[lulu]

I have a 2006 CRF250R. I love the bike, the power, and the way it rides. However I think it may still be a little tall. I am trying to decide the best way to lower the bike. I have looked into the kouba link and was thinking about that. I also looked into having the suspension lowered, but it seems very pricey. I have already carved foam out of the seat and had the race sag set for my weight. I have been riding the bike for the past year with just those modifications done. I do ok on it as long as i stay on . That's where i have trouble is when I am stuck in a sticky situation and I think lowering the bike will help. I am 5'3" & about 130lbs. On flat ground i can only touch with the toes on one foot. Any advice would be great!!

[lulu]

How much does it usually cost?

[KnobbyTires]

Two years waiting for an answer, I guess.

Have you tried loosening the triple clamps and letting the tube slide through? You'll gain about an inch before you run into the bars. I suggest you do this one at a time. It's a bear to pick up the bike and re-clamp both sides, ha, ha. Been there.

You can also adjust for maximum sag in the back. At 5'6" that was almost enough for me. I think you can buy a link for the rear that will get you two more inches. They say they are worth every penny.

I''ve never heard of how the internal fork lowering is done, so I can't help you there. Good luck.

Somebody answer this post so we can learn something.

[dmhines]

I lowered mine so my son can ride it ..

Lowering Link + Shaved seat foam + Sliding the tube up in the triple clamps.

I went with a no name link on eBay instead of paying much more for the name brand. There isn't much to the link so no need to pay for a name.

[crfsonly]

there are two ways to lower the stance of the bike, the Kouba link we offer OR internally shortening the suspension. the latter is very expensive. the Kouba Lowering Link is the route most go. once the stance of the bike has been lowered you can lower the seat height by shaving the seat or by using the Durelle Gel seat cover. this will not only lower the seat but maintain some seat comfort. after these options you get into shortening the subframe which has a ripple affect on lots of connecting parts (exhaust, plastics, seat, etc).

ken

[JCPerson11]

I had it internally lowered 2 1/2 inches for lulu two years ago for Christmas. It was about $480 to have it shortened revalved and resprung. Worth every penny!

[youngblood]

Hi,
Just recently acquired a 250x and would love to find out who you used to get the suspension work done for Lulu and how she is liking it so far. I am planning on getting the Durelle lower seat but would love to lower the bike a touch more and this seems like such a good deal since it includes a revalve and respiring.
Thanks,
Julie

PS. I'll send a pm since this is such an old post.

[crfsonly]

The Kouba links are the least expensive method and easily reversible. It's a good place to start when lowering your ride.

Ken

[DarkCRF]

Lowering link is a bad way to go because you change the linkage ratio so the suspension work and bike balance is greatly affected. Also if great bottoming happen your will can stuck in the rear fender because the shock travel isn't limited

Cheapest : Lower the seat
Midrange : Repring for your weight, this way your bike gonna sit lower when your on it
Top : Add spacer in the suspension to lower the travel

But in no way I'll recommend lowered link

[youngblood]

Not a fan of lowering link because of the ratio change even though as i understand the lowering link changes the ratio to a softer feel and at my weight not all together a bad thing. That being said I much prefer doing the work for lowering internally with the suspension...just getting quotes more in the $700-800 range. $480 sounds like a steal if the work is good. Lowered or not the bike needs to be re-sprung and valved for me.

Wish the fabricator (forget his company name) was still around who made the lower rear sub-frame. Now that idea I like the most as it doesn't affect ground clearance.

Lower seat for sure.

[crfsonly]

the lowering link does change the ratio but not to the point of "greatly" affecting the bike balance unless the forks are not raised in teh triple clamp to maintain proper rake. in fact, it's not uncommon for link length changes as part of dialing handling and shock action. for riders not pushing their suspension to the limits the lowering link is a great solution.

for shortening the best method is internally shortening the suspension shock and forks. it does shorten also the travel so keep this in mind. it is the most expensive method.

lowering the seat is a freebie if you do it yourself. we have a great how-to contribution that will give you professional results. this does make for a more uncomfortable seat so keep this in mind. we also offer lower after market seats for some of the CRF models which retain comfort and provide a lower seat height.

you can add the lower seat to either the link or the internally shorted suspension to get it even lower.

[youngblood]

Yes…I agree. I ride track bikes and coach on road courses and the lowering link is much more of a factor in changing the suspension. My track bike is not lowered…no real need.

Decided to bite the bullet and go for the suspension work and lowering. C-cyles is fairly close and has all my parts. I am really looking forward to getting them back and running the bike all set-up.

We are eyeballing a Turkey run or two this winter and some hare scrambles and enduros in the future.

Thanks for all the advice!

[MattBennett23]

I have my 250X lowered about 2 inches in the suspension. The work was done by Tech-Care Suspension in Michigan. Best money I ever spent. The bike handles great, and I can comfortably touch without feeling like I'm riding a mini-bike. I had the bike re-sprung for my weight, lowered 2", front and rear, and re-valved.

I am short, 5'6" with a 27" inseam. I got it lowered and it feels like the bike was made for me. I recommend this to every short person I know. My Uncle is my same size and has a KTM 250 EXC RFS and he rode my bike also. He loved the way mine felt and wants it done on his as well. He has trouble sometimes finding a spot on the trail to put a foot down without tipping over if the ground is not level. On mine we can both touch easily now, it sits lower which feels better riding, more stable with a lower center of gravity, and the confidence of being able to dab with your foot when needed is worth every penny.

The only real downside is you lose a little bit of ground clearance. I can handle losing a little clearance to be able to touch. I am not at the level of needing 13.6" of ground clearance anyways... Can't recommend it enough!