I want to get my daughter on a '07 S4R. She stands about 5'6" with a 32-33" inseam. Presently she can stand it up but both heels are off the ground. So I guess I only need about 1 -2" drop. I really don't want to screw with the geometry, she has ridden it several times and is pleased with the handling. I do understand the mechanical part of lowering the bike. But I have several questions. First, has anyone done this for a rider about this same height? Is 2" inches achievable? Do I drop both the front and back the same amount, or is there some formula that dictates a difference in lowering the front and back?  Do I have to make other adjustments if I lower the bike.

Thanks all!!

First let me say I wish I was your daughter, I'd even tuck it in for an s4r. 

The bike can be lowered 2+ inches. Yes you would want to lower the front and back equally.  But even done correctly it will affect handling. Not for the better either.  I lowered mine so much that the rear tire hit under the seat when I went over bumps. I'm going to raise it back to stock height soon.

My suggestion, seeing as she likes the handling as is, is to lower the seat ie have some foam trimmed out or purchase a DP lowered seat. I'm about 5'9, 5'10 on a tall day, I'm pretty sure she'll be more than happy with a lowered seat. Its also the cheapest and easiest to do.

i believe that the only real difference is the seat so if you get a 692/620 seat its lower by about 1 inch in padding so you will get some distance there, and basically if you want to lower the forks and back then you can get that extra 1/2 inch or so and remember she will compress the bike when on it.

i have a 620 and its listed at 30.5 inches, i can't flat foot  but i'm close to it, and your daughter has 3inches more of inseam than me. so just get her the lower seat and be done with it, the xtra inch for flat footing it/tradeoff of handling may not be worth  it.

good luck.

i am 5'6 with 32inch inseam as well. I have can have 1/2 of my foot on the ground when it was stock. I ended up cutting almost 1.5inchs of foam and threw in a gel pad MUCH better (for seating and height) and ive lowred the front end about 10mm. Not sure what the clearences are on the S4R as far as the radiator goes, but anything more than 10mm, and my wheel would knock my oil cooler off if i ever bottomed out.

I should also note that droping the front end should be done in small 2-3mm increments. i started with 5mm and the turn in was noticably quicker and went from 5 to 7 to 10mm. I havent really tested the 10mm yet. if you lower the rear in conjunction with the front, it should even things out, but the bikes Cetner of gravity would be lower and i believe that means its also less willing to turn.

A good bit of the lowering can happen by springing the bike correctly for her weight.
How much does she weigh?

Do be careful dropping the front by sliding the forks up in the triples.
Not sure about radiator clearance on an '07 S4R, but my S4 at stock settings on the fork position rubbed the fender on the radiator when the forks were fully compressed.

You didn't metion how much she weighs, no I'm not getting personal    I'm 5'6 w/ 32 inseam @ 160lbs and ride a S4R stock without issues.  Just because one cannot plant both feet flat on ground doesn't means it too high.   I just tip it over a bit when standing, no problem.  On the otherhand if she weighs something like 140 and not very athletic. It may be a bit a bit much and should probably cut the seat down..  This is probably none of my business but an S4R is a lot of bike.  Especially for a beginner if she is one. 

You are much better off cutting the seat. RobS4R (who is around your daughter's height) had a custom corbin seat made.

That said, my gf, who is 5'4", can ride my S4R just fine, so it may just be an experience issue.


Has she ridden much?

Thanks all!

I had her sit on the bike again and she is about 1/2" off the ground at her heels. The balls of both feet are firmly on the ground. She has no problem riding, she is uncomfortable standing for any length of time. I think the seat suggestion is the easiest for me. If a 620 seat is interchangable and lower by an inch it would be an easy fix.

Thanks again.

If all else fails

Short Rider FAQ

Tutorial on how to shave a stock seat

get the preload set for her weight.

then get taller boots.

Best not lower the front more than 1/2" for clearance at full  braking.

Drop the seat 1" as said.  The bike really wants the rear increased 1" to turn in well and finish the turn.

LA