FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
One of our most common questions we receive is about how the performance of the bike is after it has been lowered. Please watch the above video to see a ’17 KTM 500 EXC with 2″ lowering.
I'm 5' xx", what amount of lowering is right for me?
First, figuring out a precise inseam measurement then asking yourself: What is my comfort zone while sitting on the bike? Am I okay with both balls of my feet on the ground? Do I need to be flat footed? If you’re between 165-187 lbs you can leave the stock rear spring as it came set from the factory, then slide blocks of wood under your feet until you reach what is now your official *comfort zone* Otherwise we can provide a suggestion AFTER you fill out the request form with your details.
I want Moto Lab to lower my suspension, what is next?
1. First you’ll want to fill out the suspension request form in the header on this page. 2. Then take a look at the shipping page to make sure all steps are complete before creating a shipping label or taking your package to the FedEx store. 3. Finally, reply by e-mail with a date that your suspension is set to arrive, this is critical to maintain the fastest possible turnaround time for you.
How long does it take to modify my suspension?
1-3 days is our usual turnaround time.
How much does it cost to modify my suspension?
This number will vary based on a number of factors (Year, make, model, used or new, your weight, seals and other wear items). Generally your cost will average around $911
What is sag?
When a rider sits on their bike, the suspension moves down or “sags” under the riders weight. Sag is the amount that the suspension compresses from fully extended with the rider on the bike. How much the bike sags depends on several factors, the spring rate, sprung weight of the bike and rider, and how much pre-load is on the spring. Sag affects chassis geometry/handling, braking, and acceleration! Making sure you have the proper spring rates and sag set, is imperative!
I’ve never checked my rider sag, is this important?
YES! Extremely important, refer to your manual or your lowered Moto Lab suspension set up sheet. Proper sag adjustment ensures proper handling, braking, acceleration, and overall chassis balance. This is extremely important, do not skip this.
Now that my bike is lowered do I still set the sag the same amount the manual recommends?
NO. You’ll want to follow the suggested sag we provide you on your set up sheet. As a general rule: Your rider sag is based on 35% of the total amount of available suspension travel. This is extremely important, do not skip this.
What is the most common amount you lower a bike?
-2″ (50 mm) front and rear.
Why can't I just unwind my rear shock spring and hike the forks up in the clamps to *lower* my bike?
Unwinding the spring to *lower* your bike would be the greatest injustice you could do to yourself and your bike (not to mention the spring chewing up components when flopping around when the suspension becomes unloaded). Taking all the pressure off the front wheel and making the bike extremely unbalanced will change literally every handling aspect and even make it dangerous to ride. Hiking the forks up in the triple clamps will yield extremely ill handling characteristics, we strongly recommend you do not do this to “lower” the front. Why not do it right the first time, with a safe, well balanced, and amazing handling package?
What are some of the advantages of having my bike lowered?
It may mean the difference of being able to ride, or not! Lower center of gravity, better handling, improved cornering, easier to swing a leg over, geometry fixes, allows you to “dab” your feet in technical section, just plain more comfortable.
What are some of the disadvantages of lowering my bike?
Decreased ground clearance, decreased cornering clearance, decreased suspension travel.
Are my suspension modifications permanent?
No, all modifications are performed using stock or aftermarket components to achieve the desired height and are NEVER permanently altered.
Do I need shorter fork springs for lowering services?
Yes, shorter fork springs are required to maintain proper spring pre-load. The only exception being the 20 mm kits for the 17-18 KTM and Husky Enduro Models with the XPLor forks.
Do you recommend a lowering link?
NO. Lowering links not only change the geometry, they are generally longer, which then in turn makes the initial part of the shock stroke extremely stiff. They also create more travel, and in some extreme cases can send the tire through the fender. Keep it stock, make sure you have the correct rate springs, and lower the bike internally using a Moto Lab lowering kit.
I crashed or laid the bike over, now my suspension all of a sudden seems deflective and harsh, is there something wrong with my suspension?
Chances are (depending on the severity) No. What happens is that the front end gets bound up and needs re-set. Loosen your lower triple clamp bolts and the lower right axle pinch bolts that the fork leg slides on. Then proceed to push down the front end while holding the front brake in. Re-torque fasteners to factory specifications and enjoy. If you bars are still twisted, then loosen up the top clamp, straighten your bars, then re-torque to spec.