Lowering the CBR250

[rawkstar320]

Hey everyone,

I found some info on the net, but wanted to ask my question specifically. We have a 2012 CBR250 and just need to lower it a tiny bit (another 1"?) because although my wife can touch with her toes, gravely/dirty intersections are pretty dangerous (she already dropped the thing once!)

We lowered the stock shock as low as it goes, but we just need another inch and I think she would be ok.

Looking at the seat, I dont see any room to get a lower seat without intense modifications. Ive heard of replacing some springs to bring it down a bit, but that could get pricey. (worth it for safety)

Any other ideas or suggestions? I am not terribly mechanical, but could get a stand if needed.
Thanks!

[Jme250RA]

There are dog leg lowering kits for the rear suspension. I think soupys makes one. The front fork legs can be slid through the upper and lower triple braces very easily. I would try lowering the front forks about an inch and see if that does the trick before messing with the rear suspension though. You may get enough of a drop from that alone.

As for adjusting the spring on the rear. The adjustment is meant for rider weight as opposed to ride height so it really isn't optimum.

[Mayhariu]

*sigh* I have this issue. I'm 5"2. I was on my tip-toes and stalled my bike when I first got it. It fell because I obviously had no literal footing to stop the jolt from knocking the bike over.

Anyway, I got a lowering kit and lowered it the lowest it can go. Now the majority- except for my heel, can touch the ground and it's a lot better. However, I noticed the seating on the CBR is higher than even my bfs 2006 Kawi 650r. Seems legit? Are there any seats that will make the drop lower? Or even a new tail system?

[shisoshin]

google; 'test of lowering kits for motorcycles'
for utube sequence with 1.57m nadja sitting on
various motorcycles [about 6 hondas] showing
before and after of nadjas foot relative to the floor,,
including many where she can plant her feet flat..

this is for a metisse lowering system, which may give you
some idea of what lowering can do, esp as you or she
can test sit on any of the many bikes demonstrated
to compare known seat heights with her leg size etc..

[Jspeed53]

Hello! NewB to this Forum ... Got a 2013 for my wife (5'3", 105 lbs) for Christmas and bought lowering links ($89.95) and adjustable kick stand ($69.95) from T-Rexstands via eBay. Adjusted the rear shock spring pre-load to softest setting first. The kit made about a 2" drop in the seat height. You can't lower it any more than that because the inner fender and cowling tray will make contact on bumps.

Easy to install provided you can raise and lower the bike securely. You'll have to remove the exhaust pipe and some paneling to get the links swapped out. The instructions are good. Plan on about 2 hours.

I also lowered the front end by slipping the fork tubes up the triple clamps 1" ... not only helps the lowering, but balances out the effect of dropping the rear.

[Mayhariu]

Oooo very expensive for Vortex lowering kit.

[live_to_ride]

^interesting

[Mayhariu]

...What she said. O.o

[shisoshin]

aside from physically lowering your seat height,
bear in mind that riding your motorcycle esp regularly
will, change your body.. just like doing any ongoing repetitions
of any movement or positioning regimen, the joints will increase
their range of movement, muscles will become somewhat stronger
and more efficient, including muscles youve never really used
before and connective tissues will also tend to respond to
the above, making movements 'easier' and 'better'..

with minimal regular repetition for eg, a person who cannot bend
their back below horizontal can fairly easily increase their joints
range of movement until placing the face on legs below knees..
in this case, sitting on a motorcycle, there is far less needed
to make just, sitting on it, easier, better, more comfortable
and more efficient including grounding of feet on the floor
and also better interactions between thighs and knees
and motorcycle seat and tank, thus c of g etc..

if you think of spreading out your pelvic/hip joint away to the sides
of the seat and press the joint and thighs outward, sort of like stretching
as in a yawn stretch,, then just that, when included in your start up
routine [but better if you make it a specific movement program]
will progressively change your hip joint range of movement
so as to allow better positioning of legs and thus feet...

think of doing squats, for eg..
think of doing side splits even better..
[ie, from wherever, you, your body, starts from]
these can be done holding onto something for support
such as a kitchen bench or table or railing or whatever,
and for side splits can include lowing onto any raised
surface, such as a pillow or pillows or telephone book[s]
etc, taking your time, not rushing it, lettining it happen
as a function of natural physiological responses..
[even better if you sit on the floor when
watching videos, lovemaking, etc]

this is more a factor for those with shorter legs to
seat height, where even half an inch better reach
and more solid grounding can be significant
and well worthwhile.. an inch is even better..

this is not,, stretching the legs out to make them longer
[altho that can also be applied] rather its extending your
joing range of movement so as to better fit the seat,
in the way a triangle wouldnt fit on the seat as nicely
as a curved shape would fit,, and extend over]

[Mayhariu]

Well that was an interesting read! xD