Lowering the seat height

J

JHaas

New member
Now before the elitists begin to flame me, please understand a few things.

I used to race an R6, I used to be a lot crazier and younger than I am now. I DO NOT wish/need to be able to push the limits anymore and therefore do not need the extreme cornering clearance that comes stock with a sport bike. I also know that the bike wont handle like it did stock after I change the geometry.

However, I do want THIS BIKE...and I do believe it is possible to make this bike an "every day rider...you heard me. After being on this forum for a short time (this is my first post), I know that there are some very intelligent people here that can help me accomplish what I'm trying to do. These are the guys I hope respond to this OP.

I'm 5'8. I have a 29" inseam. I need to make some pretty drastic changes to this bike. My goal, is to touch flat footed on the 1198...boots will help too, and create a more upright riding position.

Please let me know what you think about these changes. I'm not talking small here. I am willing to make drastic modifications. I know a great welder and machine shop..and I can do glass work.

New lowering link?
Drop the forks through the yoke?
New forks?
Lower profile tires?
New seat, or cut and reupholster?

New upper triple tree that will support the street fighter handle bars. This bar will be modified for an even more upright riding position.

Longer control cables and hoses for break lines.

Thank you in advance,
Jon
 
There's next to nothing for padding in the seat so that's not going to work. An adjustable link will get the back down some and dropping the forks will get the front down some. I don't want to be a pessimist but I think flat footed is going to def not be in the cards. At best you might get it so you can semi firmly get the balls of your feet down. It's just a tall bike.
 
I'm 5'5" and I get laughed at when I'm backing the bike up on its side but what am I to do? There isnt' a snowball's chance in hell I'd get flat footed on this bike. I'm all torsoe and short legs...damn you god!!!
 
rear ride height link can only help to lowering a little (small amount), and you dont want to lower too much...it might be dangerous at high speed.
 
Ty for all for the input so far.



How would it make it dangerous? Clearance I can work with, the geometry of the chain to swing-arm, and the force applied effecting the rear by "climbing up or down" is a concern.

Of course, I don't want to damage the bike. If it changes the frame to where things start rubbing or applying pressure to the point where the frame can't deal with it, then something drastic needs to be changed.

The reason I say this is, because they make lowering links, but the adjustments start in the middle..and I'm thinking of fabbing a new one.
 
I am the same size as you and was also once younger and crazier so I can identify with your dilemma. I can tell you a few things I
 
I am also your height and inseam (170 lbs.) I like my 1098S the way it came. Have several seats (neoprene is lowest but not good for long distance), stock was modified by Butt Buffer in PA (comfy for long distance ride) and now I have a Sargent (with 500 miles on it). I commute on my bike in heavy traffic when the weather is good and ride out of town on weekends. I can put both feet down but am on the balls and I am fine with it. In stop and go traffic, I manage fine sometimes one leg down and sometimes, both down. Its a great bike and you will love it as it is. Maybe ride it a bit longer to get a good feel before modding it? Up to you. Sorry could not help out too much.
 
I'm 5'5 and have a 30" inseam. As it is from the show room, I can get the balls of both feet easly on the ground because 1198's seat and the bike itself is pretty narrow. I'm sure the dealer can lower BOTH the rear AND front enough to make the bike a little lower. Just becare of speed bumps and dimps and very hard braking that may "bottom out" the fork.

Boots (I recommend Spidi Canyon Gortex because they are not too wide) will also help. I don't think you'll need to compromise the handling if you're willing to compromise a little and not be totally flat foot (which I don't think is 100% necessary). The 1198 is much more friendly to the vertically inclined than an MV Agusta or RSV4.

If I'm parking the bike on a slope, I'll simply get off and manuver it into place. Not that I have too but I can see what's behind me better. I use my bike for casual canyon rides and side street commuting to work - so getting my feet on the ground is a big deal to me. I've never had any worries on the 1198/1098 but had major concerns with the MV (even time I put my foot down).
 
,,,,Jon maybe this,www.waynesvillecycle.com-part#tra-9422 is a large "raw" gel pad for m/c. A good upholster will remove the cover then proceed to how much foam you want to remove, then replace the piece w/ the gel padding also trimmed to your size then replace and tighten the cover,i've seen this done its lower and better.I'm doing mine next month. Went on the laughlin river run last year,i saw it done there..good luck.
 
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