Author Topic: My new 6oo (Read 6293 times)

bridge · « **on:** May 24, 2005, 09:21:01 PM »

Well, I am the proud owner of an '02 black 600 with @3700 miles; Dealer just delivered it. Until last summer, when my sister asked me to park a Yamaha 250 in my garage to keep her son off from it, I hadn't ridden a bike since I was a Kid-I'll be 40 in July. That little bike got me hooked and luckily I have ended up with this 600.

This certainly seems to live up to everything you all have said about it. Plenty of power for me and a good looking bike too. After only thirty miles,I believe it will be just fine for me.

I am vertically challeneged however and wouldn't mind if it was an inch or two lower. I believe this would also sit me up even staighter. I noticed my palms were getting a little sore from riding on my hands a little, but I could have been holding on to tight. I will try to find the least expensive way to drop the seat an inch, that should do the trick.

I appreciate everyones advice. This site was instrumental in my choosing this particular bike. I don't think I will be disappointed.

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2005, 09:47:03 PM »

You can lower the bike a bit by the use of 'lowering links'. There should be a couple of threads about the process and parts needed somewhere on the board.

You'd also want to shave a little off of your sidestand, or the bike would sit too vertical when using it.

If you're capable of doing the lowering work yourself, (not real difficult, with normal tools, and a bike lift, or a couple of jack stands.) you'd also want to adjust the front forks in the clamps a bit.
(lower the front a hair, also....)

shortening the sidestand is kind of a trial and error thing.
The easiest way to do it is cut a section out of the middle, and have it re-welded back together.

Check the suspension forum, and you'll find some messages about lowering links, and shortening the sidestand.

bridge · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2005, 10:43:13 PM »

Thanks for the quick reply. I know you guys get tired of the seat question. I think I'll try a different seat. I'm on the balls of my feet with both down now; any lower wiould be fine. 1" would do wonders.

I'm always cautious about messing with the suspension. Seems like it always has some unwanted trade off.

Maybe a factory gel seat would give me the inch?

Anyway, These seem to be great bikes and I'm looking forward to riding tomorrow-Like a kid with a new toy.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2005, 11:07:38 PM »

on the new ride.

You might be able to have an upholstery place shave some foam and rework you seat for you. For the wrists, work on your body position. When I started riding I had the same problem but realized I was resting all my weight on my hands. I concentrated on holding up my body with my torso and the problem soon went away.

Ride safe!

bridge · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2005, 11:31:41 PM »

You are probably right about the hands. Gonna be fun learning about this bike. Everything I have ridden has been a crusier.I think I will adjust.

I think I will try Sergants on the seat; they seem to have some experience in the area. Checking on pricing now. Only thing, don't have another seat until that one gets back.

bridge · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2005, 06:54:02 PM »

After riding and talking to Sargents(they said the could get about an 1"), I have ordered the lowering links from Diamond. I also ordered a Suzuki gel seat.

If I got a shop to change the links and adjust the stands, what would be a fair price?

You mentiond lowering the front "a bit". in the clamps. If I'm dropping 2" in back, what would be good for(and how to do this) the front?

After checking prices tomorrow, I may have to do this myself. Bear with the ignorance, I'll get around the learning curve eventually

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2005, 07:05:07 PM »

I don't think you can get much more than 1" drop up front or the fender will hit the lower triple clamp on full compression. Because of this, I wouldn't lower the rear suspension by more than 1" so the bike will still retain close to stock handling characteristics. Another 1" out of the seat is fine, no need to adjust suspension for that.

I don't know if a bike shop will shorten the stands for you or not, you may have to go to a welding shop for that.

bridge · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2005, 08:18:05 PM »

I was inder the impression the Diamond lowering links lowered two or four inches. Is it a range ?

Gel seat was no longer in stock?

I would send it to Sergants, but not riding for a month(at least) would kinda suck.

Anybody got a stock they will loan. I might be good for a nights lodging sometime. I live in Maryville, Tn-gateway to the Dragon

PeteSC · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2005, 08:26:23 PM »

You may want to give this guy a shot for installing the lowering links, and doing the adjustments to your bike.

http://www.mountainhomepage.com/wheelers/
He's not too far from you, and has always treated everybody fairly.
He may be even willing to shorten the kickstand.
I'm guessing a normal shop would charge an hours labor to install the dogbones, alone.
I'd trust wheeler to do it right, and not screw you.

12sdrag · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2005, 08:27:46 PM »

bridge, you should try ebay or a salvage yard. you could pick one up cheap and keep it for a spare.

bridge · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2005, 08:42:05 PM »

Thanks Pete, I would love to have an excuse to have ride over there during the week.

12sdrag-I'm looking, but haven't had any luck yet.

bridge · « **Reply #11 on:** May 26, 2005, 02:13:13 PM »

Pete

Thanks for the referral. Wheeler says he will do the dogbones($35) and cut and weld the centerstand($40) for a total of $75

He's about sixty miles away, if I ride the Dragon. He included lowering the front, which he brought up. (A local mechanic said it wasn't necessary.)

Believe I may take the trip and let him put on the genmar risers too.

Thanks.

PeteSC · « **Reply #12 on:** May 26, 2005, 03:12:44 PM »

Cool, he's a good guy. Have fun!

Red01 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2005, 08:15:00 PM »

Lowering the front may not be necessary from a seat height standpoint, but it is if you want to keep the handling pretty much the way Suzuki intended it vs. handling more like a chopper.
(Well, it wouldn't be THAT bad, but it would be in that direction.)

bridge · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2005, 09:45:47 PM »

Red,
I think I will have him lower the front as much as the fender will allow.

This things really got me leaning on the bars now, or it did. Today I got down in my seat a little more, and its like a new bike once I got that weight off the grips.

Not having ridden since I was kid, except for some cruisers last summer, this is a little different. Have to use my knees more to keep my weight off the bars for one thing.

More than happy with this bike though. When I get the reach issues straight, I hope to be able to learn a lot and smile the whole time. Schools never been so fun.