Considering decreasing ground clearance by 2" on a 1977 xs650d. Any thoughts or experiences?
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Lowering xs650d 2" ramifications?
- Thread starter OlFart
- Start date
Its been a long time
Doesn't know nothing.
It will be (much) harder to put on the centre stand and it will maybe stand too near vertical to be stable on the side stand. Depending on how you lower it, you may or may not have the chain rubbing on something. Another possibility is the centre stand may ground too easily on corners with a 2" lower bike, that can definitely be dangerous. The rear wheel/tyre may/will touch something on full suspension compression with shorter shocks.
Others may know if there's well known problems with a 2" lowering.
Depending on how it's done, the steering geometry will change.
Obviously, there's reduced cornering clearance to consider generally anyway.
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I dropped mine 3" front and back. I also took the center & side stand down as well so they still functioned. After about 3 months
of riding this setup I hated it so much that I bought another set of stands and put everything back where it was supposed to be.
If you know anyone wanting a center stand cut down 3" I happen to have one.
of riding this setup I hated it so much that I bought another set of stands and put everything back where it was supposed to be.
If you know anyone wanting a center stand cut down 3" I happen to have one.
Thank You "It,s been a long time" and Tim Meaders for your input. Considering your input and having done further research I have decided to tippy toe into this lowering process. I did find that removing the seat allowed me to actually "walk" the bike. The width of the upper frame was the prominent hindrance. On the xs650d which I plan to ride this summer I have ordered gel and high density foam with which I will craft a super low and narrower seat and find a pair of boots or shoes with thicker soles and heels. I really do not want to lose the present geometry of the suspension. On my 1980 I saw a frame that had the upper frame tubes cut out and replaced with a lowered set of tubes welded in. Perfect! For anyone looking for misc. parts I presently have 4 xs650's: '75 B; '77D; '79 with alum. wheels (FO); and an '80 w/alum. wheels. I plan to sell the '80 (FO) if I ever get the CV's rebuilt and functioning properly. All engine #'s match their frames. This may be criminal but I have a hardtail for the '75b. It would have taken a fortune to restore it to factory. I'm just a retired non-com and my projects are seldom perfect. I answer only to myself regarding my projects. Thanks again for the input. I am confident of the path I plan to take.
