Metisse lowering kit

[dako81]

I measured the height of the center of the brightness band just in front of the bike and then the center of the brightness band on the back of the garage at about 23 feet in front of the bike. The center of the brightest band was about 8 inches higher than just in front of the bike. I adjusted the headlights so that the center of the band is at the same height as just in front of the bike, when I am sitting on the bike. Apparently, plus or minus 4 inches is acceptable, but not 8.

Thanks for the heads up on that. It's 2 AM, I just got back from a night ride and I think I have them adjusted perfectly now.

I did notice that when I sit on the bike, the headlight shines about 5 inches higher on the back wall compared to when I am not sitting on the bike. I made the adjustment to level with me sitting on the bike.

Sounds like you're all set to go! :thumbup:

Glad the whole kit and everything works well for you. I figured I'd mention the headlight since often times people overlook the small things.

 

[Dubbington]

How tall are you? Did you lower the forks and by how much?

Whats the overall verdict?

I wonder if cutting the original is a good idea or just making one.

 

[FattyLumpkin]

How tall are you? Did you lower the forks and by how much?

Whats the overall verdict?

I wonder if cutting the original is a good idea or just making one.

I am 5' 8". I found that I can actually now stand flat footed in tennis shoes if I scoot all the way to the gas tank. Sitting back in a normal riding position, I get both feet firmly on the ground but not my heels.

As of yet, I have not lowered the front of the bike. A previous post asked if the directions for lowering the front are included with the Metisse kit. The answer is no, but I think that I could figure it out. Right now, I am happy with the height and position of the bike. The ride is comfortable and the handling seems unchanged.

Overall, I think that the part is overpriced. It's probably still cheaper than buying a custom shock, but I think they should sell it based on what you actually get for your money.

 

[andyparsons]

I installed this kit on my wifes 2008 FZ6 It did lower the bike a little it also reccomends moving the fork tubes through the triple clamps 15mm. We also had the seat modified by getting the foam cut down one inch on the top and in on the sides. This can be done and use the same seat cover. My wife went from touching on her toes to just about touching flat foot. As stated in the earlier post the metisse kit is not easy to install. I purchased a new bearing for the link.

Total cost in Canada was $205.00 for the link 30.00 for the bearing and seals $30.00 to get link installed on the shock. I also paid 100.00 to get the seat cut down. Total cost about $365.00 so far.

I own a 2006 FZ1, I drove the FZ6 with the link and forks lowered the bike does feel lower but handles fine up to 150km. I purchased a steering damper for the bike as my friendly nieghbourhood bike shop suggested given the modifications to the front and rear end. A small price to pay for some comfort when your spouse is driving at highway speeds.

Overall the seat modification was the biggest bang with the lowest buck.

 

[Pyro]

Does anybody have the dimensions of this shorter link? Is it made of aluminum? My friend recently bought a CNC mill and this sounds like it would be ridiculously easy to make, and cost about $5.

 

[billm]

Here ya go.
I was gonna take the end piece off & cut it down, extend the threads by 3/8" & re-install, but I couldn't get the spring compressed to take it off - so I just put it back together! Crap!

 

[thealiasofMarc]

For that amount of money you could have upgraded your shock spring to one of these HyperPro (30mm lower) rising rate springs (AND had it powdercoated a less hideous color... I don't know why they make them that color at all )

That's my plan anyway, whenever I get around to it.. I can reach the ground just fine, I just want to lower the CG. Check out this post http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-mods/9754-lowering-fz.html for links to do with a lowered seat as well.

 

[hot4teach]

Here ya go.
I was gonna take the end piece off & cut it down, extend the threads by 3/8" & re-install, but I couldn't get the spring compressed to take it off - so I just put it back together! Crap!

Did this today. Have to get the spring back on now.

 

[goose2580]

Does anybody have the dimensions of this shorter link? Is it made of aluminum? My friend recently bought a CNC mill and this sounds like it would be ridiculously easy to make, and cost about $5.

so what's the deal your friend going to make a few bucks off us height challenged people or what? :don'tknow:

 

[Devilll]

hi

did anybody shorten the original holder???

if did, how much??? for about 10 millimeters????


i`m a little too short for this bike too....


thanks

 

[Susan]

I just ordered one of these links. The lady at WHA said it'd take four weeks, as it's coming from Germany.

When it arrives, I'm going to do my best to install it myself under the direct supervision of a motorcycle mechanic. We both know it'll take twice as long that way, but he understands how very particular I am about my bike. And he's my husband, so he kind of has to just deal with it. :BLAA:

 

[SANGER_A2]

I just ordered one of these links. The lady at WHA said it'd take four weeks, as it's coming from Germany.

When it arrives, I'm going to do my best to install it myself under the direct supervision of a motorcycle mechanic. We both know it'll take twice as long that way, but he understands how very particular I am about my bike. And he's my husband, so he kind of has to just deal with it. :BLAA:

Hardest bit is getting the bush out of the suspension arm. It welds itself in. Needs lots of heat, good vice-grips and leverage. Then you need specialist equipment to get the spring off. Good luck. I spent ages messing to get my bush out and then put the bike together, took it to a garage and it took three of them about half an hour to get it off and change the spring (I ordered the Hyperpro lowering springs instead - details in my site link in my signature below).

 

[Susan]

Hardest bit is getting the bush out of the suspension arm. It welds itself in. Needs lots of heat, good vice-grips and leverage. Then you need specialist equipment to get the spring off. Good luck. I spent ages messing to get my bush out and then put the bike together, took it to a garage and it took three of them about half an hour to get it off and change the spring (I ordered the Hyperpro lowering springs instead - details in my site link in my signature below).

Thanks. I'll check that out. I've read a bunch of reports of what a PITA this mod can be. Hopefully, because I'll be starting in an actual bike garage with the appropriate tools, I'll have a bit of an advantage over it being just me in the driveway, crying because my bike's apart. Not that that's what you were doing, but it could well happen to me. If it comes right down to it, I'll let dh add his muscle to the job.

Off to check out your site.

 

[SANGER_A2]

...crying because my bike's apart. Not that that's what you were doing...

Pretty close only more swearing and anger that I had to waste time putting it back together to ride to the garage and waste money. Forks were easy though - don't forget to just loosen the bolts and drop one at a time though!

 

[Susan]

Pretty close only more swearing and anger that I had to waste time putting it back together to ride to the garage and waste money. Forks were easy though - don't forget to just loosen the bolts and drop one at a time though!

Have you considered marrying a mechanic who has his own shop? :thumbup:

 

[SANGER_A2]

Have you considered marrying a mechanic who has his own shop? :thumbup:

I married a chemist. If I ever need weedkiller I'm sorted. Unfortunately she's not much use apart from that!

 

[Susan]

I married a chemist. If I ever need weedkiller I'm sorted.

:cheer:

Unfortunately she's not much use apart from that!

:spank:She probably also knows several ways to poison someone without anyone suspecting how it was done.

I'll start a thread and post some pictures of how the installation goes for me. Getting pretty stoked about having that extra inch for gravel, potholes, and slanted surfaces. In four to six weeks . . .

 

[SANGER_A2]

:cheer:


:spank:She probably also knows several ways to poison someone without anyone suspecting how it was done.

I'll start a thread and post some pictures of how the installation goes for me. Getting pretty stoked about having that extra inch for gravel, potholes, and slanted surfaces. In four to six weeks . . .

Seat shaving is definitely worth it too. Makes it more comfy if you take your time as well as lower.

 

[Susan]

Seat shaving is definitely worth it too. Makes it more comfy if you take your time as well as lower.

I reeeeally want to do that. I'm keeping my eye out for a used seat so I won't be stuck without a seat if I mess it up too much. Or maybe I'll do it this winter so I have time to order a new one if I need to. I've read the threads on how to do it, and in my head, I know I can do a great job. However, sometimes in real life my confidence in that kind of thing overshoots what my hands are actually capable of.

 

[Susan]

My link is finally here, woo hoo! (Was more like seven weeks, I think.) Now I have to wait for a new bushing and a bearing and seals to have on hand just in case one needs to be replaced. I decided it would be better to be prepared than to be without my bike for days on end.