You would like to lower your bike for a variety of reasons. You may be beginning to race motocross and want the bike to fit your physique better or just have been riding but want to adjust the bike seat to fit your riding posture. Either way, a dirt bike lowering is a simple task that anybody can do with some tips and tricks on hand.
This post will discuss how to lower a dirt bike for beginners? So read on and get all the best tips to ride your dirt bike even cooler.
What is the reason for Lowering the Dirt Bike?
Lowering a dirt bike makes it easier to ride and can improve performance. Here are four reasons you should consider lowering your bike:
- You’ll Be More Equipped to Handle Terrain: A lowered dirt bike is better equipped to handle uneven terrain, making it easier to navigate tight corners and get around obstacles.
- You’ll Perform Better on the Track: Lowering the bike makes it more stable, giving you a better chance of winning races or taking the top spot in competitions.
- You’ll Ride More Comfortably: A lowered dirt bike is more comfortable, making it easier for you to take long rides or explore new trails.
- Your Bike Will Look Cooler: Lowering your dirt bike gives it a sleeker look, which can draw attention from other riders on the street or track.
What do you need to lower a dirt bike?
If you’re looking to lower your full-size dirt bike, you’ll need a few things.
- The first is a set of lowering springs, which will help to reduce the bike’s height.
- Next, you’ll need a lowering kit that includes brackets and hooks.
- And finally, you’ll need to install the lowering springs and kit on your bike.
How to Lower a Dirt Bike for Beginners? Step-By-Step Guide
Lowering a dirt bike can help riders with difficulty reaching the ground with their feet. To lower your dirt bike, follow these 6 simple steps:
- First, determine the amount by which you need to lower it. After that, determine the gap between the seat and the ground and choose the amount by which you want to decrease it. It is advisable to decrease the seat height by a maximum of 2 inches as a general recommendation.
- Purchase a lowering kit – Different types of lowering kits are available for different types of dirt bikes. You can purchase a lowering kit online or from a local dirt bike shop. Ensure that the kit you select is suitable for your specific bike make and model.
- To remove the shock absorber from your dirt bike, utilize a socket wrench. Be careful while doing this, as the shock absorber is under tension.
- Install the lowering kit – Follow the instructions that come with the lowering kit to install it on your dirt bike. Typically, you must replace the stock linkage arm with the new one included in the kit.
- Reinstall the shock absorber – Once the lowering kit is installed, you can reattach the shock absorber to the dirt bike using a socket wrench.
- Test rides the dirt bike – Take the dirt bike for a test ride to make sure everything is working properly. Check that the handling and suspension feel right, and make sure you can touch the ground comfortably while sitting on the bike.
Note that lowering your dirt bike can affect its handling and stability, so it is important to ride it cautiously and make any necessary adjustments to the suspension and steering.
If you’re uncomfortable making these changes yourself, consulting with a professional mechanic is best.
What You Remember Before Lowering Your Dirt Bike
When considering lowering your dirt bike, it’s important to remember that the suspension and handling of the bike will be impacted by this modification. Therefore, you should take into account the suspension adjustment. You may need to adjust the suspension settings to ensure proper handling and safety. It’s a good idea to consult a professional mechanic to help you make the necessary adjustments.
Riding style: Lowering your dirt bike may be necessary if you’re having difficulty reaching the ground, but it’s important to remember that it can also affect your riding style. The stability of the bike is improved by decreasing its center of gravity, achieved by lowering its height. However, it may also pose challenges when maneuvering through uneven surfaces or attempting to jump.
Seat comfort: Lowering your dirt bike will also lower the seat’s height. While this can make touching the ground easier, it can also make the seat less comfortable. Investing in a new seat or seat foam may be necessary to guarantee a comfortable ride.
Cost: Lowering your dirt bike may require purchasing a lowering kit or other parts, which can be costly. Make sure you budget accordingly before deciding to lower your bike.
Reversibility: It’s important to remember that lowering your dirt bike is not a reversible modification. It could be challenging and costly to restore the bike to its initial height if you choose to do so.
Dos and Don’ts of Lowering a Dirt Bike
When lowering a dirt bike, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos
Choose a lowering kit designed specifically for your dirt bike make and model. It will ensure the kit is compatible and works properly with your bike.
Do follow the instructions that come with the lowering kit carefully. It is crucial to comprehend the procedures involved and allocate sufficient time to ensure the proper installation of everything.
Adjust the suspension and other settings as necessary to ensure safe handling and performance.
Do a test ride of your bike after lowering it to ensure everything is working properly and handles safely.
Consult a professional mechanic if you’re uncomfortable making these changes yourself.
Don’ts
Don’t lower your dirt bike too much. Lowering your bike too much can affect handling and safety, so it’s important only to lower it as much as necessary.
Only attempt to lower your dirt bike with the proper tools and equipment. Use the right tools to avoid damaging your bike or causing injury to yourself.
Make sure to adapt your riding technique to suit the modifications made to your bicycle. Don’t forget that your bike may handle differently after being lowered, and you may need to adjust how you ride to ensure safety.
Remember to wear appropriate safety gear when test-riding your lowered dirt bike. The protective gear comprises a helmet, gloves, boots, and other items.
Remember that lowering your dirt bike is a permanent modification. Ensure you’re comfortable with the changes and willing to accept the trade-offs in lowering your bike.
Pros And Cons Of Lower A Dirt Bike
Lowering a dirt bike can provide some benefits, but it also has some potential drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons of lowering a dirt bike:
Pros
Improved comfort and control: Lowering the dirt bike can help shorter riders to touch the ground more easily, improving comfort and control while riding.
Lowering the center of gravity can enhance stability and maneuverability of the bike. This can be beneficial for inexperienced riders who are still perfecting their riding abilities.
Enhanced maneuverability: A lowered dirt bike can be easier to maneuver through tight turns as the bike is closer to the ground.
Greater confidence: By reaching the ground more easily, riders can feel more confident and secure while riding. This can help riders to enjoy their dirt bike more and improve their overall riding experience.
Better performance: Lowering the bike can improve aerodynamics, allowing the bike to perform better at high speeds.
Cons
Suspension adjustment: Lowering the dirt bike will affect the suspension and handling of the bike. You may need to adjust the suspension settings to ensure proper handling and safety. This can consume a lot of time and money.
Reduced ground clearance:
Lowering the bike can result in a reduced clearance between the ground and the lowest part of the bike, posing increased challenges when riding over rough terrain or obstacles.
Altered riding style: Lowering the bike can also alter your riding style. The modifications made to the bike may require you to adapt your riding technique accordingly.
Cost: Lowering the dirt bike may require purchasing a lowering kit or other parts, which can be costly.
Irreversibility: Lowering the dirt bike is a permanent modification. Restoring the bike to its initial height could prove to be a challenging and costly task. It’s important to consider the pros and cons before lowering your dirt bike. If you’re uncomfortable making the changes yourself, consulting with a professional mechanic is best.
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