturday .... It's traditional when fitting mods no one else has so far confessed to, to take photos throughout the process for the benefit of the wider Divvy population  . |
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Post by HRHpenfold on Feb 5, 2014 19:15:05 GMT
thanks for all the input guys, I will be fitting the lowering kit on Saturday so will let everyone know how it goes and if it is any good, might be useful for other hobbit sized diversion owners How vertically challenged are you, I am not exactly tall, and I did find than when I had a BMW 1150Gs that I occasionally struggled on odd cambers, but I did alright and only 29 inch inside leg! |
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Post by teejayexc on Feb 5, 2014 19:20:21 GMT
How vertically challenged are you...... That was a tactful post from you Ian, I was expecting something along the lines of...... "Are you a dwarf?" |
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Post by HRHpenfold on Feb 5, 2014 19:22:43 GMT
How vertically challenged are you...... That was a tactful post from you Ian, I was expecting something along the lines of...... "Are you a dwarf?" That's me Mr tactful ! |
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Post by teejayexc on Feb 5, 2014 19:33:23 GMT
That was a tactful post from you Ian, I was expecting something along the lines of...... "Are you a dwarf?" That's me Mr tactful ! Ok, who's hacked Penfold's account  |
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Post by m40man on Feb 5, 2014 19:33:33 GMT
That's me Mr tactful ! AKA Mr Short-RRRRRs . |
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Post by HRHpenfold on Feb 5, 2014 19:43:11 GMT
That's me Mr tactful ! AKA Mr Short-RRRRRs . Thanks tall guy!  |
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Post by swigger on Feb 5, 2014 19:46:37 GMT
in reply to the question about the shortness of my size- I have a 27" inside leg- I am indeed a true short arse!
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Post by bobh on Feb 6, 2014 12:38:40 GMT
But at least the sales probably have plenty of trousers in your size!
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Post by swigger on Feb 8, 2014 15:53:33 GMT
Just to let everyone know, I took the advice of a majority of people and did not fit the lowering kit, have decided that after my first ride on the bike today it would not need it at all, the only thing I am going to do is get the second hand seat i bought sculpted 1 1/2"-2" lower.
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Post by CD on Feb 9, 2014 0:44:17 GMT
If the seat/footrests are comfortable, you might not even need to get that done. I have a BMW 1200 adventure. The standard adv seat is just stretch for me but the plain GS seat at 20mm lower makes all the difference. I tried a proper low seat and getting on/off was easier but I turned around after less than a mile. My legs were that uncomfortable.
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Post by CD on Feb 9, 2014 0:46:11 GMT
If the seat/footrests are comfortable, you might not even need to get that done. I have a BMW 1200 adventure. The standard adv seat is just stretch for me (I'm not a tall German) but the plain GS seat at 20mm lower makes all the difference. I tried a proper low seat and getting on/off was easier but I turned around after less than a mile. My legs were that uncomfortable.
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