Raising a bike

[Anonymous]

Can anybody here point me towards an online resource regarding raising bikes suspensions?

I would like to start a project next year where I would add 5" or so of ride height (maybe even travel if possible) to an FJR1300 or ST1300 so I need as much info as possible. The reason I want to do this is so that I can make a BMW dualsport out of a sport-tourer. I can see needing a real strong forkbrace after raising the bike but what else would I need to do. I would not complain if I had to knock off 100km/h from either bikes top speed to make them safe as they are both very fast. The reliability of the conversion is very important as I am going to need a bike that will last atleast 250,000km for my trip. That appears to be the going rate for an RTW trip.

Please don't ask me to justify why I want to do this, it can't be done.

Steve

[Anonymous]

Looking for more ground clearance? Think you're going to have a tough time jacking up the rear end more than an inch or two. Don't think the drive shaft can function at such a severe angle.
Axel

You don't have to justify anything. There's a lot of guys just like you making monster trucks out of Cadillacs.

[Anonymous]

Well,
There is a very good chance I'll be buying an 81 GS1100 next weekend so it will be my victim instead. It'll need a much longer swing-arm for starters so my luggage doesn't make it flip over backward. There will also be an auxilliary gas tank placed on the rear of whatever bike I get and that too will make it want to flip. I'm going to look into rear airshocks too, they should help some. The 4 into 1 will have to get tossed too, no curb jumping with that on.

Steve

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go too long on that swingarm, maybe only an inch or two. Otherwise it may steer like a boat. As far as suspension you might check with Progressive and see if they have an extra strong spring for the front. I would also ask them if they have a shock about a half inch longer than stock and tell them how much weight you're adding so they can recommend a spring for it.
When are you planning on making this excursion?
Axel

[Anonymous]

I have no idea when I'll leave but I am gonna be prepared as soon as possible just incase the chance arrises. I have to finish my 4th year of Electrical Engineering first, then I have to pay off my loans and I'm outta here. :twisted: I am considering picking up a PhD somewhere along my travels too, I think teaching will have to pay my way.

To start my travels I want to ride from Alaska to Argentina, I know I could do it in a month but I plan to take it easier than my trip to Central America last year (in a van).