| Author | Message | ||
     Ratman |
Ive dug for hours hoping to find somebody who has tried this but its typically the other way around to lower the bike for shorter legs or quicker handling. So thoughts on dropping the tubes level with the caps in the triple trees? Reason im interested is im 6'3" and still leaned forward more than Id like to be so any height gain up front putting less on the arthritic hands would be a ++. Its used for commuting also and all pavement at 55+ pretty much. | ||
| Trojan |
Even if you lower the forks in the triple trees you will still be leaning forward in the same position, as the bar/seat/peg position won't change in relation to each other. All you would do is maybe upset the handling and balance of the bike by raising the front (remember the XB12X already has more rake/trail than the other XB models). If you want to change your riding position then maybe look at higher bars or risers rather than trying to alter the geometry | ||
| Ratbuell |
+1. Dropping the forks will do nothing at all for your riding position, and it will slow the handling and turn-in quite a bit. Get some handlebar risers. I run a 1"; I've heard people can go to 2" without having to change cables but there may be a re-route involved to free up some slack. These are what I use: http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/16201.html You can also, if you're on a budget, use a second handlebar clamp plate upside-down under the bars, with longer bolts. | ||
| Arcticktm |
2" Rox risers required that I remove the front brake line clamp behind the shroud. Everything else worked fine, though it is definitely about the limit for what can be gained. What is the factory setting? there is no mark on my fork tubes (despite what my '06 SM says). I've had the fork tubes off many times, so lost track. | ||
| Motorbike |
I use the same risers as Ratbuell on my 08 XT and they work great for me as well. I am only 6'0" with fairly long arms though so these risers may not be quite high enough for you. I also bought the 06 Tall Seat and this combination works very well, in my case. | ||
| Pontlee77 |
when taking the forks off there is a kind of cir clip that doesen't let the legs go any further up. | ||
| Hoover_uly |
I would also recommend the Rox risers. I am not as tall as you but the two inches made a big difference for the wrists, elbows and shoulders. I think two inches is probably as far as the stock cables will let you go. I have rather large hands so after a while, the stock grips would begin to bother me also. Not so much from resting on them as just gripping them. Especially the throttle side. Added a set of foam "over grips" called "Grab On Grip Covers" purchased on Ebay and they also help a bit. | ||
| Ratman |
Im using the shorter risers already which helps quite a bit. I was reading up over at the ADV and saw a few references to rear shock lowering kits. Essentially the same effect takes place,raise to front or lower the rear and the geometry up front changes. Most felt there was a negligible if any change in handling. Think I'll give it a try an see for myself. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Again - changing how the suspension sits will do NOTHING to change how you sit on the bike. You touch the bike in three places - seat, foot pegs, handgrips. That's all. Changing suspension will alter the relationship of all three of those places to the ground...but will not change their relationship to each other. All you're going to do is make it seem like you're riding up a slight hill all the time. VERY slight. Like...one or two degrees, not nearly enough to make a difference in riding position. Get a lower seat and raise the bars with risers and THEN you'll see a change in your riding position. Lower the rear...and it'll be easier to put your feet on the ground at a stop sign. That's all. (Message edited by ratbuell on March 08, 2013) | ||
| Uly_man |
Or you could go to Russia and get, cheap, arm and leg extensions. Get the "two bob" bearing upgrade and "spangle" cuffs as well. | ||
| Ratman |
Alright..alright looks like Rox risers are the answer. Crappy handling you say...cant be worst than my 92 Springer...LOL.Ive switched between the stock and "low" seat a few times. The tall seat and flat footing it is no problem for me. I do like sitting "in" a bike as opposed to "on" a bike though which the tall seat kinda feels like. Personally I find the low seat pretty uncomfy as its narrower in front and feels sloped forward. After a couple hours it kills my ass though, nothing like a BMW GS seat but none the less. Far as Ruska goes, maybe I need some good Wootka to ease neck and ass pain.  (Message edited by ratman on March 08, 2013) |
