Returning a lowered bike to stock height

I have a '99 VFR800FI that was lowered by the previous owner. I want to raise it back to stock height but I'm not sure what I need to replace. How are these bikes usually lowered? I've seen kits that replace the rear shock linkage, but are there other ways? The seat seems to be about 29-30" high, if that helps.

 

Pretty sure all he could have done was change the rear suspension triangle. And maybe shave the saddle.
Or post pics of the suspension etc and we could probably tell you what has been modded.

 

Did you check the dogbone?

 

I don't see any dogbones, what are they connected to? I just see the triangles and a linkage. Here's a picture of one of the triangles: http://imgur.com/uEMt6d3 Anything else I can take a picture of that would help? The tank and rear of the bike are low enough that I'm pretty sure more than the seat has been modified.

 

If it was in fact lowered, you'll also need to address the kickstand.

 

Have the forks been raised in the clamps up front?

 

I'm not sure if the forks have been moved up, do you know how high they should be above the top fork clamp? I'm looking at pictures of other bikes and it looks like they've been raised a little but it's hard to say without measuring.

Edit: The kick stand looks like the stock ones I see on ebay. I'm pretty sure it's been lowered though. It took 2 people to get it on its center stand and the exhaust bottomed out on the ramp I used to get it off a truck. It was also the first thing a couple of my friends said when they saw it.

 

Pics needed of your machine!

And welcome layful:

 

Nothing to suggest it's been lowered by the pic of the triangle, unless the dogbone is not factory length.

Dogbone is the piece connecting the lower arc of the triangle to the frame.

 

Not in the best shape, but here she is: http://imgur.com/Z8a1TvR I got it at an abandoned vehicles auction, apparently some guy crashed on the freeway and got it all bloody, then parked on a ramp and got towed. The only damage I can see on the bike is some rash on the fairings, mirror, clutch lever, etc, and broken signals, but he got the handlebars, controls, and tank pretty bloody. The front tire is also kind of ripped up and was flat but it's holding air and the forks look straight. I haven't had a chance to work on it yet apart from trying to unlock the fork lock. I tried to remove the ignition, gave up, then dropped the forks, turned the front wheel so the forks cleared the top clamp, then raising the forks again and tightened the bottom clamp just so I could roll it off the truck. The guy at the impound lot used a forklift to get it in the truck which was pretty nice. I noticed the kick stand switch is broken, so I'm thinking it might have been working right after the crash but fallen off a little while later, causing the engine to shut off. The guy probably parked it on the shoulder and assumed it was stolen when it wasn't there the next morning. Not sure why he didn't go to the cops, maybe because he hadn't registered it in 8 years (same reason it was towed). So far it's cost me less than $1k, and they've even forgiven the old registration fees since it's been so long. I haven't been able to start it up or do a compression test or anything but if it runs well I might sell my Bandit 600 and ride this instead. From what I've read it sounds like a nice upgrade.

 

I think that's what I was calling the linkage. It's about 11.5cm from the center of one bolt to another, but I can't find what the stock length is.

 

I'll be wrenching on my 01 tomorrow so I can get the measurement of the "dog bone" for you. If you look at the triangles they have markings on them with arrows that should point to the front of the bike. If they are not, then they were rotated. As far as fork height, I am sending you a PM with a link to a download of the Honda 1998-2001 VFR800 service manual, the fork height will be in there.

 

Being the smart ass I can be at times, then just read the front tire was flat? did you check the rear tire for a decent amount of air pressure? LOL using the center stand as a means to figure out of it's been lowered isn't necessarily the best way to know if... as it only takes a wee bit less height and they can be a real APITA for many. If the side stand hasn't been modified, which by looking it would be obvious, then it probably wasn't lowered, most fork heights from what I've seen, mine included, is they are pretty much flush with the top of the clip ons. From that . Wow, hope you were able to get that one for a dime, I see there could be some issues here and there, at least you threw up a photo, in that I'll give you a B+ GL with your new project, before long you be all giggles .

 

The center stand thing was just a clue, I measured the seat height and it's below 30 inches (stock is 31.7). I didn't check the rear pressure but it doesn't look flat so I don't think filling it would make up for the 1.5+ inches. The kick stand does look stock though, and it sounds like the forks haven't been raised but it's hard to tell since it has aftermarket clipons. I'll check if the triangle has been rotated tomorrow.

 

Looks like the dog one is 115mm center to center of the bolt holes.

 

Thanks for checking. I checked the triangle and it hasn't been rotated. The rear tire has 40psi. I guess it's possible only the seat has been modified. How much foam can you shave off the seat, anyway?

 

Awe.. I think I found the thread pertaining to this very question. http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthre...nstead-of-Lowering-VFR?highlight=seat+shaving