Lowering links on a Ninja 250R

[TurboLaserAWD]

I'm going to put lowering links on my Ninja 250R because my wife wants to learn how to ride and she's only 5'0" so as it stands she can't put both feet on the ground (even tippy toes). She has to slightly lean it to one side. Since this isn't very confidence inspiring I was going to put some lowering links on it so that it will drop the bike about 1.5" (or so I've read) and allow her to touch the ground.

I'd like to know if any of you have any experience with lowering links, specifically on smaller bikes like mine. I'd like to know the drawbacks and major disadvantages. I've heard that they can affect the handling because the suspension geometry is changed but is it affected enough to be dangerous? I want her to be able to ride but I don't want to make the bike unstable either. Any insight is appreciated.

[whosthis]

just buy her some of these...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b389/wheresmylove69/7417.jpg

[Squeaky]

I have friends that did it on SV650s and a GS500. It really does make a HUGE difference in her enjoyment of the sport while she's learning, because she'll be able to concentrate on learning to ride instead of learning to keep the bike from falling over.

And whatever you do - get crash guards (or huge frame sliders) for when it goes over. Even lowered, the bike is tough on tip toes for newbies.

[jrock]

Arent there smaller bikes for vertically challenged riders?
Or has the ninja already been bought?

[TurboLaserAWD]

Arent there smaller bikes for vertically challenged riders?
Or has the ninja already been bought?

Yes they are but she's still to short for the 250R. I did some research, however, and found that the lowering links would affect the suspension geometry enough that would make the bike unsafe enough to be of concern. We're just going to try to teach her how to stop with one foot or how to tippy toe.

[wever411]

another alternative I've heard of is to shave the seat

[Sassy Chassis]

Arent there smaller bikes for vertically challenged riders?


Yes...it's called a Kawasaki Eliminator 125. Sorry, I know it's not a sport bike, but that's what we used in our MSF class and they were TINY!! :icon_thum

[Squeaky]

Lowering the bike only upsets the geometry if she's going to be doing triple-digit speeds or track days. If it's just going to be around-town riding, I still say go for it.

[Mr. Unassailable]

Lowering the bike only upsets the geometry if she's going to be doing triple-digit speeds or track days. If it's just going to be around-town riding, I still say go for it.

:nod:

i'd do it.

[RACER X]

MSF?

[Faylaricia]

Check out http://www.ninja250.info/index.htm