well first off i'd like to say that im new, and this is my first post. this looks like a great site and seems to have alot of information. i dont have a bike yet, but im looking at this model (cbr600 f4). being new i realize that this may not be the best first bike, but i also understand the bike is as safe as the rider is smart and eventually i may get a better bike (jdm teg just isnt fast enough). im entering this scene cautiously and as safely as i can.


ANYWAY, im on the short side of the rider spectrum (5' 5') and so ive been reading on the pros and cons of lowering a bike. i understand that by lowering a bike too much, it compromises handling and scraping once i get better and take corners faster etc. also hazards on the road may be amplified if the body is lower to the ground. i also understand that there are different ways of lowering a bike either by lowering links, or adjusting shocks or forks.



my question is, is there much room for seat adjustment? ive read that the bottom half of the seat can be shaved, but are there any seats that come smaller or flatter? what is the most someone could take off the seat? me and some friends checked out some f4i's and gsxr's today and all though i can tiptoe them, its very uncomfortable. once i take off i imagine it would be abreeze as the rear tire pushes the bike forward, but again, its pretty uncomfortable tiptoeing a bike like that next to traffic. i can also do it on one foot, but i think it would be 10 times more comfortable if i could either flat foot both sides or at least get half of both feet on the ground.

any help would be great and like i said i dont have a bike yet, but i plan on buying a used f4 soon. when i do you guys may be seeing alot more of me around

 

btw a friend of mine told me that the cheapest way to lower a bike is to get an extended sway arm. thoughts?

 

I tried a couple of things that did not work , got a corbin seat , adjusted the suspension. I then got a set of lowering links form ebay($30.00) and lowered the forks to match. I used the middle setting an 1-1/2" and it woked out great the bike handles good, I have not bottomed out or anything like that, it was the best thing that I did. but that is just my opion.

 

well your opinion is a good one seeing as how you actually went through all that and not just heard about it. i apreciate your response.


so basically all you did was get lowering links and then lower the forks? if im not mistaken they are adjustable off the lot? i read here http://forums.cbrworld.net/forums/162531/ShowPost.aspx that 15mm is the max play have before you have clearence issues. is this basically what you did?

 

not to mention because its been the only one too.

 

I bought my 1999 off of a guy that was your height. He had shaved the seat, it does sit you another inch or two lower, but you sacrifice a bit of the comfort. I'm 5'11" so I bought another nonshaved seat. Before you go cutting yours up I'd sell you mine for a good price then you wouldn't have to worry about fixing or replacing your seat if it doesn't fix your issue. let me know.

Jason
millerdiebold@hotmail.com

 

I just got a 1999 cbr f4 a month ago (first bike). Its a good starter bike in my opinion compared to my friends 05' r6 the cbr is alot easier to control. I believe my bike was lowered in the front by pushing the 3link? down a little more, its on a stock seat and i can handle it fine at a full stop. Im also 5'5" you may tippy toe more then usual if you use both feet. But if i use only 1 foot i barely need to lean the bike to have my foot fully mounted to the floor.