lowering the Rockster

[jordanbmw]

I need help! I fell in love with the Rockster
Any sugestions how to lower the bike to fit my short legs (30" inseam)
Or should I forget about it and look for something else?

[dragonmojo]

Most all my jeans say I'm of 30" inseam also (the waist varies, but it is 31" give or take an inch). The boot cuffs are frayed, so let's just say that I barely make the cut.

I have the low seat option which still has me on the balls of both feet while straddling the bike. Getting the kickstand down usually requires a two-step process with the heel of my boot pulling it out part way, then using the toe to finish the job. What I've done in all my years of riding is to rely on either foot planted flat on the tarmac, shifting to one side or the other depending on what I needed to do. Flat right foot to get the kickstand up, then shift to flat left foot to get on the rear brake for stops and ready to go. However, the Rockster IS a bit tall and I am very deliberate as to where I tread; it is nerve wracking when confronted with uneven terrain.

I have considered looking into lowering the seat further, but as it is, there doesn't seem to be much to begin with and I would hate to sacrifice comfort. Also thought about the suspension, but I'm adamant about maintaining the cornering prowess that is the Rockster (the R1150R is lower due to suspension). My R1200C rides lower and inspires more confidence with feet closer to terra firma, but pegs and other hard parts drag a whole lot sooner.

I guess what I'm saying is accept the bikes as what they are or what you are willing to compromise. I sometimes envy those with longer legs, but I remind myself that that is not without its problems (e.g. cramped legroom, etc.).

[riceburner]

If you can accept the (slight) handling compromise - the R1150R standard shock makes a noticable difference.
I have one in my Rockster at present.


(swap ya? I wouldn't mind going back to the OE Rockster shock)

[jordanbmw]

Thank you for your input.
Riceburner, did you change both shocks or only the rear? How much did they low your bike?
I read somewhere on another post that the olhins for the R1150R will do the trick and lower the rockster.

[Ves]

The Ohlins rear R1150R shock is only about 4-5 mm shorter than the Rockster. I doubt that's enough to make the kind of difference you're looking for. If the short seat isn't enough for you then you'd need to get some low shocks (shocks made specifically to lower the bike a noticeable amount). Go here: http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/app ... street.pdf to see the various shock lengths. Understand that the actual difference in ride height will be more than the change in shock length. But, as was said above, you will have reduced ground clearance for corner carving... AND it will be more difficult to get the bike on the center stand.

Another option is to get one of those adjustable paralever arms and adjust it longer than stock (that would lower the bike). But you're on your own there cause I don't know how much longer the arm could be before there is some mechanical limitation in the drive system.

[riceburner]

The Ohlins rear R1150R shock is only about 4-5 mm shorter than the Rockster. I doubt that's enough to make the kind of difference you're looking for. If the short seat isn't enough for you then you'd need to get some low shocks (shocks made specifically to lower the bike a noticeable amount). Go here: http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/app ... street.pdf to see the various shock lengths. Understand that the actual difference in ride height will be more than the change in shock length. But, as was said above, you will have reduced ground clearance for corner carving... AND it will be more difficult to get the bike on the center stand.

Another option is to get one of those adjustable paralever arms and adjust it longer than stock (that would lower the bike). But you're on your own there cause I don't know how much longer the arm could be before there is some mechanical limitation in the drive system.

Although the length difference is approx 4-5 mm - that's magnified by the swingarm/paralever to about an inch or so at the rear wheel. May well be enough to make a difference (I could certainly feel it when I switched them).

FWIW my bike has a 1100GS length paralever arm on it (ie about the shortest you can get) and, with the R1150Rockster rear shock in it - both wheels are on the ground when on center-stand.
With standard Paralever and Rockster rear shock, (ie as it was brand new) both wheels (when balanced on the center-stand - I love that trick) are about 1/2 inch off the deck.
With R1150R rear shock and GS paralever (as my bike is now) both wheels are about 1/2 inch off the deck. (or one is a full inch off the floor if the other is touching).

If I was to put the standard paralever arm back on (ie decrease ride height even further) I think I'd be in danger of having the bike gain enough momentum when rocking forwards to roll off the center stand!! (yes that has happened to me inthe past when the bike was put on centre-stand facing down a VERY slight slope).

(front shock is still standard).

I don't know this for a fact - it's a guess - but the Rockster could well have a slightly longer center-stand (to accomodate the longer rear shock) - I haven't looked to see if the part-numbers are different.

[ROBOX]

Similar problem for me but seemed to manage ok however I did sell the Rockster a 4 weeks ago for and bought a Harley 1200 Sportster !! No problems with that lol

[Ves]

The R1150R Low shock from Works Performance is .6 inches shorter than the stock Rock. That should lower the rear at least 1.3 - 1.5 inches (haven't done the math). Combine that with the low seat and you're probably good to go. Course I'm not sure how it will handle with the rear so low. You might have to get the low front shock to balance it out... but then you're loosing even more ground clearance...

[machrx]

Hello all,

has anyone tried to cut the center stand? it sounds easy, but when you look at the Rockster center stand, there is not much room to modify. Please send pics if anyone has done this all ready. I have lowered my bike and want to modify the center for use, but don't know how.