Hi,
I just though I'd post my experience of lowering my ST1300 while replacing the rear shock.
Overall seat height was reduced by 35mm (1.4"). I haven't found any issues with handling. But, one big thing nobody mentioned anywhere on the posts here (or at least I did not spot it) is that the bike is much harder to put onto the centre stand. In fact I could not do it. But, I came up with a solution. On the plus side, being small, I have much better control when coming to a stop and putting my feet down. I can also push it backwards with much more ease now.
Many of the posts talk about removing the tank, removing the battery, etc. I managed to do it without removing these. I don't have any experience working on bikes and up to now have left it to mechanics. It was actually quite easy to do. It can be done by one person, but a helping hand was good. Really just need somebody to hold a spanner now and again. So, even a young child could help.
Only a few spanners, sockets and allen keys are needed. Something to push the swing arm up is a big help too. I don't have a torque wrench, unfortunately.
I tried to attach a pdf file, but the website said invalid file. Here is a link to it.
If anybody knows how to post it here, please, do so.
I hope it helps.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I have handlebar risers which allowed clearance for easy lowering of the front.
I just though I'd post my experience of lowering my ST1300 while replacing the rear shock.
Overall seat height was reduced by 35mm (1.4"). I haven't found any issues with handling. But, one big thing nobody mentioned anywhere on the posts here (or at least I did not spot it) is that the bike is much harder to put onto the centre stand. In fact I could not do it. But, I came up with a solution. On the plus side, being small, I have much better control when coming to a stop and putting my feet down. I can also push it backwards with much more ease now.
Many of the posts talk about removing the tank, removing the battery, etc. I managed to do it without removing these. I don't have any experience working on bikes and up to now have left it to mechanics. It was actually quite easy to do. It can be done by one person, but a helping hand was good. Really just need somebody to hold a spanner now and again. So, even a young child could help.
Only a few spanners, sockets and allen keys are needed. Something to push the swing arm up is a big help too. I don't have a torque wrench, unfortunately.
I tried to attach a pdf file, but the website said invalid file. Here is a link to it.
If anybody knows how to post it here, please, do so.
I hope it helps.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I have handlebar risers which allowed clearance for easy lowering of the front.
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