DO NOT LOWER Your Adventure Motorcycle - (PROBABLY) First Check the Sag and Spring Rate 

Touratech has a good Setting Sag How-To at blog.touratech-usa.com/2013/08/06/how-to-setting-suspension-sag/

Really great video again about suspension. Really like that you mention that lowering isn't a great option but if you do do it then you must address the front too. Just wondered what your thoughts are about electronic suspension changes according to rider weight and heights

Thanks. The only review that answers my questions on sag and reach with riders on bikes. I for one would like practical examples.

Very good - simple, realistic, tecnical... Really useful to shorter riders ! 👍👍😄 Thanks!

I live on the opposite coast of Ted Porters Beemershop and my shock purchase was the best customer service I’ve ever experienced , along with TFX suspension in the Netherlands. Top notch

Great video! I was expecting some puritanical "never lower your bike" line of thinking. But actually, it was really helpful and helped make taller bikes more accessible for us shorties, with none of that judgment some people have regarding lowering bikes. Thank you!

That's some crazy good info!

it would be great a demonstrative video about SAG adjustments!

Good stuff, good stuff, thank you!

At 5'3" (160 cm) with a 26: inseam lowering is required on many bikes. There isn't enough sag to compensate and still have shock absorption capabilities. Not in any way disagreeing with your video, however; there is a lot of good info in it.

Great info. Good vid

I lowered my V Strom 650 with the links in the back, and bringing the forks up in the front 3/4". The seat is a Corbin, so I think I did it the cheaper route.

Break I am follow u for a while and consider your channel as an online class. I still remember when u made the video about 100K subscribers (I think it was about tools). I think we subscribers need to share it much more coz this should have hit half a Mill by now. Awesome content. Thanks for creating this channel :)

That’s a lot of technical info in a short video. I need to start doing some Googling. I had no idea suspension is so technical. I feel like I need a degree in engineering. I love all of your videos Bret!

Thanks Bret!

I'm blue from waiting for your "Raising motorbike suspension" video!

Nicely covered

Used Ted via phone conversations to lower my wife's R1150R and worked out excellent. Told me how to adjust the sag. Did the pieces of plywood under her feet. She loves it and has put about 40k miles on it since. She did freak out at the thought of telling him her weight with gear on but would agree it was worth it.

I initially decided to lower my Versys 650 '17 because I could flat foot it only with one leg (tip toe with both) but since lowering options were pretty expensive and I didn't have the money at the time, I just kept riding it. Eventually I got over the fear of dropping it, my legs and core got stronger, my sense of balance improved and now I'm riding it without even thinking about it. Funny how that works, eh? I became a better and stronger rider just by riding and practicing and not making it easy for myself. Once you accept the fact there are no shortcuts in life, that's when you grow (pardon the expression short riders lol).

I like to shorten the wheelbase and drop the front and rear. Shorter wheelbase maintains rock and ledge clearance. The bikes now have longer wheelbases for high speed cruising. I don’t ride above 65, shorter wheelbases are more responsive to rider input.

Great information! I really like this series on suspension. That said, I refuse to accept that manufacturers, especially major manufacturers, can't build a bike with ground clearance AND a reasonable seat height. Every time I hear an argument to the contrary an image of a trials bike pops in my head.

Adding a lower seat is the best first option, I would also consider going with smaller diameter rims as a added option if they are available. This way you can keep the original full suspension travel. On a adventure bike having your feet flat on the ground is especially important for obvious reasons. Last option for me personally would be a lowered suspension, but no more then one inch. Get taller boots if you have to for another inch in your favor.

I just adjusted the preload on my Transalp 650 and a half inch put my feet back on the ground. But I also lowered the triple clamp 40-50mm on the forks so that I can keep good steering and even things. I am thinking of bringing it back up 25mm because the bike's handlebars are lower and I feel like I am now in a bit of a racing lean forward (not much but not comfortably upright like I was). I wish I had watched this before I did all the work (You have to take off the rear wheel, fairings and seat to get to the shock and get it adjusted. But an inch in the preload and 2 inches on the fork went from the bike being top heavy and my big toe on the ground, to the balls of my feet. My center stand still works like a charm, but I didn't really "lower" the bike. In fact, the bike feels a lot more like the Himalayan. I don't even think I lost any clearance, but gained a lot of confidence in riding. With my feet finding foundation, I don't feel like I am fighting the bike at every stop sign.

I bought a 95" XTZ660 recently.....I had it lowered. I am 1.73 and inexperienced with adv/touring bikes basically(I had to drive mopeds before that). I had to tippy toe to keep my foot to the ground, and keeping the bike standing was a nightmare, especially when I had to deal with uphills and downhills(which are plenty where I live). What I had to do to properly set foot on the ground and keep the bike standing, I had to, basically half demount the bike(only my thigh was on the saddle). On top of it being uncomfortable and, what I felt, dangerous, It was also kinda humiliating. In anycase, I am not going to do more than just basic touring and go on some dirt paths.

This was very informative. Do you have any recommendations for lowering a 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Special? Can it be lowered 2"? I have a 28" inseam and find the bike is just too tall for me. Thanks.

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Now I need to go find out how saggy I am. :)

Excellent info . Another spot on video .

Hi man! Excellent video! Do you think the bmw 1250 original low kit change the bike cyclist?

Great video, will the ride be compromised on a 1250GS low suspension option from BMW? Or will it ride the same as a standard GS?

Nice info, Good advice I will ask for a1250GS If I

So I'm guessing that what I used was what the guy on the left calls the 'dog bones', because that's what they looked like. I have inherited a manual 2016 Honda NC750X that because of its weight was just too tall to be comfortable for me, so I went into the online forums and found the method that a lot of people had used in the past and which seemed to work for them. That solution was to use a 'lowering links kit' which I ordered online from the UK. It's basically two pieces of metal and you replace your original parts with them. They're actually longer than the originals, so it didn't really make much sense to me, but I'd been assured that they work - and they did. It lowered the seat from 830mm to 800 so I could get my foot flat on the road. I may be tall but I'm not strong and as it's such a heavy bike, I didn't want it leaning into me if I stopped on a camber. The forum participants also recommended lowering the front shocks by 30% of the length of the drop, so they were dropped by 10mm. As it's only just spring here, and I'm a wuss(!) I haven't ridden it enough yet to be able to tell how the combo works, but I won't have anything to compare it too, either, as I dropped the height after only a couple of short rides. The thing I found, though, was that the side stand was then too tall. So I had to order a specially lowered side stand - this time from Japan - because while I could dig a hole into the gravel at home for the sidestand, the couple times I'd taken it out post lowering it, I had to search for a dip so the bike wouldn't tip the other way! Looking forward now to some warmish spring rides.

His very last sentence nails it: must shorten the stands. I lowered my Super Tenere 10mm on the front forks and it's difficult to center stand now. I have to raise the front tire on a small ramp to service the bike on a center stand. I am up against a rear shock replacement and looking into this sag issue which I have never understood.

hi there, may I ask how to get the most out of my suspension without getting expensive suspensions...for going off road with luggage ? I ride a 1200 gsa 2017 LC ....until now i feel in normal road mode and set to auto seems ok but maybe you have another tip. (the hight is all good o am 6ft. ) thanks for your tip.

I'm 5'5'' can I ride KTM 1290 super adventure? How much can I lower the suspension?

I live in Japan.most bmw bikes come with low option standart.anyone need a low seat for a f800? xD

Dear Sir, I would like to ask that since I am 5'6" and find the BMW g310gs seat at 835mm to be high for me while negotiating through city traffic mainly, and there is no dog bone system in it which can be used to go down by say 30-35mm, can I replace the rear shocker by that of a g310r, which has 2 coils less (about good 25-30mm shorter)? It is a direct fit due to the same basic frame. Will that affect motorcycle handling and to what extent? Please note, I do not wish to adjust the front suspension. My weight is 68kgs and I shall be doing less off roading and mostly doing touring only. (the low seat shall only reduce the height by 15mm which I think won't be much) Your valuable suggestion shall be highly appreciated. Thanks and good wishes from India. 🙏🏻💐

Very, very interesting vid, and very technical and complex....I was looking for a GS Adventure, but I'm not sure I'm going able to handle it. I'm 66,92 in height, 138 pounds. What do you think?

Personally I bought the lower seat, and set it on the lowest height on my Africa twin. After that I was able to plant my feet firmly on the ground.

Im own cb500x 2022 I send my seat to be shave 3 quarter inch Im glad that do the job

I wish you had started with defining (and showing!) what SAG is...

I recently buy v strom 650,I m 190cm,97kg factory settings work for me great..

When I was learning to ride I lowered a 2006 CBR600RR. The worst mistake ever. The bike dynamics changed so much after a few months it went right back up to stock ride. I did go to Ducati of Glendale and had my front and rear shock adjusted for my weight. This changed the bike completely and it was perfect. I'm shopping for a F850GS and looking at the various suspension options they offer

apply to all motorcycle?

Good video (I especially like how you stress setting sag), but why didn’t you start with the easy stuff without real drawbacks: the modern big GS‘s have adjustable seat heights. There are also optimized seats. Often the case isn’t the total height, it is the „reach around“ of your legs with how much you need to spread your legs...

I bought the v Strom 1000 earlier this week. I had the low seat and a lowering link installed. I can just about tip toe on both sides. I'm 5ft 6 with a 28in inseam.

Not just adv bikes getting taller, R6, gsxr1000 for example much higher seat height than that style used to be.

If love to see a video on how to ride a tall bike. I'm happy to ride a bike with a seat 10 inches taller than my inseam, but not everyone is. Standing up until a dab is needed makes it easy to place a foot effectively. Sliding to one side as you come to a stop makes for a stable bike/rider when you stop. Not everyone knows these things. Instead they spend up big to ruin their suspension.

Hi, if shorter dog bones are flitted does this alter the way you calculate sag. eg does it alter any of the numbers such as total travel distance used in the equaision.

what about seat foam reduction ?

One question: is it possible to come back to original height of a lowered bike ( bmw GSA) if I change the suspensions? I would like to put some Touratech suspensions but only if I can have the original height of the bike

You can also shave your seat down or manipulate you seat and or brackets or less foam… oh and shoes with taller rubber lol

Another way to lowerer the bike is to make another thin seat. Sure, this thin seat is not as comfort as the original, but after you be a boss of you bike, you can anytime put back the original seat

Why would somebody give this video a thumbs down?? PMS ?!?!

Like to know what these two men of experience think about Harley’s and Ducati’s electronic lowering systems.

Dimensional lumber is not anymore. It's percentage based. 2/4" plywood is actually 23/32" for example. It may be close enough it doesn't make a difference, but the first part of the statement is not correct. I remember setting race sag when I was learning my way around motorcycles at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando. That part of the question is not hard, and a good place to start when getting this right. Pretty solid information in this video otherwise.

Does adding storage, mods, etc to a bike add weight and thus add sag?

Guys what about lower seat and the right type of shoes ? I am 154 lb and only 5'5 I only have a lower seat and I always recommend not to lower your bike but give it a chance to try to learn to drive it just the way it is . I have a African Twin and I have never been able to put both feet down , it is only a issue when I am in fully loaded and maneuvering of road or un even surfaces , but hey who cares it has never stop me from driving any bike

👍👍👍👍

That drum music is pleasant and sounds well recorded. I can actually get the cymbals! 😋

What about lowering the actual seat, or changing the seat for a shorter seat.....maybe harder but no mechanics are changed in the bike

Unless you just started riding last week, or you're under 5 feet tall, I really don't see a need to lower any motorcycle. I'm 5'-8" and I daily a Husqvrana TE630 with a 36.6 inch (930 mm) seat height and I have no issue putting one foot down with a bumcheek half slid-off. I can't think of any instance where I would need to put both feet down on any bike, unless again you are just now learning to ride.

Buy the drummer a drink!!

The real issue is if its too high you wont ride the bike. I had s vstrom and had to learn how to lower it. I have a 27" inseam.

Might be a stupid question, but how do you find the correct sag? I understand that everyday commuter vs packed trip vs adventure weights are different but I think I missed how to measure and know correct sag in the first place. Triumph tiger 800 abs. Thanks.

Hi, I have a vstrom 650, 2008 model, and I used dog bones to get it 2.5 cm lower (didn't touch the front); the issue now is that both side stand and central are a little bit too tall. Any suggestion where I can find appropriate and reliable replacements? Thank you! Octav

Bret this video is very good but if you show us some practical than it would be great...

Motorcycle companies put the seats too high but remove all thigh support to accommodate shorter riders. So we all get uncomfortable seats. Once we upgrade the seat we can no longer flat foot & we must lower the bikes & shorten the stands. I've been through this twice & I'm 6'1". Suzuki Vstrom 650 & Honda NC700X. Why not just put on a flat, wide, comfortable seat at 30" with spacers to raise it to 31 or 32.

Even once you're sag is adjusted, the reality is most people could get away with not lowering their bike if: They learn it's ok to only be able to put half of 1 foot down and how to slide off the seat when stopping.

WOW, very informative. Thank you! That is my biggest problem with ADV bikes; I'd buy a used 1100 or 1200gs but I'm 5-7, 250 lbs with a 29" inseam; I'm on my tip-toes with one foot on a peg! No bueno! The lower framed GS's are nice, but I don't want to pay that much for a newer (2012+) GS. The newer Versys and VStrom 650's fit pretty well, and so does the f600gs, but an 800gs+, Tiger, or KTM? Fuhgedaboudit! I'd check out the Himalayan, but every time my local dealer gets one, someone swoops in and buys it the same day they pull it out of the crate. Bret, any suggestions on other bikes that might fill that void for me? Love your stuff man!

I need a video on how to raise a big up, I have a yamah xs750 cafe style and am 188cm

Or you can save a shitload of cash and have your seat shaved down at a upholstery shop (less than $200), wrap it in any fabric you want and done! That's how I've solved the issue and I never had to mess with suspension.

What about raising the ​suspension if you're a taller rider?

if I buy gs adventure you put gs suspension on it caused it's shorter? you shouldn't forget to shoot the sales person xD

The cheapest option is to wear platform shoes. I know it's stupid, but I just had to say it.

MOTOTREK I lowered my vstrom 650 1-1/4 inches front and back no issues. I knew about sag but don’t understand how to adjust it. I don’t ride off road with it anymore but that’s another story. If it is working should I set everything back to stock and then adjust sag?

most chopper lower only the rear and i saw most of them ride them with no problem, i saw lots of video some say lowering got problem and some say lowering have no problem, i think the matter is the rider not lowering, depend how you ride your bike and so on, if you want fast turn and think you are a pro racer which you are not then lowering the bike is not for you

Tbh, having no knowledge about suspensions, this video has added confusion for me as what to do. I just got a CRF300 Rally and when I sit on it I can touch the ground just well enough to be safe. But getting on the bike requires an almost gymnast's level of flexibility. I ordered enduristan bags and tbh I don't know if I will be able to get on the bike with those on it. Every review on the rally mentions it needs stiffer aftermarket suspension if you want to carry luggage, to make it stiffer but also because of the limited tuning possibilities on the stock on. So I thought about lowering it because if the suspension is stiffer I won't be able to touch the ground. Or should it be set up so that the added weight of luggage will still make it go down as much as it does without luggage? But even if it does I am not sure I'll be able to get on it when the bags are attached...

Bret, where do you buy your hats? I wear the “flat hat” style myself and am looking for a couple more. dck2000

I feel like too many people want to lower their bikes, when they'd be better off keeping it at original height and learning to ride it as is.

I lowered my XR650L. I hate it now.

why not building one for short people , hey if you do i may buy one.

Platform soles.

Isn't the cheapest way to get a lower seat? And no suspension adjustments needed.

i loved the honda sl back when...ot the yamaha dt now i go in and see these damn things made for daddy long legs i just want a dirt bike with out restoring one from 1971 wtf

Lowered GS handles so bad... it's not even the same bike

Just Get a Low Seat

just dont....

Just buy boots with thicker soles.😁

He said sag 39 times.

Gawd everytime you say Sag I think of how my wife looked before kids

Get thicker soles on your footwear…cheaper🤓

First step to lowering a motorcycle. Dont.

So may bikes around and not once did he point to the part he is taking about... I learned nothing.

Lower your bike if you do not know how to ride!! Sorry, but a 12 year old 4'-3" girl that races MX can ride a GS1200. Look at all the MX riders, most are all average heights, where the bike seats are all over 36", sure you need balance when you come to a stop, but again, you need to learn how to come to a stop on one foot, why plant two feet if you cannot even handle a 600 pound GSA? Think people, THINK!! This guy makes a lot of sense, if you listen carefully, he stated, riders come back and want to go back to the original height, cause they now know how to RIDE. LOL