Lowering links vs Suspension adjustment

[EM JAY]

  Can you effectivly use the suspension to lower a bike without jacking up the effectiveness of the suspension?  ...asking for a friend...

[Cowboy 6]

The geometry of the bike will be really messed up. In specific, the swingarm angle. Tell your friend that the best way to "lower the bike would be to shave foam from the seat (if you can).

[EM JAY]

 Totally forgot about that idea..  Thanks.

[GMD Computrack Atlanta]

We lower bikes all the time without lowering links.  We do it internally in the suspension thus not altering the geomety.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Could you elaborate on how that works?  I understand how that works with the forks but not the rear end.  If you "internally lower the suspension," IE the rear shock, how does that not change the swingarm angle?  I'm thinking that the only way to lower the rear of a motorcycle without altering the swingarm angle would be either to put a smaller diameter rear wheel on it or to move the swingarm and rocker pivots higher into the frame.

[Cowboy 6]

[Super Dave]

Could you elaborate on how that works?  I understand how that works with the forks but not the rear end.  If you "internally lower the suspension," IE the rear shock, how does that not change the swingarm angle?  I'm thinking that the only way to lower the rear of a motorcycle without altering the swingarm angle would be either to put a smaller diameter rear wheel on it or to move the swingarm and rocker pivots higher into the frame.

Yeah, I agree.  Not just the angle, but the relationship between the swingarm pivot, the rear axle, and the countershaft. 

[Burt Munro]

Oh come on.....  it's Election season.....  just trust him!

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

...it's Election season....

Not any more, the people have spoken!

Now back to the regularly scheduled drama.....

[HAWK]

Somewhere in the middle actually. Shortening the shock will alter the geometry as well as alter the location within the curve of the progression that you are riding in as well as the squat/anti-squat characteristics. All of which will have a huge impact on the way the rear suspension works. In reality you would have to look at the bike in question, changing the links might work for or against you depending on what you want to accomplish and what you're starting with.