In this article I will outline a few methods for lowering the seat height of a dirt bike. These include using a lowering link or kit, welding back a chunk of the subframe, or getting a seat replacement that is lower than the original. The last option will require you to drill a few holes into the seat. Read on to find out more! And remember to use the proper tools for the job.
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Using a lowering kit
A lowering kit can lower the seat height of a dirt bike by as much as 1-1/2 inches. While the seat height of a small bike might not make that much of a difference, it will be noticeable on a full-size dirt bike. There are many benefits to lowering the seat, including a thinner front section, more leg room, and reduced center of gravity. Using a lowering kit is not without its risks, however. Before you try lowering the seat on your dirt bike, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The most common way to lower the seat height on a dirt bike is to add a lowering link. This link will lower the rear end of the bike by about an inch, increasing sag. It will also affect the performance of the rear suspension less. Make sure you raise the forks at least 2mm higher than stock and get a bell clank that has been revised for improved shock performance.
The easiest way to lower the seat height is to replace the foam. The most affordable method is to cut away the seat cover and stretch the new foam on top. If you have a seat cover, it’s a good idea to replace it. However, you may end up with a stiffer seat and a curved seat. Make sure that the seat covers are made of high-quality materials and are not ripped or shredded.
Lowering the seat height of a dirt bike will change its handling and clearance on the ground. Make sure that you are confident that you are ready to lower the bike before doing anything. Before installing a lowering kit, make sure you are certain you need to lower the bike. Most bikes come with a rising rate rear linkage, which looks like a fidget spinner or bone. Lowering it too much can result in the rear tire bottoming out on the fender.
While lowering the front of a dirt bike will increase its turning speed, reducing high-speed stability is not recommended. Lowering the rear suspension will lower the bike between 1/2” and 1”. Lowering the front suspension will reduce ground clearance and lowered kickstand height, which will result in less comfort. A lowering link is not always necessary, and it may cost more.
Getting a chunk of subframe welded back together
There are several methods for lowering the seat height of a dirt bike, but lowering a subframe requires special skills and proper equipment. One of these methods involves cutting a chunk of the subframe and welding it back together. This method lowers the seat height by an inch or so, but it can damage the tires or even the subframe. This modification should only be done by a professional.
A professional must weld the piece of subframe back together because cutting the subframe increases the risk of the frame cracking. Additionally, cutting a chunk of the subframe can cause the rear tire to bottom out on the fender. So, if you’re going to lower the seat, you should get the subframe welded back together by a professional.
Another option for lowering the dirt bike seat height is to install a lowering link. The lowering link lowers the rear-end height by about an inch, which is better than increasing sag or backing off shock spring preload. Lowering the seat height will have a minimal impact on the rear suspension performance, but you should raise the forks by 2mm to compensate for the lowered seat. In addition, a revised bell clank can improve shock performance.
If you’re short, you may find it difficult to reach the ground and maneuver around in tight corners. Lowering the seat height can help you balance better and improve your confidence on the bike. A lowered dirt bike seat height will also result in better suspension. You might find it more comfortable to ride in tight and technical terrain, as you’ll have a lower center of gravity and better control.
Using a lowering link
Using a lowering link to lower your dirt bike seat height may be an easy bolt-on mod that will give your bike a lowered riding position without degrading your safety. While it can change the front end rake angle and change the suspension pre-load, lowering links will not negatively affect the bike’s handling at lower speeds. A lowering link will lower the seat height by approximately one-half inch, which will be noticeable to even the most casual rider.
A lowering link is one of the more common ways to lower the seat height on a dirt bike. While it costs more than raising the rear-end, it is a better alternative than increasing sag and backing off the shock spring preload. Lowering your bike by a half-inch to one-and-a-half inches is not going to negatively impact the suspension’s performance.
Another method of lowering a dirt bike seat height is by welding a lowering link to the subframe. While the process is easy, it has some risks. If you’re not comfortable with the result, it could end up causing a crash. Another problem with this method is that the seat may slope backwards. The sloped back seat may cause the seat to bottom out on the fender, and you might not be able to reach it with the armpump.
Another way to lower a dirt bike seat is to raise the front fork tubes. While this is not necessary to improve the riding position, it may improve the comfort of the rider. Lowering the seat height can also help a rider learn to ride faster. A low seat height will make learning to ride more efficient. However, it is important to use a lowering link that is adjustable.
While lowering a dirt bike seat height can be a DIY job, it is best to consult a mechanic before attempting it. Lowering a dirt bike’s seat height can improve balance, lower the center of gravity, and help riders maneuver through ruts and other terrain. Additionally, the lower seat height increases the stiffness of the rear suspension, which improves handling and control through whoops. Regardless of how you lower a dirt bike’s seat height, it will definitely make your ride more comfortable and safer.
Adjusting the seat height of a dirt bike
Adjusting the seat height of a dirt motorcycle is a tricky process. Different people’s bodies are disproportional, making it nearly impossible to get the right seat height. As a rule of thumb, the seat height of a 5’10” man should be around 35 inches high, while the same person with small legs would need a seat height of 39 inches or more. So, when it comes to seat adjustments, it’s best to consider both your height and your riding position to ensure a proper fit.
One option for lowering the seat height of a dirt bike is to drill holes in the seat pad. While this will give you instant results, you may end up compromising the comfort. Another option is to raise the forks by a few millimeters. This will lower the seat height by a few inches, but you might have to sacrifice steering performance. If you don’t want to deal with this issue, you can always replace the seat.
You can also modify the seat height of your dirt bike by making it shorter or longer. Some seats have lowered seat bases, so you can adjust their seat height to make it more comfortable. Other options include replacing the foam with a finer coating. Taking the foam off is not as convenient, but it will do the trick. Just remember to practice good balance and adjusting the seat height as necessary to prevent injury.
Another option is replacing the seat foam. A softer and newer foam will lower the seat height of a dirt bike. You can also lower the seat height by drilling a few holes in the seat’s foam. These holes will cause the seat to sink, allowing you to sit lower while maintaining comfort. You can also heat the seat cover to help it stretch out. If you’re worried about breaking the seat, you can use a heat gun to soften the foam.
Remember to check the saddle height when you’re purchasing a dirt bike. Many new riders start riding in a stance that puts them in a cramped position. If this is the case, you’ll be in a worse position to fall and will be more likely to sustain a foot injury. In fact, 65% of all broken bones on dirt bikes are below the waist! Make sure the seat height is right for your riding style and comfort.