suspension lowering kit or new shock

[Geoff52]

Hi folks

I have a 2011 SuperTen with 38,000 miles on the clock . I'm 65 and 6'6" but because I have short legs I do have trouble getting my leg over (in more ways than one possibly...) especially with panniers in place and all the kit. The lower seat setting is too cramped and I've experimented with the suspension fittings - I've even tried a different system to get on the bike but I can't get any younger!

I have my perfect bike so I don't want to change it

So I'm looking at either a lowering kit or a Hyperpro shock built to customer spec . The shock isn't giving signs of being worn but at 38k miles and lots of long distance touring it might be wise to replace .

I would be grateful for any thoughts/experiences etc of the lowering kits .


Geoff 52

(2011 SuperTen living in Western France and hoping to stay here too!)

 

[~TABASCO~]

Sure, we have lowering kit. I can send one over

 

[SilverBullet]

Hi folks

I have a 2011 SuperTen with 38,000 miles on the clock . I'm 65 and 6'6" but because I have short legs I do have trouble getting my leg over (in more ways than one possibly...) especially with panniers in place and all the kit...

Why not mount your bike like a horse using the footpeg? Both the sidestand and centerstand are plenty strong enough to do this safely.

_

 

[OldRider]

Why not mount your bike like a horse using the footpeg? Both the sidestand and centerstand are plenty strong enough to do this safely.

_

I'll add to this that if you put a kickstand foot on the stand it makes it a lot more stable.

 

[NorWest]

Another option is shorten the travel of the shock using spacers inside the shock and while in there have it revalved and resprung for your weight.

The OEM shock can be rebuilt/revalved with no issues and lowered internally as well.

 

[tomatocity]

I'll add to this that if you put a kickstand foot on the stand it makes it a lot more stable.

If the suspension is shortened... will the sidestand need to be shortened?

 

[Buelligan]

Yes, the kickstand needs to be shortened if you lower the suspension.
I had to shorten mine when I lowered my 2012 Tenere.

 

[fac191]

Do some stretching exercises you would be amazed with the Improvement .

 

[Geoff52]

Thanks for the advice. I think the idea of getting on via the sidestand is a good one - I'd never thought of that thinking it wouldn't be strong enough but I'll give it a try . I have a spare wider plate to fix on the bottom too.

geoff52

 

[jmcgilroy]

I did the RideOnADV lowering links and measured 7/8" difference in height. (They advertise 1" but things are variable with the preload and weight in the panniers etc.) I'm happy with the set-up and did not have to shorten the side-stand on my 2012.
I also raised the front fork tubes in the clamps 1/2 inch. All of this should be easily done at home by anyone with a small amount of mechanical ability.

Jim

 

[4jranch]

We lowered my wife's '14 with a new link and dropping the triple tree. She loves it. The stand can be modified with having to replace it. Ride quality is good.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Look for Dirt Dad's posts, as he has gone through this twice for his wife's Gen1 and Gen2 Teneres.