Lowering a factory 1100

Midlife · Jul 17, 2016

Having just picked up my awesome new beast at the weekend , I have found I am struggling with the height. Being a short arse at 5ft 7" , I can just about use tippy toes when stopping but am thinking about buying one of those lowering links for the rear shocker as I reckon it'll need to come down 20-30mm .

Does anybody have any recommendations on this , or shall I take it to a dealer to play with the preloads first ?

Help !

hs2300 · Jul 17, 2016

If its a factory with Ohlins shock it should have ride height adjustment? however I am not sure how much adjustment is available or if this will help your issue.

Midlife · Jul 17, 2016

It does have full Ohlins suspension, yes . What is ride adjustment ?

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hs2300 · Jul 17, 2016

Shock length should be adjustable usually the bottom mounting of the shock is threaded. altering this length will alter the seat height or ride height

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=2902 page 28 08 Take a look at the shock it has 2 nuts above the lower mount for some adjustability.

Midlife · Jul 17, 2016

Great , thanks , I'll have a look at it . Any idea off the top of your head how much height you can gain/lose ?

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hs2300 · Jul 18, 2016

Midlife said:
Great , thanks , I'll have a look at it . Any idea off the top of your head how much height you can gain/lose ?

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wouldn't hazzard a guess tbh although a small adjustment in shock length has a greater effect on the seat height.

Midlife · Jul 18, 2016

Interesting. I spoke to a bike mechanic yesterday who thinks that he may be able to lose a maximum of 10mm by adjustment but with a caveat that it could compromise handling and even effect the stand ....!

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hs2300 · Jul 19, 2016

Midlife said:
Interesting. I spoke to a bike mechanic yesterday who thinks that he may be able to lose a maximum of 10mm by adjustment but with a caveat that it could compromise handling and even effect the stand ....!

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I would agree with what he is saying. Personnally I would adjust the shock over fitting lowering links.

Paul D · Jul 19, 2016

Midlife said:
Interesting. I spoke to a bike mechanic yesterday who thinks that he may be able to lose a maximum of 10mm by adjustment but with a caveat that it could compromise handling and even effect the stand ....!

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Best to avoid shock adjustment if it is at the expense of handling!

The normal way of lowering most bikes is to fit a shorter dog-bone. That should have minimal effect on handling.

hs2300 · Jul 19, 2016

Paul D said:
Best to avoid shock adjustment if it is at the expense of handling!

The normal way of lowering most bikes is to fit a shorter dog-bone. That should have minimal effect on handling.

maybe the normal way on most non adjustable shocks, that said its the triangle plates that are changed to lower the seat height on the Aprilia v4 and a shorter dog bone will give an increase in seat height.

Another idea would be platform soles or maybe cuban heels for you riding boots :thumbup

Paul D · Jul 19, 2016

hs2300 said:
Another idea would be platform soles or maybe cuban heels for you riding boots :thumbup

Hahaha.... must admit I nearly suggested cowboy boots too. Then you could stick cow horns on your helmet and you'd be well away! Now theres an idea. You could even mount a gopro from them horns too.

... sorry for the digression midlife, just pulling your leg... sounds like a bit of stretch could come in handy

.
- Seriously though, hopefully the shock adjustment + longer dog-bone (if necessary) will do the trick.

mx9 · Jul 20, 2016

I'm your height and have a factory 2016, no need to lower it, I think it's fine. I wear converse shoes most of the times. The only time I wish i was a bit taller is when I want to pull it backwards when I'm on top of it, but then again, I like to rotate it on its kickstand.

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Midlife · Jul 22, 2016

So going back to adjusting the ride height by the two nuts at the bottom of the shock can anyone tell me what way you need to move the nuts to increase/decrease ride height ?

For example on the Ohlins website , they mention the procedure but fail to mention whether you're supposed to see some thread for maximum height ....

In my case I am seeing no thread at all so does this mean that I have the bike already set at maximum ride height or minimum ride height ?

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hs2300 · Jul 22, 2016

if there is no thread then it is at it's shortest length, minimum height? Only sure way would be to remove the shock and see if the bottom mount will screw any further into the shock housing to shorten it.
Still the option for Cuban heels cha cha cha.

Midlife · Jul 22, 2016

Cheers thought so . Bugga .....

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Fusster · Jul 25, 2016

This is what your after i think,can lower saddle hieght by up to 40mm
AF1 Racing : Aprilia Parts and Accessories: AF1 Racing Lowering Link For V4 - 40mm -

Midlife · Jul 26, 2016

Looks promising . This seems like my best option . Thanks

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