85 vfr500f lowering

is there a way to lower an 85 interceptor 500?

 

You could raise up the forks in the triple trees and get a lower profile back tire - plus shave some foam off the seat. Also I've seen lowering links for modern bikes, maybe have one custom made.

Raise the forks in steps so you don't raise them too far and have the bike get squirrelly on you.

Lowering the bike will decrease your lean angle and you may have to get your sidestand bent or shortened.

You'll be doing good to get 1" lower.

All in all, unless you're an experienced rider and have a valid reason for lowering the bike (inseam under 27" for example), I would just get used to it.

Except for the seat foam, all the suggestions I've given can adversely affect the handling if done incorrectly.

 

my old lady is about 5'6" and it just seems a little tall for her ... she really wants to learn to ride, that is why i traded off my fixxer upper car to get her a bike.

but when it is off the center stand her toes barely touch the ground

 

I'm 5'6" with a 29" inseam and don't have any trouble with the bike. Of course, my toes barely touch the ground either. But if I shift my weight a tiny bit, I can get the ball of my foot to touch, with the other foot on the peg. (of course, this can be unnerving to lean when stopped - for the new rider)

The short term solution might be to have her wear boots with high heels. Then when she feels more comfortable, get her some boots with regular heels.

 

thats the part that concerns me i know once she is comfortable it wouldnt be a problem but this will be the first bike she ever gets on ... well the front seat of at least

 

I just got my VFR '06 about 4 months ago after riding a cruiser for about 18 months. I am about 5'5". First day out I almost dropped it in a gas station because the flooring was uneven and I misjudged my footing (Iwas too short to hold it up) My VFR is as heavy as an 1100 cc cruiser but the weight is on top so inexperience shows up quickly. Since then I've learned the only way is to always anticipate stops by carefully sliding off the saddle to the left and keeping my foot up on the right peg. I have been very cautious since then without incident. Once you are up and riding the VFR is a well balanced easy ride regardless of your height, but as a woman I'd be cautious in encouraging one as a first bike.