650 Transalp Lowering Links - where ? Anyone bought ?

[jackafrica]

Got a case of short leg syndrome - heard ( on this forum ) that there were lowering links available, somewhere in Germany........
Are they available to suit the post 2000 650 Transalps ? More specifically a 2003 model.
Which links are they ?
Are they shorter or longer than stock ?
Does anyone have measurements so I could have them machined up by a local engineers here in Oz ? This is the easiest prefered option for me if there is someone who can help with the measurement.

If I'm able to achieve lowering the rear of the bike by 25 to 50mm, with a corresponding lowering of the front ( by raising the fork tubes in the triple trees ), is there another handling characteristic that might be affected positively/adversely ? Front guard clearance to lower triple tree. Sidestand need to be shortened ?

Ground clearance is not an issue for me, no offroading. Gravel roads with maybe the odd bit of sand, but mainly tar riding on roads less travelled and travelling to town ( which is a great ride ).


Thanks in advance.

[wheeliebin]

Honda's lower seat would be the best option (read somewhere it is only about £40 UK, seems too cheap to be true).
Altering linkages can make more problems, if it's too low, chain tension would be critical (chain jumping off the sprockets). You've already mentioned front end clearance and the problems that might cause.
If Honda's seat does work out expensive, there's always the option of cutting down the original seat.

[jackafrica]

I've tried to get a hold of this seat in Oz, so far no joy.
Hence my turning to the suspension fraught with unknown cost/consequences.
But a seat at 40 squids, sounds worthy.
I wonder if it is the same as the stock seat with say 25mm padding missing ? If that's the case, the light is barely worth the candle, as I've found the stock seat to be very soft, bottoming out after a couple of hours.
Less padding on soft seat = sore arse sooner.
Any thoughts ?

[wheeliebin]

FATJOHN ? you have one don't you (lower seat option)

[jackafrica]

Found one advertised at David Silver Spares, 40 quid if you're prepared to wait a few weeks.
Bummer is that to send to Oz costs more than the seat itself.
Let's hear from you Fat John as to its effectiveness and comfort, please.

[Fatjohn]

Morning gents,

My opinion on the lowered seat is that it's actually more comfortable than the stock one. I know, I know - sounds bizarre and it could just be down to me having a weird arse, but that's my impression. All I know is that on long trips it now seems to take a good bit longer for the pain to start and when it does, it's not as severe.

Honda claim it to be 30mm lower than the stock, which to me seems a little generous, but whatever the actual difference in height it is a lot more confidence inspiring if your short in the leg.

I didn't really have much of a problem with the stock seat (31" inside leg) and bought the lower one on the basis that at that price it would be nice to get my foot flat on the floor. However, my dad (29" inside leg) really notices the difference - when he used to steal my 'Alp he found junctions and the like a bit nervewracking (especially with a camber!), but now he feels totally comfortable on the bike, so much so that I think he could be tempted to get one himself!!

Hope this answers your questions! Sorry if it was a bit long winded :)

[jackafrica]

Well loks like one of those seats is off the menu. contacted David Silver Spares and they advised me posting a seat would cost 77 quid to send to Australia, close to twice the cost of a friggin' seat :(

So it is back to the links lowering caper, if there is anyone who has the info available.

The lower seat would've been a cheap shout........

[jackafrica]

After some farnarckling, I've managed to order the low seat here in Oz, three weeks wait for delivery, but who cares, anything is worth a try.
Thanks to Fatjohn for trying to see if there was a cheap way to send to Oz from Eire. Postage overseas is exxy, way too exxy.