Are there any advantages/disadvantages to lowering your bike? Aside from the obvious reasons for shorter riders, are there any pros/cons to doing this? Will it affect the way the bike handles?

 

Motorcycle physics Rule #1: Any time you change the geometry of the bike, it will affect handling.
That's not to say it's all bad. If you are a shorter rider, it can make life a bit easier. I would definitely avoid extreme changes. These clowns who slam their bikes (kinda like pickup trucks) create serious stressors on chassis and suspension parts. It may look and handle cool in a straight line, but forget the corners.

 

Yup, you greatly reduce ground clearance, which, on a bike is very important. But it can be done for shorter riders. Still cuts into ground clearance, but the upside is they can reach the ground

 

All depends on how you ride the bike and what makes you comfy on that ride. Normally just setting up the sag is enough for most riders to get comfy.

 

i had a 2002 honda cbr 600f4i that i lowered and imo it was the worst thing i could have done it looked cool but handled like poop sold it shortly after to a short girl who loves it but isnt into hitting the turns hard

 

Ground clearance is the leasty of it.

In general, lowering the front steepens the rake and reduces trail. That makes the steering sharper, so you can stuff into corners quicker. Downside is that the steering may become unstable, especially under braking, and the front wheel can become more prone to locking and dumping the rider. Lowering the rear makes the steering sluggish andthe bike becomes less agile.

Lowering both equally maintains the geometry, but may reduce the range of suspension movement as well as the ground clearance. Reduced ground clearance means a reduced angle of lean is available.

Unless you're a dwarf there's no need to lower any road bike if you have proper riding skills. There's no need at all to be able to put both feet on the ground.

Sag should be set to optimise the range of suspension movement - about 1" under the weight of rider and any pillion and luggage. It should not be used to alter the ride height as this compromises the range of suspension movement and can lead to the shock bottoming or topping out. For the same reason, it shouldn't be used to compensate for incorrect spring rates.

Rob

 

Well I think you guys have answered my question, I will say no to lowering! Thanks everyone!

 

correct on the 29-32mm rear sag reference. But the correct sag cannot be set if the spring is the wrong poundage, and the wrong kg in the front springs.

Since you are not a straight line runner, I agree with your thinking.

edit: google on how to set your sag, alot of info out there.

 

I don't think apart from these there is any advantages or disadvantages.