Can a FZ8 be lowered? - Yamaha FZ8 Forums - International FZ8 Motorcycle Community Forum

OldSportsterDude · 02-02-2012, 09:06 AM

Hello, I am a newbi to the forum but have been riding motorcycles of some kind all of my life pretty much. I have soul searched deep on what I want next and I just love the naked bikes. Problem is there are not many to choose from under a liter.

My other problem is that I am vertically challenged at 5' 5". I am riding a sportster(rigid mount) now that I hate. The vibration on this thing is unreal even though I have adapted to it the best I can and made every change possible to calm it down some. I had an old cb650 Honda back in 79 that I loved. I want to get back to the basics without breaking the bank. The FZ8 has more potential than I could ever ring out of it.

I went by my local dealer and they did not have any in stock so I have yet to see one but I have read everything I can get my hands on about them. I know the seat is going to be way to high for me. What if anything can be done and will it screw up the handling? Thanks.

**hypo** · 02-02-2012, 09:30 AM

I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam on my jeans and the FZ8 and I are perfect for each other. Don't know about lowering, but I definitely don't think I'd ever do that to this bike.

OldSportsterDude · 02-02-2012, 09:50 AM

I wear a 30" inseam pants as well. My seat now is 28.5 so adding a bunch to it is going to be a problem I think. Unless you buy some type of cruiser this is what you run into.

**hypo** · 02-02-2012, 11:14 AM

I came off a 750 honda shadow with a mustang seat and really don't feel that the height issue is bad. as soon as you put some weight on the bike, it lowers very nicely and I can almost flatfoot on both sides of the bike at a red light.

Hoover · 02-02-2012, 02:40 PM

I remember reading a thread on this before, either on this forum or the other one. Do a search and see if anything pops up. It was a while ago

packnrat · 02-02-2012, 06:27 PM

if you have the money you can do anything.
but some things are best not done.

beefcake morris · 02-03-2012, 07:52 AM

I my inseam is 28 and I don't have a problem with the height. Just know that you will be on half of your feet at stops. If anything remove the sear cover and shave the bottom of the pad, not the top where your butt would go.

**DJK1505** · 02-04-2012, 09:52 AM

I have seen some lowering links on ebay. Not sure how much that would change up the ride, but you can lower anything.

DJ

**Camo** · 02-04-2012, 10:50 PM

I was looking through ebay and saw the link below and remembered this thread...

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

BeachinFZ8 · 02-05-2012, 09:31 AM

That was the manufacturrer I was thinking of too.

Here's their website: Soupys Performance, Motorcycle Lowering Kits, Motorcycle Raising Links

Looks like they put some thought into their designs, but I would still proceed with caution when modifying a linked type rear suspension. Lots of math went into Yamaha's design on that thing.

02-02-2012, 09:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
OldSportsterDude Banned Bike: 03 1200 Sportster Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ky Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Can a FZ8 be lowered? Hello, I am a newbi to the forum but have been riding motorcycles of some kind all of my life pretty much. I have soul searched deep on what I want next and I just love the naked bikes. Problem is there are not many to choose from under a liter. My other problem is that I am vertically challenged at 5' 5". I am riding a sportster(rigid mount) now that I hate. The vibration on this thing is unreal even though I have adapted to it the best I can and made every change possible to calm it down some. I had an old cb650 Honda back in 79 that I loved. I want to get back to the basics without breaking the bank. The FZ8 has more potential than I could ever ring out of it. I went by my local dealer and they did not have any in stock so I have yet to see one but I have read everything I can get my hands on about them. I know the seat is going to be way to high for me. What if anything can be done and will it screw up the handling? Thanks.

02-03-2012, 07:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
beefcake morris Avid Rider Bike: 2011 FZ8, 2009 DRZ SM Join Date: May 2011 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 112 Thanks: 12 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	I my inseam is 28 and I don't have a problem with the height. Just know that you will be on half of your feet at stops. If anything remove the sear cover and shave the bottom of the pad, not the top where your butt would go. __________________ "I am simply a guy trying to master a very simple machine with very complex dynamics" MSF Rider coach

02-04-2012, 09:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
DJK1505 Canyon Carver Bike: 2011 Yamaha FZ8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Yorkshire, Virginia Posts: 276 Thanks: 1 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	I have seen some lowering links on ebay. Not sure how much that would change up the ride, but you can lower anything. DJ __________________ Two Brothers slip on, headers wrapped, ebay mirrors, ebay grips, ebay shorty levers, rear grab handle, ebay fender eliminator, mini turn signals, frame sliders, bobbins, PVC throttle mod, vortex rear sets, K&N air filter, air box mod, a few stickers for aero dynamics , steel brake lines, gold engine bolt set, gold oil filler cap, gold chain, black vortex handle bars, USB power port, clear tail light, power commander PCV, -1 front sprocket, +2 rear sprocket, BT016 tires, 190 rear tire, I know I am forgetting stuff

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02-02-2012, 09:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
OldSportsterDude Banned Bike: 03 1200 Sportster Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ky Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I wear a 30" inseam pants as well. My seat now is 28.5 so adding a bunch to it is going to be a problem I think. Unless you buy some type of cruiser this is what you run into.

02-02-2012, 02:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hoover MotoGP Bike: FZ8 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Madison Wi Posts: 533 Thanks: 45 Thanked 55 Times in 51 Posts	I remember reading a thread on this before, either on this forum or the other one. Do a search and see if anything pops up. It was a while ago

02-02-2012, 06:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
packnrat Pillion Bike: just a blast for now, if i could just find a fz8 for sale.(new). Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: california Posts: 38 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	if you have the money you can do anything. but some things are best not done.

02-04-2012, 10:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Camo Rusty Nail Bike: White 2011 FZ8n Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: The Central Coast. NSW, Australia. Posts: 339 Thanks: 85 Thanked 40 Times in 32 Posts	I was looking through ebay and saw the link below and remembered this thread... eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices