Guys, after much thought, I've scrapped the idea of the lowering link and opted for the seat shaving...

I've now got 3 options:

1. Shave it myself (which I am pretty confident about)
2. Get a company to do it for me - shave the foam to lower me to the ground
3. Get the same company to shave the foam and add gel pads.

The problem is If I get the gel pads its gonna cost around £60 more than just shaving the seat. My question is, will shaving the seat and the side parts of the seat make it much more uncomfortable than before or is it essential to get the gel pads?

Just wondering if anyone has had the experience of this before and what is the verdict? I really am convinced that this is the way forward as I really didn't want to alter my bikes handling and I am willing to sacrifice some comfort for being able to hold the bike up at the lights.

So wha'dda'ya think?
Cheers guys.

 

I shaved over 2 inches out of my wifes 636. that bike had nearly 5 inches of foam in it. So as far as comfort, it was a bit stiffer, but she only weighs 110lbs, so she couldn't tell the difference anyway. I rode it and it felt harder, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I think if you plan on doing more than 100 mile trips without stopping, it may be an issue. Otherwise, it will be a great choice as it won't affect your bikes handling.

Also, you may want to try and find a used seat on ebay to cut down. You may not like the results. At least this way, you will have your factory seat to go back to.

But, I only cut down a split seat. Your bike has the full seat, which may require some more skill. That may be something to leave up to a shop.

Also, you may be able to only shave like an inch, but shave more off the sides to get more angle (narrowed). If the sides of the seat are angled more, your legs won't be as spread apart, and you will have more reach with them.

 

Thanks for the info Justasquid. I've seen some second hand ones with nicks and tears in the fabric for about £35 delivered and I think I will just use the foam out of one of them and put it on my base with my cover. That way I can always glue the original foam back on if it goes pear shaped... (no pun intended).

Cheers.