3. Install Lowering Links

Many Dual Sport and Adventure Motorcycles have a single rear shock connected to the swingarm via a linkage system. The link arms multiply swingarm movement, allowing for a rising-rate of shock damping. The first movement can be soft for small bumps, then progressively harder for larger hits. Longer “lowering” links, effectively move the bottom shock mount closer to the ground, thus reducing the seat height.

Lowering links can be a fairly cost effective way to lower a motorcycle in the rear, costing as little as $70 for a set. (Photo courtesy Devol Racing)

Lowering links are able to lower a motorcycle anywhere from a half inch to 2 inches (12.7mm – 50.8mm) depending on the motorcycle and lowering links available. Some companies that manufacture lowering links include Kouba, Devol and Moose Racing. Lowering links can be a fairly cost-effective way to lower your rear end and they are easy to install. Suspension travel is also not affected by installing lowering links.

Drawbacks: The linkage system is an integral part of the rear suspension. Each linkage system is designed to work with specific shock damping, spring rate, ground clearance, etc. When you add longer lowering links, it changes the leverage ratio, which can cause all sorts of problems. You might find that the rear shock bottoms out sooner and feels softer in the last portion of the stroke, or sometimes the effects can be unpredictable. By lowering the shock position, you also make it more vulnerable to impacts on the trail. Another danger to keep in mind is that you’ve moved the rear wheel closer to the rear fender without reducing suspension travel. This can cause the rear tire to touch the fender on big hits, which can lead to a crash. Check with the lowering link manufacturer to ensure their lowering links offer enough rear fender clearance for your model.

4. Shorten the Suspension

Most Dual Sport and Adventure Motorcycles have more than enough suspension travel for the casual off-road rider. You may be willing to sacrifice some of that suspension travel in an effort to gain a lower seat height. Shortening the rear shock and front fork requires disassembling delicate components and requires specialized tools. This is definitely a task best performed by a trained suspension technician that understands how to lower a motorcycle properly. When done correctly, it can be one of the safest and most effective ways to significantly reduce your seat height.

Some aftermarket shocks like this Progressive Suspension 465 Series have a low option that can lower the rear suspension by 1 to 2 inches.

Another option for shortening the rear suspension is an aftermarket shock. Some aftermarket shocks come in a “low” version that can lower the rear of your motorcycle by 1 to 2 inches (25.4mm – 50.8mm). Swapping your rear shock is a fairly easy project and aftermarket shocks tend to be higher quality than stock units. The advantage of having your suspension professionally shortened is that the shop can customize the ride height, damping and stiffness to match your specific weight, height and riding style.

Drawbacks: Getting your suspension professionally lowered at a suspension shop is not cheap. You’ll spend anywhere from $200 to $300 to lower either the front or rear suspensions. Aftermarket shocks can also cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. Also keep in mind that if you do significantly reduce the suspension travel, you reduce the bikes ground clearance and its ability to soak up big bumps, holes and rocks in the trail.

5. Get a Shorter Seat

A shorter seat can help you avoid all the unintended consequences of lowering a motorcycle’s suspension, like reduced ground clearance, less suspension travel or a harsher ride. You can lose up to 2 inches with a low seat and it’s a quick and easy install. Some “low” replacement seats can be bought right off the shelf from manufactures like Corbin, Seat Concepts and Touratech. Custom seat makers such as Renazco Racing, Seat Concepts and Fisher Seats are also able to craft a lower seat from your stock pan. Just send them your stock seat, tell them what you’re after, and wait for them to send it back. Seat Concepts also offers low seat kits for some models that includes a seat cover and foam you can install yourself.

One of the easiest solutions for lowering your seat height is to buy an off-the-shelf low seat for your bike

You can always try modding your own seat. But like many things in life, such work is easier said than done. Those staples, for one, are driven into hard plastic with an air stapler. You’ll need something similarly heavy duty to get them back in. How will you know how much foam to shave off? And what will you shave it with? Will you be able to stretch the cover tightly enough so it doesn’t look wrinkled and baggy? If none of this puts you off, do a little research on the basic kinds of foam used in motorcycle seats (DIYMotorcycleSeat.com is a good resource), find a foam supplier (local upholstery stores might have what you need), and have at it. It’s the cheapest way to go.

Drawbacks: Complete aftermarket seats can be expensive, ranging from $160 to $600. Seat Concepts’ low foam kits start at about $140, add $20 if you want them to install it on your seat pan. If you decide to fabricate your own low seat, you’ll need some special tools and your seat may end up looking like a 1st grade art project when you’re done. The other thing to be careful of with low seats is the thinner foam, which may be uncomfortable on long rides. A deeply “scalloped” seat can also trap you in one position, causing discomfort and restricting your body movement during off-road riding.

Final Tips

Whenever you lower a motorcycle’s suspension you lose ground clearance and this may cause the bike to touch down and bottom out sooner. So it’s smart to be conservative with how low you go. Getting both feet on the ground may help you build confidence as a rider but it’s not necessary to be completely flat footed.

Don’t forget to measure the height of the front and rear of the bike before and after you make changes to the suspension, to ensure you maintain a neutral chassis attitude. Also keep in mind, that if you lower your bike significantly, you may need to get a shorter kickstand.

Author: Bob Whitby

Bob has been riding motorcycles since age 19 and working as a journalist since he was 24, which was a long time ago, let’s put it that way. He quit for the better part of a decade to raise a family, then rediscovered adventure, dual sport and enduro riding in the early 2000s. He lives in Arkansas, America’s best-kept secret when it comes to riding destinations, and travels far and wide in search of dirt roads and trails.