Lowering seat height

Indyglow · Post by **Indyglow** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:50 am

Has anyone changed out the rear shocks for shorter shocks to lower the seat height? I plan to do this unless there is some reason why it shouldn't be done. At 5'3" I can't flat-foot it right now and I would like to be able to.

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:30 am

The only reason for not doing so would be lack of ground clearance, particularly when cornering.
If you sit further forward on the seat you should be able to get more of your foot down.

maddiedog · Post by **maddiedog** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:02 am

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't do it, but I have bottomed out my PCX on some really bad roads before (the undercarriage, not the suspension). With smaller shocks, you'll lose some dampening too, so the ride will be rougher as well.

If you install aftermarket ones, make sure your tire won't bottom out when the shocks are fully compressed, or you'll end up with a tire in your underseat storage area.

I'm 5'8", but I have shorter legs, and can't flat-foot the PCX. You'll get used to it -- the PCX is light enough that you don't need to flat foot it. I think WhiteNoise is short too, and wears some taller shoes, you could look into that as well.

Alibally · Post by **Alibally** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:51 am

What you need as a pair of these.

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1351011058.754948.jpg (76.68 KiB) Viewed 7544 times

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:41 pm

^ Very Marc Bolan

Cracksta · Post by **Cracksta** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 3:07 pm

White noise got exposed! I'm 5'8, can flat foot one side, all you need otherwise both foot if you slide forward. You might get use to it and not bother.

This was the same when I got my gixer, couldn't flat foot it on side even with boots but soon got use to it and didn't bother with lowering springs/seat etc

Urbanian · Post by **Urbanian** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 3:42 pm

Is there an aftermarket seat that has a lower profile?

you you · Post by **you you** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 4:37 pm

Urbanian wrote:Is there an aftermarket seat that has a lower profile?

its probably better to have some foam taken out of the sear. Cheaper and doesn't alter the suspension

Taz · Post by **Taz** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 4:53 pm

or there are probably aftermarket seats in Asia for shorter riders where 5 3 would be considered average to tall...or could you put a bigger seat hump on so you are seating further forward and hence closer to the ground?

WhiteNoise · Post by **WhiteNoise** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:01 pm

Indyglow, (Not yuz wizeguys

)....,
Consider looking here before you go as far as changing out your shocks or saddle: https://shop.helimot.com/shopping/shopd ... ycle+Boots
If you can/want to treat yourself to a Quality pair of boots that have extra height built "inside-the-boot," as well as higher heal and sole, the Daytona's (for both lads & ladies) found on this page will solve your "touchdown" fears/problems. I'm slightly taller than you & I easily flatfoot both feet with these boots on.
Place one phone call to Helimot's shop and you'll be on your way to to feeling more confident and safe. If you have any questions fellow pcx'er I'm listening

Hmm....exposed?

interesting...and those towering boots (wrong, sooo wrong)

Indyglow · Post by **Indyglow** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:38 am

Thanks for the link WhiteNoise, I didn't know they made boots like that. I was imagining platform boots like those in the other post, which would be good if my night job was a heavy metal rock star. Are the boots comfortable to walk around in? And can you get a good grip on uphill gravel and other similar road hazards? I do a lot of back road riding and often the road will go from paved to gravel to dirt and then end, and I have to be able to turn the bike around so just getting one foot flat or tip-toeing won't work for me.

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 10:26 am

If your footing isn't reliable and the surface is really bad, get off and manouevre it around

WhiteNoise · Post by **WhiteNoise** » Fri Oct 26, 2012 1:14 pm

Indy, the Daytona's have excellent grip power on paved or hard surfaces, even wet. Dirt and gravel? Never travel those roads. I totally agree with gn2, when surface looks risky it's best Not to risk the ride. Walk that bike...save your body for the next venture. As far as walking around in them? They need some breaking in then walking is ok, bit heavy for a long jaunt. They have zippers on inner and outer sides, velcro sides and back. Waterproof. High grade durable leather. They will last you a lifetime and be a longtime friend. If you google them you can read some reviews. I believe http://www.webbikeworld.com did one awhile back. They have a great review board for cycle gear & stuff, I visit their site often. Did I forget anything?

dasshreddar · Post by **dasshreddar** » Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:46 pm

Hey, I put a shorter rear shock on the wifes's Vino, and it dropped the rear about 2 inches, it should work the same for a pcx.
Or if your crazy like me and can weld you could relocate the upper shock mounts pretty easily and or cut a coil out of the springs.

Indyglow · Post by **Indyglow** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:01 pm

I took my PCX to a local shop to see about getting different shocks, he advised against it. Said I could get different shock mounts welded on, but thought that would void the warranty so didn't do that either. Next I took the seat to an upholstery shop that restores motorcycle seats, they said there wasn't really enough foam to shave off to make much of a difference. What I hoped was that they could cut into the round plastic part of the front underseat and plastic-weld it lower, but they couldn't. So, frustrated, I marked the part of the seat I sit on during long rides, took the cover off and started shaving foam in front of that. I took foam off the top and the sides of the seat with a kitchen knife, then sanded down the harsh edges with 150 grit sandpaper. Then I recovered it. Now I can slide forward when I stop and get both feet on the ground almost flat, and slide back to the comfortable foam part to ride. Works for me.

maddiedog · Post by **maddiedog** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:55 pm

I always like DIY solutions, they're the cheapest route. Were you able to get the leather stapled back on well enough?

Indyglow · Post by **Indyglow** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 5:00 pm

The cover is pretty smooth, not perfect but good enough.

you you · Post by **you you** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 5:15 pm

Good job.

Indyglow · Post by **Indyglow** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 5:17 pm

: tn_007.JPG (23.14 KiB) Viewed 7456 times

: tn_001.JPG (20.19 KiB) Viewed 7456 times

Bigger pictures.

gn2 · Post by **gn2** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 7:28 pm

Nice one.

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