[bill+ness]

Im trying to find out how to raise the ground clearance on my 650E, the stand scrapes on left hand turns even with shock set upto max,
it gets even worse when my wife hops on with me to ride. how else can i fix this problem, and are there any better/taller shocks i can
install that will boost the ground clearance and increase suspention travel. I'm also having a problem with the shocks bottoming out with us both on
very uncomfortable and it hurts my wifes back.
and yes the shocks are good, we are not too heavy (me 210 wife 160)

 

[MJR]

Heard good things about IKON shocks and for the front you could get firmer/taller springs from Racetech. I'm assuming your adjusting the stock rear shocks pre-load up with two up riding?

 

[ErikDK]

150/70-14 bias ply tires are taller than OEM 160/60-R14 radials

About one third to half the price too.

Load index 66 the same, speed rating only "S" - 180 kph/112 Mph, so don't ride full throttle down a steep hill with a strong tailwind for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Try looking at front fork sag, it's the culprit for most of the scraping.

 

[StingrayHawaii]

I had a 2008 650 with the same problem, check the rubber bumper on the center stand to see if it keeps the center stand from going all the way up!

I had to take the bumper off and cut about 1/4 inch off the flat end and replace the trimmed bumper. That let the stand fold all the way up and I had no more problems even when riding 2 up!

Hope that helps! :thumbup:

Gary

 

[Jetfixer]

If you do go to taller tires, be careful about running the bike on the center stand. There's already not much clearance. I almost launched mine showing someone how it stays in 1st gear with the center stand down.

 

[billness]

Thank you for answering, I got it, but? what about the horrible,short, dead suspension that comes with every 650. There has got to be some kind of fix for it. I ride here in alaska and cracks and potholes abound here, even 1" more of travel would be a blessing, do air ride shocks help to fend off the the bumps any better. We love our weekend and evening rides with the midnight sun, but it takes its toll on my wife, I don't know how much longer she'll take it, then the ride just wouldn't be the same, i don't care what it takes, seat , suspension, tires, ect. so if there's any insight into how to help i'm all ears. i'm going to post this again the heading "Poor Suspension" thank you for the help and i'll do some adjustments before the fen of winter to be ready for spring.
thanks

 

[Dave_J]

A few members have fitted air shocks from a Honda CB900 or Goldwing. They are rebuildable and Progressive has many different springs to fit them.