Lowering a F650 Funduro

[Bossies]

I have searched high and lower for DETAIL on lowering the F650 and you will be very surpised how many contradictory comments are made...yes even on www.f650.com.

Hopefully by starting this thread the HU wealth of knowledge will be able to produce a definitive response to the questions of how to lower a F650 Funduro which will set the standard for all other sites around the world that try and explain how to lower the bike.

Through my "studies" and searches I have determined the following options (are they correct)?

1. You can get a lowering kit from BMW; but they insist that they must fit it themselves and will not sell it over the counter. This goes for about £350 excl labour. This kit comprises longer links, shorter side stand, shorter centre stand, monoshock "spring restrictor clamps/block".

2. Slide the front forks up through the yoke by about 2" or as required. This to be done only when lowering the back end as it will greatly quicken your steering.

3. BMW sell a special lowered seat for the Funduro (£130 from www.motorworks.co.uk)

Questions:

1. Where can I get a new or used lowering kit for the F650 over the counter so that I can fit it(in the UK preferrably). I know that Kouba does the 1" and 2" link but where can I get the spring clamps (are they really necessary?)

2. Can I simply replace the monoshock with a shorter one? I asked this elsewhere: Is the Strada shock shorter than the Funduro and can it be fitted to the Funduro

3. The lower seat: is it simply the standard seat with cut out foam/gel pads or is the seat base structure different? If not then I will simply send my seat off to have it cut down and gel padded.


[This message has been edited by Bossies (edited 08 November 2005).]

[captcoon]

I have a lowering kit for the F650 Funduro. $100 plus shipping.

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[Bossies]

Thanks for the offer Cap but I bought one direct from Kouba. Expecting delivery this week some time...wooohooo!!!

Bought a 2nd hand strada sidestand from www.motorworks.co.uk. Very helpful bunch of blokes.

Now to top up the forks with thicker oil, drop the forks and cut the seat.

[Bossies]

Seat height when I got the bike: 835mm
Seat height after fitting kouba links, slipping the forks and cutting the seat: 740mm

And there is still a fair bit of ground clearance althoguh two up hard riding the back shock does bottom out on hard bumps every now and again allowing the wheel to run against the mud guard.

[jdevers]

whats the big benefit of lowing the F650? Im looking at one this weekend which is for sale and its already been lowered. Im guessing its better for the road, and not so good for the dirt, which is fine by me. Im a fairly tall bloke though so im questioning whether this is a good thing for my comfort levels.

I'll have to ride it this weekend and see how it feels. I will definitely check out other rear mud guard and see if there is any severe scraping.

[Tony Robson]

Hiya

A great source of knowledge all that.. but just a quick question for you folks - I keep hearing about lowering the seat - I need to gai about 1 to 1.5 inches on my wifes F650 - I was wondering WHERE you get these gell inserts from - I have a local guy who can cut and re-fit it all but he only has standard Foam to work with...

I am guessing that if all else fails I can use different densities of foam in layers to get a similar effect - but does anyone know where I can get a gel layer from?

Many thanks, Tony.

[Walkabout]

Don't know about a new buy Tony, but they come up on UK ebay quite regularly second hand - as of about two hours ago, there were at least 2 in there!
They are generic pads (i.e. the type that strap onto the top of a saddle), not for any particular bike, but you could "cut and paste" them into your saddle.

Cheers,

[Tony Robson]

Thanks for the info - I'll keep an eye out... has anyone bought one of the lowered seats from Motorworks - BMW Motorcycle Spares - home

I can't figure out how much lower than the standard they are...

Thanks, Tony.