Lowering a Triumph Street Triple R

[Transalper]

Would be the easiest option wouldn't it? Just been looking at some great big platform soled boots. But then I would be taller than half the cute guys, and my bike is enough to scare them away as it is.

You made a good first impression when we met on Wednedsay, girl and bike combined.
Wouldn't scare me though whether or not I might be called cute by your standard is probably all in the eye of the beholder.
I wouldn't be able to park the old Transalp next to your bike though until I've restored mine to it's former shiny glory with new paint etc. My DR is a bit dirty too.
However of course being that I'm already partnered up this bit was all very moot.


Now about bike/rider height differences...

I can get you the name of the place that added a second sole to my partners boots, not sure how much it added but she said it helps and you don't notice it visually.
The material they used offers good traction too. Actually just looked at her current boots and now realise she had it done to her previous pair but when she returns (away for the weekend) I can still ask her.

Seats, I have a card for a man named Brendon at Canterbury Upholstery, 027 439 3659.
He has been recommended to me as a man that rides himself and does good work on Motorcycle seats, that's if you want a pro to look at it.
I will be getting my Transalp's seat re sculptured by him next year, though he doesn't know it yet.

Suspension and lowering, Dirt Action Services in Saxon Street are local specialists, they do all bikes, not just dirt. Linton there will overwhelm you with info and as such can make visits there a little longer than they need to be but they also do good work.
Two problems with the lowering links are that they change the handling characteristics of the bike and risk the tyre rubbing the underside of the rear fender arrangement if you go too far. Same with slipping the forks through the clamps, too far and you end up with your front mudguard hitting the triple clamps. Both also shorten the wheelbase (distance between axles) a little.
Having the suspension custom built to be lower with a shorter stroke (less suspension travel) would be fairly expensive but probably be the best way, but that's not the way most people do it and even that will shorten the wheel base and again change the handling.

Having said that to get the DR650 I was on as low as we dared with out rebuilding the shocks we did... boot soles, seat, longer rear suspension linkages and slipped the front forks up through the clamps.

Oh and if you want to cut and weld the side stand that can be arranged too, but getting a second one to keep one original for later would be good too.

Has anyone asked the Original Poster if they are still happy with their lowering setup almost a year on ?

[Jally Bean]

You made a good first impression when we met on Wednedsay, girl and bike combined.
Wouldn't scare me though whether or not I might be called cute by your standard is probably all in the eye of the beholder.
I wouldn't be able to park the old Transalp next to your bike though until I've restored mine to it's former shiny glory with new paint etc. My DR is a bit dirty too.
However of course being that I'm already partnered up this bit was all very moot.

lol me too, partnered up that is I think, but I would never tell him that1

I can get you the name of the place that added a second sole to my partners boots

Please!!!!!!! I think boots are the answer.

Seats, I have a card for a man named Brendon at Canterbury Upholstery, 027 439 3659.

Hmmm I still dunno about this but I'm considering it... And the suspension stuff too - would be great if I didn't need all of that but if I have to go there to feel confident riding into the Wheatsheaf carpark I will.

Has anyone asked the Original Poster if they are still happy with their lowering setup almost a year on ?

Nope but I was hoping he would just chip in when he saw we are all still chatting.

Thanks for all that info - total overload but appreciated. Boots first and then I will see what else is needed.

[Dschubba]

Hiya

in response to a private message, yeah, I'm still happy with the mod.

Hadn't seen this post for a while and now reading back thru see a few negative posts about the effect this link would have on suspension geometry. Yeah, you are probably correct. However, really it doesn't feel much different to me than it did before, but has given Dawn heaps more confidence maneuvering the thing round a car park and pedaling it out of the garage. There is still heaps of clearance over the back wheel, she's a lot lighter than me!

Really, this confidence boost is worth more than any loss of handling- which I can't notice. She's a bit more conservative than me on it as well.

There was a reply in this thread that replaced the triangles. If I did it again I would probably go that way.

Cheers
Sean

[Transalper]

That's good to hear, thank you.

[Transalper]

...Please!!!!!!! I think boots are the answer...

So the boots were just done at one of those Mr Minit key cutting and shoe repair stands in a mall.
The heal had about 10mm added, two layers of normal material.
The front of the sole had the softer material added which wears fairly fast and added about 5mm but gave better traction.
Any boot repair place should be able to offer something I imagine.

[Jally Bean]

So the boots were just done at one of those Mr Minit key cutting and shoe repair stands in a mall.
The heal had about 10mm added, two layers of normal material.
The front of the sole had the softer material added which wears fairly fast and added about 5mm but gave better traction.
Any boot repair place should be able to offer something I imagine.

awesome thanks so much!

[Jally Bean]

No joy with Mr Minit Riccarton, but they sent me to a place on Lincoln Rd. Fingers crossed.