Convert Low to Standard Height?

[Lousgoose]

First post here.  I am about to pull the trigger on an ‘18 XR with low, factory installed suspension (has dynamic ESA).  I have a 31” inseam and I’m not too worried about the low not fitting me but just shites and giggles, what all is involved in converting back to standard height and are there good arguments even for keeping it at low even (handling? Cg? Etc.)?  Any input much appreciated.  I don’t think the fellow I’m buying it from has the standard shock nor fork internals which I think(?) might be the parts needed to get it back to standard if I so desired? 

[Antares]

Originally Posted by Lousgoose

First post here.  I am about to pull the trigger on an ‘18 XR with low, factory installed suspension (has dynamic ESA).  I have a 31” inseam and I’m not too worried about the low not fitting me but just shites and giggles, what all is involved in converting back to standard height and are there good arguments even for keeping it at low even (handling? Cg? Etc.)?  Any input much appreciated.  I don’t think the fellow I’m buying it from has the standard shock nor fork internals which I think(?) might be the parts needed to get it back to standard if I so desired?

Factory lowered has completely different suspension components, externally they are similar but factory lowered XR only has 120mm travel in the rear and 130mm in the front as opposed to 140/150mm for the stock. Different linkage in the rear too.

As far as handling is concerned some people say it has benefits on the track but I don't feel like the standard height XR is a slouch at all, and it's much easier to convert to a low riding bike since making a standard height into a lowered all is required is a lowering link and dropping the forks.

I don't think there is terribly much on the table either way but i prefer having more travel, even if it's a bit on the tall side.

My take on it anyway, besides the XR was originally balanced around being full height, so lowering is always a compromise of handling somewhere, even if done by factory.

[mjojom]

I heard quite a few people with lowered XRs hitting the bottom of the catalisator/silencer on bumps, maybe something to think of if you are above a certain weight?

[wessie]

Originally Posted by mjojom

I heard quite a few people with lowered XRs hitting the bottom of the catalisator/silencer on bumps, maybe something to think of if you are above a certain weight?

not happened for me and I am 100kg. I do keep the bike in dynamic suspension and higher preload

as for swapping out from low to regular, my suggestion is ride it. You might like it. I have a 31" inseam as well but only 5'8" overall. I recently rode a new, standard XR when my bike had a routine service. I was glad to get back on my bike. I can ride the standard bike fine but life is so much easier if you are certain you can get a full foot down on either side. Especially if you do like I did in September and ride in the Spanish hills where you find bovine chicanes half way around a steep bend and need to stop on a steep camber.

[Mareng1]

Originally Posted by mjojom

I heard quite a few people with lowered XRs hitting the bottom of the catalisator/silencer on bumps, maybe something to think of if you are above a certain weight?

I think that if you are the weight of one-and-a-half people- that you should set the suspension to “1+luggage”. 

[Antares]

Originally Posted by Mareng1

I think that if you are the weight of one-and-a-half people- that you should set the suspension to “1+luggage”.

1 and a half people by BMW definition is 90 kg lol. I'm 105 with gear + usual stuff i carry and 1 + luggage is just about right for me.

Not sure what sort of person the 1 person setting is really for, considering you have to be about 6ft to handle the full height XR comfortably

[luciano136]

I actually bought a low suspension model 16 without knowing LOL  I was like, man, this bike feels lower than I remember?!  I just found out today it's the factory low model. 

I've been trying to find any downsides online but haven't seen any so far?  Are there any documented differences in handling, ride quality, etc.?

[Sailorbiker9]

Hi, I tested a factory lowered bike before buying the full height one. I didn't know that's what I'd be testing!
I really liked the ride and would describe it as a much sportier feel than the full height and much easier to manually handle.
If I wasn't 6'1 I'd have probably gone for it.

[RyanGTXR]

Originally Posted by Sailorbiker9

Hi, I tested a factory lowered bike before buying the full height one. I didn't know that's what I'd be testing!
I really liked the ride and would describe it as a much sportier feel than the full height and much easier to manually handle.
If I wasn't 6'1 I'd have probably gone for it.

Being 6'1 would make no difference when riding if std or HP seat fitted, would just have very slightly more bend at knees when stopped. With std seat, seat/bar/peg ergo's are exactly the same.

I have an aftermarket lowered bike, my mate has factory low, only difference is factory low suspension is bit stiffer due to having to do the same job but with less travel. For sportiness that is better, for comfort longer travel suspension is better

[luciano136]

Yea, I was about to say, the ride feels harsher than what I remember when riding one a few years ago.  Then again, maybe it's not fully broken in yet; this bike only has 2k mi!  The 16 I rode few years ago had 15k mi with standard height suspension.