Lowering a Suzuki DR650: A Comprehensive Guide

The Suzuki DR650 is a beloved dual-sport motorcycle, renowned for its ruggedness, simplicity, and versatility. However, for riders with shorter inseams, the stock seat height can be a significant barrier to confidence and enjoyment, particularly off-road. Fortunately, lowering a DR650 is a common modification, and this guide will delve into the various methods, their implications, and what you need to consider before proceeding.

Why Lower a DR650?

The primary reason riders opt to lower their DR650 is to improve ground clearance and make it easier to manage at low speeds and when stationary. A lower seat height allows riders to place both feet flat on the ground, increasing stability and confidence, especially in challenging terrain or when navigating parking lots. This can be crucial for new riders or those who are not particularly tall.

Methods for Lowering a Suzuki DR650

There are several ways to reduce the seat height of a DR650. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, affecting the bike's handling, suspension performance, and complexity of installation.

1. Lowering Links (Rear Suspension)

This is arguably the most common and straightforward method for lowering the rear of the DR650. Lowering links replace the stock dogbone linkage in the rear suspension. These aftermarket links are typically shorter than the stock ones, which effectively pivots the swingarm down, reducing the overall ride height.

How it Works:

By altering the leverage ratio of the suspension, shorter links cause the rear of the bike to sit lower. The amount of lowering is determined by the length of the aftermarket links. You can often choose from various lengths to achieve a specific drop, commonly ranging from 1 to 3 inches.

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive: Lowering links are generally an affordable modification.
• Easy installation: The process typically involves removing the old linkage and installing the new one.
• Adjustable drop: Many kits offer different link lengths, allowing for a customised reduction in height.

Cons:

• Reduced ground clearance: While you're lowering the bike, you're also lowering the rear suspension's ability to absorb bumps, potentially leading to bottoming out on rough terrain.
• Altered suspension geometry: Lowering the rear can affect the bike's handling characteristics, potentially making it feel less stable or prone to headshake. The steering can become quicker.
• Requires front end adjustment: To maintain proper geometry and handling, it's often recommended to also lower the front forks by sliding them up in the triple clamps.

2. Fork Internals and Modifications (Front Suspension)

To complement rear-lowering links and maintain proper bike geometry, the front forks often need adjustment. This can be achieved in a couple of ways:

a) Sliding Forks Up in Triple Clamps:

This is the simplest way to lower the front end. By loosening the pinch bolts on the triple clamps, you can slide the fork tubes upwards. This effectively shortens the perceived length of the forks, lowering the front of the bike.

How it Works:

This method changes the fork height relative to the steering head. A common adjustment is to slide the forks up by 10-20mm.

Pros:

• Free or very low cost: Requires no special parts, just a bit of mechanical knowledge.
• Quick adjustment: Can be done relatively quickly.

Cons:

• Limited lowering: You can only lower the front so much before the handlebars become uncomfortably low or the forks bottom out easily.
• Affects steering geometry: Sliding the forks up too much can make the steering very quick and potentially unstable.

b) Shorter Fork Springs or Internals:

For a more significant or permanent front-end lowering, you can opt for shorter fork springs or internal components designed to reduce the fork's overall travel and static length. This often involves disassembling the forks.

How it Works:

Specialised internal components or shorter springs can be fitted to reduce the fork's extended length. This is a more involved process than simply sliding the forks.

Pros:

• More precise lowering: Allows for more accurate and significant lowering of the front end.
• Can be combined with suspension upgrades: Often done in conjunction with revalving or upgrading fork internals for improved performance.

Cons:

• More complex installation: Requires complete fork disassembly, which demands more mechanical skill and specialised tools.
• More expensive: Involves purchasing specific internal components.
• Reduced suspension travel: Shortening the forks inherently reduces their travel, which can negatively impact ride quality and off-road capability.

3. Aftermarket Lowering Seats

A simpler, non-permanent solution is to purchase an aftermarket seat that is specifically designed to be lower than the stock seat. These seats often have a reshaped foam profile to provide a lower seating position without significantly altering the bike's suspension geometry.

Pros:

• Very easy to install: Simply swap the stock seat for the aftermarket one.
• No impact on suspension: Preserves the bike's original handling and suspension performance.
• Comfortable: Many aftermarket seats are also designed for improved comfort.

Cons:

• Limited lowering: The amount of height reduction is usually modest, typically around 1-2 inches.
• Cost: Aftermarket seats can be relatively expensive.

4. Custom Suspension Work

For the most tailored solution, you can have your existing suspension components modified by a professional suspension tuner. This could involve shortening the shock body, installing shorter springs, or reconfiguring the internal valving to achieve a lower ride height while optimising performance.

Pros:

• Optimised performance: A professional can ensure that the lowering doesn't compromise the suspension's ability to absorb impacts.
• Tailored to your needs: The lowering can be precisely matched to your weight and riding style.

Cons:

• Most expensive option: Professional suspension work is typically the most costly.
• Requires specialist knowledge: You'll need to find a reputable suspension tuner.

Considerations Before Lowering

Lowering a motorcycle isn't just about getting your feet closer to the ground. It has significant implications for the bike's overall performance and handling. It's crucial to weigh these factors:

1. Suspension Geometry and Handling

As mentioned, altering the ride height changes the bike's suspension geometry. Lowering the rear more than the front, or vice versa, can lead to undesirable handling characteristics. A common recommendation is to lower both ends by a similar amount to maintain a balanced stance. Failing to do so can result in:

• Quicker steering: The bike may feel twitchy and less stable at speed.
• Increased risk of headshake: Especially under acceleration or braking.
• Reduced ground clearance: Not just for the chassis, but also for the exhaust and engine cases, making off-road riding more prone to damage.
• Bottoming out: The suspension may not be able to cope with bumps, leading to jarring impacts.

2. Suspension Travel and Performance

Lowering a motorcycle inevitably reduces its suspension travel. The DR650 is designed with a good amount of travel for its dual-sport purpose. Reducing this travel can:

• Compromise off-road ability: The bike will be less capable of handling rough terrain and large impacts.
• Lead to a harsher ride: The suspension may feel stiff and less forgiving.
• Increase the likelihood of bottoming out: Even on relatively small bumps.

3. Kickstand Angle

When you lower a bike, the angle at which it sits on its kickstand changes. The kickstand may become too long, causing the bike to lean over excessively, which can be unstable. You might need to shorten or modify the kickstand to compensate for the lowered stance.

4. Center Stand (if applicable)

If your DR650 is equipped with a centre stand, this will also need to be addressed. A lowered bike may not sit securely on its original centre stand, or the stand may become too long and drag on the ground.

5. Headlight Aim

Lowering the front of the bike can cause the headlight beam to point downwards more than intended. You may need to adjust the headlight aim to ensure proper illumination of the road ahead.

6. Passenger Comfort

If you frequently ride with a passenger, be aware that lowering the bike will also lower the passenger seat. This can make it more difficult for a passenger to mount and dismount, and it may also affect their comfort on longer rides.

The "Better Rider" Philosophy

As highlighted in the initial query, there's a valid argument to be made for developing riding skills rather than modifying the bike. Learning techniques such as:

• Proper balance and clutch control: To manage the bike at very low speeds.
• Looking through turns: To improve cornering.
• One-foot vs. two-foot technique: For off-road riding, mastering the ability to balance the bike on one foot when stopped is a skill that can be learned, as suggested by the mention of off-road riding classes.

An off-road riding course can be an excellent investment, teaching you how to handle your bike more effectively in various situations, potentially negating the perceived need for lowering.

Common Lowering Amounts and Combinations

Most riders aim to lower their DR650 by 1 to 2 inches. A common approach to achieve this involves:

• 1-2 inch lowering links for the rear.
• Sliding the forks up in the triple clamps by 10-20mm to match the rear drop.

This combination generally provides a noticeable reduction in seat height while minimising the negative impacts on handling, provided the adjustments are made carefully.

Table: Lowering Methods Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I just lower the rear of my DR650?

A1: You can, but it's generally not recommended as it will significantly alter the bike's handling, making it feel unstable. It's best to lower both the front and rear by a similar amount.

Q2: How much can I lower my DR650 without major issues?

A2: Lowering by 1-2 inches is usually manageable. Exceeding this can lead to more pronounced negative effects on suspension performance and handling.

Q3: Do I need to change my kickstand after lowering?

A3: Yes, if you lower the bike by more than about an inch, your stock kickstand will likely be too long, and you'll need to shorten or replace it.

Q4: Will lowering affect my off-road capability?

A4: Yes, significantly. Reducing suspension travel and ground clearance will make the bike less capable of handling rough terrain and impacts.

Q5: Is it better to lower the bike or take a riding class?

A5: This is a personal choice. For some, lowering is essential for confidence. For others, developing riding skills can overcome the height issue. Many find a combination of both offers the best solution.

Conclusion

Lowering a Suzuki DR650 is a viable modification for riders seeking a more accessible seat height. Whether you choose lowering links, fork adjustments, or a combination, it's essential to understand the trade-offs involved, particularly concerning suspension performance and handling dynamics. Always aim to maintain a balanced geometry between the front and rear, and consider the impact on ground clearance and overall rideability. For some, investing in riding skills might be a more beneficial alternative, but for those who need or desire a lower seat, the methods are readily available to tailor the DR650 to their needs.