I’ve been reading posts about lowering the C14, and it’s been awhile since a “fresh” post has been started, and since I’m a new C14 owner (just over 1000 miles), I figured I’d start my own. (2013 C14 with 1015 miles)
You can, but it won't change much
If you have not, please read this thread:
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0For starters I’m 5’8” with a 31.5” actual inseam.
You are 1" taller standing, and 1.5 to 2" longer legs than me... so nothing you can experience will be worse than mine and few people will have more interest in this topic (and done more research) than me
Without lowering the bike and seat and getting taller boots, I simply would not be able to ride the Concours safely.
I’m considering either the T-Rex lowering links, or the ProjektD lowering links. Mainly because I want to retain the center stand, and I don’t see myself “adjusting” the height once the bike is lowered.
Just know that although the center stand can still be used, it will be very difficult. I find I have to ride the rear wheel onto a 2x6 first to help.
I do have a Corbin two piece seat, that although I’m not sure it’s actually any lower, to me it feels lower because it’s less bulky than the stock seat.
The shape of a seat can have a lot to do with how high it feels and and much USABLE leg you can place on the ground. For example, a low seat that is still wide, will push hard on your inner thigh and make it difficult to place shorter legs the required amount of "straight down". That said, the lowest non-custom seat I know of is the Sargent low (which is what I ended up with).
I’m interested in hearing from people who have lower their C14…
Other thread...
and from people who maybe think it’s not a good idea.
Done correctly, it is a fine idea. Even a necessary idea for some.
Was it a difficult job?
Nope, not really
Did it change the handling of the bike (for better of worse)?
There is nothing you can do with lowering/raising the actual bike that won't affect the handling at least some (adjusting the seat won't, of course). If you lower the back AND THE FRONT by the same actual amount, it will minimize any negative handing issues and retain as much of the original handling as possible. Remember geometry: lowing the front by 1" means raising the forks MORE than 1" (it is a triangle).
Has anybody start from “balls of the feet” when stopped? Where did you end up after lowering links?
I went from barely even toes on two feet, to maybe balls of both feet. And can fairly comfortably flat foot on the right side [ONLY] at lights.
Are handlebar risers required when lowering the front end to match the rear?
Yes, as reported in the other thread, you must install handlebar risers. But you will want those, anyway (since when you have shorter legs, you almost always have shorter arms too).
I’m looking forward to your replies, opinions, advice, and experiences!
Go for it. But I do not recommend attempting to lower the actual bike by more than 1". Some people might push it to 1.5", but there isn't enough lower clearance and suspension clearance to accommodate much.