Restoring stock ride height/Preload settings

1) I bought my '02 VFR from a guy who was 5'4" and he had installed the "shortened dogbone" in the rear suspension to lower the bike. I'm 6'2" and I'm getting tired of dragging my sidestand in leaning left turns. ALso the center stand wont work at that low height.

I purchased the stock dogbone from the dealer and I'm wondering if anyone has done this swap before and could share some wisdom on the best way of doing this? I'm thinking of just suspending the rear end from a beam in the barn and doing it that way, but maybe someone knows a better one?

2) Is there some chart somewhere that will help me dial in the correct suspension preloads for my weight? (225 with gear) vs. my current settings which may be better set for the 135 lb previous owner?

Thanks in advance!
Ride Safe
Matthew

 

I have a formula at home for adjusting sag. You will need some help from a friend though. I will get it and post it ASAP.

 

I've lowered my 05 VFR, and the stock link is actually shorter than the one typically used to lower the VFR. For example, the longer link pushes the rear tire further up into the wheel cavity, which in turn lowers the rear end. And you're right about it being hard to use the center stand on a lowered bike, but here is a trick that I use often.

Just find yourself a flat board about 1.25-1.5" thick (fyi...1.25" just so happens to be about how much the longer link lowers the rear), and then have someone hold it in place while you carefully maneuver the bike so that the rear tire is on the board. This little bit of height raises the rear end just enough so that you can now lift the bike using the center stand.

Then once it's up on the center stand swapping out the link is fairly easy, since the rear tire is now off the ground and you can move it up/down to help you install the stock link. Just keep in mind that a lot of weight rests on that link, so be careful when removing the bolts. It's not super heavy though...just be aware that the rear will drop so consider having something under the rear tire.

Also, I bet the front end is also lowered, so you will probably have to re-position the fork tubes to the factory setting. Pretty straightforward...remove the clipons and loosen the bolts for the lower and upper clamps, and then push the tubes down until you have 41mm from the top of the upper bridge to the top of the fork tube (top of the tube, not including the cap nut on top of the tube.

 

Thanks. I need to first install my center stand, as it was not on there when I bought it - just the leaner. I'll try to get some pics.

I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out. On the front, I've got Heli's, and I've not looked at it too closely, but will this affect the 41mm adjustment you talked about? Will there be less tube to bolt the Heli's to when I start pushing them back down?

 

I need to buy myself a set of helibars too...just can't convince myself to spend $250 in the event I don't like them. But no, 41mm (1.6") is the stock setting for the fork tubes so the helibars should bolt on just fine. Is the mounting surface where the helibars contact the tubes taller than 1.6"?

 

...FWBurner, you said...

You had a formula for adjusting sag? I'd be grateful if you shared it..

Thanks!

Matthew

 

Sorry Matt I have been busy chasing skirts and forgot all about it. I will ty to get it posted.

 

I've got the Heli's on, and having not ever tried without them, they seem great. I can sit completely upright if I choose.

The only drawback is when you're hunkered down behind the windshield during one of our FL rainstorms, it puts your wrists at a wierd angle with the raised bars

Lemme know how you like your Heli's