How to lower ride height

cyclone123 · 11-30-2020, 04:01 PM

I know I can raise the forks in the triple tree and reduce damping to lower the rear. Are there any lowering link kits available and who has them? Thanks did a search could not find info. Maybe my search is wrong? Sorry this is needed for a 2020 RPS Hawk 250

TxTaoRider · 11-30-2020, 04:20 PM

The hawk doesn't have a linkage in the rear so the easiest way is to lower the preload, the 2nd is to buy a shorter rear shock. I suppose if you really wanted to do it without giving up any travel, you could relocate the mounting holes in the swingarm and possibly the frame... But that'd be allot of work.

JerseyTBR7 · 11-30-2020, 04:20 PM

I lowered my TBR7 by lowering the front forks 1.5" and putting in a much thicker spring and higher quality but shorter 290" rear shock. They run about $80 for a good one and up. I initially just lowered the rear shock and went the shock upgrade path instead. It is night and day better.

It works great for a shorter rider and adult passenger.

mtiberio · 11-30-2020, 04:22 PM

Reducing damping has no effect on ride height.
With non linkage rear shock assemblies, there are no lowering links.
Swapping a shorter shock will lower.
Carve the foam in your saddle.

cyclone123 · 11-30-2020, 04:46 PM

What do I look for on ebay as far as a replacement rear shock, 290 mm is that the length? And yes I guess the electric carving knife will come out and try to lower the seat height.

JerseyTBR7 · 11-30-2020, 05:08 PM

Fits fine with 10mm washers for spacers to make up for the difference in thickness from stock. I held the washers together with scotch tape when installing to make life easier, probably better ways to do it but it works. It rides just fine with an adult female passenger, rough combined weight around 320lbs and reasonably handles bumps. Also lowered the front forks about 1.5" when initially putting it together.
https://www.amazon.com/ZXTDR-Suspens...6774134&sr=8-1

ZXTDR 290mm 11.42" Rear Shock Absorber Suspension Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting for Dirt Pit Bike Motorcycle 1200LBS

No need to cut the seat foam. Leave it. Its comfortable.

You will need to cut a bit off the kickstand to make it shorter too.

See picture of what it looks like lowered.

https://postimg.cc/G8rq21kh

mtiberio · 12-02-2020, 06:15 AM

I find the flatter platform way more comfortable than stock...

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=27276

seat foam recountour thread.

11-30-2020, 04:01 PM	#1
cyclone123 Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 4	How to lower ride height I know I can raise the forks in the triple tree and reduce damping to lower the rear. Are there any lowering link kits available and who has them? Thanks did a search could not find info. Maybe my search is wrong? Sorry this is needed for a 2020 RPS Hawk 250
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11-30-2020, 04:20 PM	#2
TxTaoRider Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Flower Mound Texas Posts: 904	The hawk doesn't have a linkage in the rear so the easiest way is to lower the preload, the 2nd is to buy a shorter rear shock. I suppose if you really wanted to do it without giving up any travel, you could relocate the mounting holes in the swingarm and possibly the frame... But that'd be allot of work. __________________ 2021 Tao Tbr7 - "Lucille" Mods so far- Brozz swingarm, 21" front rim (Bridgestone Tw302 rear/Dunlop D606 front tires), Digital gauge cluster, pz30b pumper carb, after market hand guards, aftermarket brake and clutch levers, round fold away mirrors, Fly handlebars shortened slightly, 13t front sprocket 2009 Q-link Legacy 250 1982 Suzuki GS1100ES - "Jolene"
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11-30-2020, 04:22 PM	#4
mtiberio Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 258	Reducing damping has no effect on ride height. With non linkage rear shock assemblies, there are no lowering links. Swapping a shorter shock will lower. Carve the foam in your saddle. __________________ 4 time WERA SuperVintage Roadracing National Champion, SCTA Land Speed Record Holder, 3rd AMA Motorcycle GP of Miami
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11-30-2020, 04:46 PM	#5
cyclone123 Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 4	Thanks to all for the input What do I look for on ebay as far as a replacement rear shock, 290 mm is that the length? And yes I guess the electric carving knife will come out and try to lower the seat height.
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12-02-2020, 06:15 AM	#7
mtiberio Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 258	I find the flatter platform way more comfortable than stock... http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=27276 seat foam recountour thread. __________________ 4 time WERA SuperVintage Roadracing National Champion, SCTA Land Speed Record Holder, 3rd AMA Motorcycle GP of Miami
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11-30-2020, 04:20 PM	#3
JerseyTBR7 Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 130	I lowered my TBR7 by lowering the front forks 1.5" and putting in a much thicker spring and higher quality but shorter 290" rear shock. They run about $80 for a good one and up. I initially just lowered the rear shock and went the shock upgrade path instead. It is night and day better. It works great for a shorter rider and adult passenger.
	0

11-30-2020, 05:08 PM	#6
JerseyTBR7 Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 130	Fits fine with 10mm washers for spacers to make up for the difference in thickness from stock. I held the washers together with scotch tape when installing to make life easier, probably better ways to do it but it works. It rides just fine with an adult female passenger, rough combined weight around 320lbs and reasonably handles bumps. Also lowered the front forks about 1.5" when initially putting it together. https://www.amazon.com/ZXTDR-Suspens...6774134&sr=8-1 ZXTDR 290mm 11.42" Rear Shock Absorber Suspension Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting for Dirt Pit Bike Motorcycle 1200LBS No need to cut the seat foam. Leave it. Its comfortable. You will need to cut a bit off the kickstand to make it shorter too. See picture of what it looks like lowered. https://postimg.cc/G8rq21kh
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