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Thread: Lowering kit for Vulcan EN500?

  1. #1
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    28th April 2008 - 22:35
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    Lowering kit for Vulcan EN500?

    I am thinking about lowering my wifes EN500 as a Xmas present. She is a tad under 5ft and can't get her feet flat at stops. I am considering the kit made by Scootworks in the USA. Does anyone have any experience of such things?
    My concerns are;
    Is lowering a bike frowned upon by the bureaucrats and so I need multiple engineers reports etc to prove she can't fall off?
    What about changes to its handling? eg changes in rake altering steering response.
    (I know its a cruiser so all the sprot riders say it has no steering response).

  2. #2
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    27th November 2003 - 12:00
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    You could also get the soles built up on your wife's boots. Any good cobbler should be able to do that for you. Mrs H has had hers done. Just make sure that the cutaway for the instep isn't too confining, or the boot will grab the footpeg like a clothes peg on a line.
    "Standing on your mother's corpse you told me that you'd wait forever." [Bryan Adams: Summer of 69]

  3. #3
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    26th February 2007 - 23:15
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    Quote Originally Posted by phred View Post
    I am thinking about lowering my wifes EN500 as a Xmas present. She is a tad under 5ft and can't get her feet flat at stops. I am considering the kit made by Scootworks in the USA. Does anyone have any experience of such things?
    My concerns are;
    Is lowering a bike frowned upon by the bureaucrats and so I need multiple engineers reports etc to prove she can't fall off?
    What about changes to its handling? eg changes in rake altering steering response.
    (I know its a cruiser so all the sprot riders say it has no steering response).
    Lowering is not frowned upon if using non-hand made parts. Ie... If you made the parts you could potentially have to get it certified. Scootworks lowering kits should be fine, just keep a reciept should it ever come into question.

    Lowering the rear will effect your suspension. I'd recommend upgrading the suspension if you are lowering as well.

    Ergonomics will change slightly as well. If they become unruly, repacking the seat for a different shape and adding slightly higher risers might help.

    First off, have you got a picture of the bike? What might do the trick for your wife is having the packing removed from the seat, have new stuff added with better impact and return, and have it shaped in a way that shes sitting low but has a bit of back support.
    Find out more at www.unluckyones.co.nz

  4. #4
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    15th October 2005 - 15:54
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    Quote Originally Posted by The Lone Rider View Post
    What might do the trick for your wife is having the packing removed from the seat, have new stuff added with better impact and return, and have it shaped in a way that shes sitting low but has a bit of back support.
    Agreed, plus look to make the front of the seat 'narrower' so the rider's legs are not being splayed out therefore helping her to touch the ground easier.

  5. #5
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    28th April 2008 - 22:35
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    Somehow the last time i wrote this it disappeared into the ether.

    My wife has had her boot soles thickened and the seat has been rebuilt twice by Rider seats to reduce its thickness and narrow the front.
    This was using the original seat frame. Maybe a different seat will work?

    However still not low enough hence the interest in the lowering kit.

  6. #6
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    15th October 2005 - 15:54
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    Blah

    ...or less air in the tyres

  7. #7
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    26th February 2007 - 23:15
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    Quote Originally Posted by phred View Post
    Somehow the last time i wrote this it disappeared into the ether.

    My wife has had her boot soles thickened and the seat has been rebuilt twice by Rider seats to reduce its thickness and narrow the front.
    This was using the original seat frame. Maybe a different seat will work?

    However still not low enough hence the interest in the lowering kit.
    My comments on lowering kits already as above.

    The other thing is... maybe she's just riding the wrong bike for her.
    Find out more at www.unluckyones.co.nz

  8. #8
    Join Date
    28th April 2008 - 22:35
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    Thumbs up Done

    Installed lowering kit.
    Looks good
    Works fine
    Wife happy.

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