Lowered track bike

[DnPHX]

Just bought an 2018 S1000XR and I’d like to try it at the track. New to track days and new to the XR. I’d like to lower the bike as I am 5’8” (172) if it will not degrade the suspension. In the past I’ve been comfortable on tall bikes so it’s not paramount but it would be nice. Should I lower it? By what method? ( lowering link or Hyperpro spring, other method) What are track guys recommendations for tyre’s, suspension set up, and anything else. As for track experience. I’ve done 2- 2day California Super-bike courses...so not much experience.

[Warree]

I find I have to keep the XR relatively up and body/knee in/down properly or risk scraping the foot peg. That may be worse if lowered 

[bazzer]

Genuinely interested, but why did you choose an XR for trackdays?

I run a Triumph 765RS on track converted with clipons and Daytona fairings etc.

[DnPHX]

Using exclusively for track days is not totally accurate. I have a K1600 for long distance touring and wanted something for local 1 day type trips and to dip my toe into riding at the track. Also I have had a knee replacement and a “real” track bike is very uncomfortable after a short time. I reworded to post as to be more accurate

[bazzer]

I run higher clipons , on the triumph as my hips are not as flexible as they used to be, so I understand :)

I would really love to do a few laps around a track on mine, I am tempted to do a day on it :-)

[wascallyrabbit]

when mine had the lowered suspension I would drag foot pegs pretty easily. spent quite a bit of time working on body and foot position.
raised the suspension and wasn't dragging pegs so went faster and can now drag the occasional peg which is a reminder to fix my body position.
given a option I would leave the suspension at full height for the track.

tires and be any super sport tire you want. I've used Dunlop Q3+, Roadsmart 3, Michelin Road 5, Power RS and Power 5. My favorite so far is the Power 5. I've ridden the Q4 which is great but haven't tried it on the XR yet.

Being new to the track means you're probably be in C group (novice) so pretty much any street tire will be fine. When I had the ESA I ran it dynamic  pro and dynamic on the track. Since you're in AZ you might look into YCRS as the teach at Indie Motorsports Ranch in AZ. Think it's near Wilcox.

[DnPHX]

Thanks for the info. Is there a way to raise the peg heigh?  I’ve looked and all I can find is lowering options. I will definitely look at YCRS.  They will be at the local track in March.

[wascallyrabbit]

I was able to raise the pegs by using after market pegs. I used a Gilles tooling mount/adapter(RGK-670), a 20mm extension (they make longer ones as well) and CCS foot pegs. I bought my pegs and RGK tuning joints from CCS. Gilles also sells the kit part #RGK-670-UF23-SET-B its not listed to fit the XR but according to REALOEM the pegs are the same on the XR and the 1200 GS there for the kits should work. Did for me anyways. You'll have to look up the extensions part numbers.