Lowering the 640 for us smaller legged folk!!

[Duck]

Bought one of the last new 640’s and I keep thinking that it is going to land on me one of these days. I’m 5’8” and would like a wee bit more contact with the earth when neeEEeeeded!

I’ve seen the lowering links, but not sure about the handling? Any advice/comments here please??

Also seen thinner seats(all helps!), anyone got one or know where to buy a good one? More importantly, what are they like for looong rides for those days not spent up on the pegs??

Any other advice would be much well come!!!!

Maybe I should start eating more and let gravity do its thing? Or start wearing orange high heels, I’m sure KTM have a branded pair to sell haahaaaa

Please note it can take me a while to reply to posts as I spend a lot of time on the run… I will reply and thanks in advance!

 

[MarkN]

Have you thought of deflating the tyres or eating more pies?

I've not heard of many people being able to lower the bike, have you tried asking at Sideways because if anyone knows how to do it then Bob will know.

Talking of seats, you could talk to the guys at Renazco Racing (James or Chris), they built a seat for me and it's a lovely piece of kit and I know that they can make a lowered seat, lowering it by 2 inches if needed.

Cheers

Mark

 

[earthmover]

I thought about lowering mine, but the more I rode it, the less it seemed necessary. The suspension on mine is fairly soft, and the percieved wisdom on the ADVrider site is that lowering links aren't that good an idea. As yours is still new, it may be a little stiff yet. Wind the preload off the rear a bit, and push the forks up in the triple clamps as far as they will go. Then ride it a lot until you get more comfortable/confident with it.
Do not change the seat for a thinner one, your arse will never forgive you!
Mark

 

[Nasty1]

Lowered mine using 1" lowering links and pushing the forks up the same amount to balance the bike. Handling is still planted but it does now tend to FALL into bends and can be a little un-nerving till you get used to it (but still catches me out now and then). You can get 2" and 21/4" lowering links as well. Whilst the use of lowering links is frowned upon, on the ADVrider site there are more than a fair share that have done it..the search option is your friend. If money is no object then you could have it done properly but having spacers fitted in the shock and the forks by a suspension specialist, then he can re-valve the whole lot to suit the setup and your weight and riding style....about £250-£300 should cover it.

Once the miles go on the vibes reduce and longer distances are easier, I cut my seat down so I can use a airhawk..much more comfy. Even with these mods the bike is still tall, I am 5'7" with 29" inseam.

Renazco Racing told me they would only lower a seat 1" if you wanted to retain comfort for long distance work, I gave up on them due to delivery times and the price because of customs charges etc. They are regarded as one of the best but you pay for it and waiting time is long inside the main riding season.

Adie

 

[KTMmartin]

After 1500 miles the suspension on mine softened. Whilst the setup is now too sagging for my weight, I can now place both feet on the ground. 90kg, 6'2".

I too have heard about the links, specifically that they allow the bike to bottom out when pushed.

Have you got a sidestand yet? Really helps parking. http://www.ktm-sommer.de/Seiten_08/S_zub_ADV640_08.html

 

[MarkN]

Renazco Racing ..... I gave up on them due to delivery times and the price because of customs charges etc. They are regarded as one of the best but you pay for it and waiting time is long inside the main riding season.

Adie

Adie, you don't pay any custom charges etc when you get a seat from Renazco, they mark the package as a "repaired seat". I've now bought two seats from them and both have got through ok. I agree that the wait can be long, the last one took about 2 months but the wait is worthwhile as it transfoms the bike into a long distance touring machine.

Cheers

Mark

 

[daniel]

lowering links

i used a koubalink to lower the rear & brought the front forks up an inch, also took a chunk of padding out of the stock seat no problem with handling. I did all this for my girlfriend who's 5ft 2ins & a fag paper she only gets one foot on the ground, but loves the bike although a bit vibey, no wise cracks please. Have been thinking about getting a corbin as these are lower than the original seat but probably not quite as low as the job we've done, also expensive.

 

[Duck]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone!

OK, a thinner seat would be a good start and will look into it… Every inch counts Daniel!!

Like some of you said, taking time for the suspension to bed in may do the trick. Just had its first service so not done any offroad with it yet. I’ll try to clock up a few more miles on the road before hunting out some places to play. The jury is still out on the lowering links or other mods until I get her run in more…

If I decide to play with the suspension I’ll definitely get more advice and maybe head to a specialist. If anyone has more advice on set ups please reply!!

Ahha, the side stand! Been looking at getting one, hopefully make getting my leg over without falling on my ass easier!

KTMmartin: is the side stand from www.sommer.de robust enough? (not seen one in the flesh but was thinking it would be easier for parking)

Cheers guys for the input!

 

[MarkN]

KTMmartin: is the side stand from www.sommer.de robust enough? (not seen one in the flesh but was thinking it would be easier for parking)

Cheers guys for the input!

If you'd like to see mine then give me a shout and we can meet up somewhere? I could even show you a few local lanes if you fancy it?

Cheers

Mark

 

[KTMmartin]

KTMmartin: is the side stand from www.sommer.de robust enough? (not seen one in the flesh but was thinking it would be easier for parking

Robust... locktite in the bolts and it's perfectly solid for pavement work. You'd want to weld/bolt a bigger foot to it offroad, however.

It's sprung, which has caught out a few people lol

 

[Nin]

Lowering suspension

Hiya Duck

I have some lowering links from Marsh Performance you could try if you want.

Simon

 

[Duck]

Hi all

I’ve fitted a side stand, top job! Will get a larger foot welded on though (((and take the stand off for welding!!!!)))

Been emailing Renazco about a seat, they can take an inch off it and shave in the sides a little (hopefully my ass will forgive me!). Place order now and receive it December, a hell of a long time I hear some of you say but if they are that popular then it is for a good reason and worth waiting for!

I’ll not try lowering links yet, still need to get the bike bed in a bit more and can feel it getting lower…? I might give you a shout later Simon about them, cheers! (got friends up your way so might meet for a chat first…?)

Mark, it would be great to meet up when I get back to the UK and have a wee look at your Renazco seat? I should be back later next week….

Cheers everyone for your replies, just need to get my ass back in UK for some time out riding…
Duck

 

[Nin]

Hiya Duck

If you want to have a go with the lowering links, let me know - they are just sitting in the garage doing nowt.

I've returned my 640 to the full 37" seat height (it's a '98 model, they were a bit taller).

Will be happy to see you if you're up this way ...

Simon

 

[Duck]

Cool Simon

I'm back in the UK again but i've managed to break myself (again) so no riding for a wee while, trapped nerve in left foot and suspected frozen left shoulder. Been on the injections and pills but it is not shifting it. Have appointment tonight with the man who has access to longer needles and larger syringes!!

Bought a rallye skid plate, toolbox and water container off ebay a month ago. Have yet to fit it but it feels very sturdy – impressed with it. A bit expensive I suppose at 340GBP but it is a good starting point if I want to get my own made up or modify this one (I do block work away so time in UK is valuable to me and like to make the most of my time off).

I have been thinking about fitting tank bars to protect the tank but from what I’ve read I can’t have bars and this skid pan together. Emmmm we’ll see, nothing is impossible. My bike already has been fitting with a new tank at zero miles, picked the bike up from the dealer and when we took off the front fairing to load it into the van found a open fracture on the inside hidden away, reckon it was fitted damaged from factory though, no big deal.

Right, got’a go and see a man in white coat about a long needle…. eeeeeeckK!