jandm'smom

Member
Feb 16, 2006
11
0
We just bought my 10 year son a 2002 xr100 Honda. First of all he has riden the xr70 but, not for long. We bought him the xr100 because of his height. He is tall, just very light. Height wise he fits it, but on the balls of his feet. He wants to ride but the height, and the clutch of the xr100 scare him so we were hoping to get his feet to where they are on the ground instead of just the balls of his feet so he feels like he can hold it up until he gains some confidence. Is there anyway to safely adjust the height on these bikes with the forks, and shocks. If so any info would be a help. I would like to do this at home if possible.
 

FruDaddy

Member
Aug 21, 2005
2,854
0
Raising the forks in the clamp and adjusting the preload all the way up (if it's even adjustable) will help a little. You will have to readjust it after the initial learning curve is over. The reality is, as long as he can touch the ground with his toes, he should be fine. Perhaps you could leave a 4" thick board laying in the yard for him to step on. My son rode a KX65 for a year before he could even touch the ground. He's on the balls of his feet now.
 

jandm'smom

Member
Feb 16, 2006
11
0
Someone had suggested lowering the forks, and the rear spring to give him about 2 inches. Does this sound reasonable? He just doesn't have the confidence that he can hold it up now, since he can stand flat footed on the xr70.
 

robwbright

Member
Apr 8, 2005
2,283
0
You could take off the seat cover and cut the seat foam - you can always replace it again later for about $50+/-

You should gain an inch or maybe even two inches in some places - the seat foam on those trail bikes is usually pretty thick.

At 5'4" on an RM144, I understand his concern - he should try to get used to it though. I can only touch with one tiptoe on my bike unless the wheels are in a rut or something - and that was a problem when I was a kid as well.

You just get used to it. Raising the forks is reasonable, but it will affect the handling a bit.
 

mudrabbit

Member
Feb 28, 2006
19
0
There is a link under the bike that can be shortened . It's called a kouba link it can take close to 2 inches off the seat hight of the bike. make sure the sag is set right for him also
 

FruDaddy

Member
Aug 21, 2005
2,854
0
mudrabbit said:
There is a link under the bike that can be shortened . It's called a kouba link it can take close to 2 inches off the seat hight of the bike. make sure the sag is set right for him also
THe Kouba link is a brand name for a lowering link. Other companies sell them as well. But the suspension linkage and be changed to lower the bike. I do know somebody that had a machine shop fabricate a set.
 
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