Help required with lowering kit

[Sir Rupert]

I’m hoping that someone can help me out here...
 
I bought a used 2016 plate Versys 1000 some years back. Recently I have been thinking of lowering the rear suspension.
However, looking at the bike I have a suspicion that this may already have been done as the sidestand foot has been modified.
The dimensions of the triangular part connecting the shock to the swingarm are as follows:
 
Base of shock absorber to top of ‘dog bone’ = 150 mm
Base of shock absorber to swingarm pivot = 107 mm
Top of ‘dog bone’ to swingarm pivot = 77 mm
 
All the dimensions are between the fixing bolt centres and are approximate as I’ve had to try and measure them in situ.
 
There is a number 0356 embossed on the side of one plate, which I don't think is a Kawasaki part number. The plates are a matt black colour.
 
Can anyone confirm whether these measurements match those of a Lust Racing kit (or similar) or whether they are the same as OE parts please? 

[Claude]

I measured my OEM plates and I got 148.5 / 105 / 75 mm.
Looks like your plates are OEM.

In case you're interested, I do have -30 plates for sale (link below) that measures: 156.5 / 103 / 78 mm.

https://www.versys1000.com/index.php/topic,23063.msg261662.html#msg261662

[RaYzerman]

I can confirm the stock plates are what Claude says.  If you measure from center of axle to the rear saddlebag mount (there's a projected piece on a downward slope) that should be approx. 605mm.  If you measure the dogbone link centers, you should have approx. 140mm (if not replaced by a shorter one).  The OEM kickstand is 10" from pivot bolt to center of the pad/tube on the lower end.

[Topbox]

I have some Lust lowering plates for a Mk 1, never been used. if your interested let me know.

TB

[Sir Rupert]

Originally Posted by Topbox

I have some Lust lowering plates for a Mk 1, never been used. if your interested let me know.

TB

Thanks for the offer, Topbox, but they wouldn't fit my MkII Versys.

Originally Posted by Claude

I measured my OEM plates and I got 148.5 / 105 / 75 mm.
Looks like your plates are OEM.

In case you're interested, I do have -30 plates for sale (link below) that measures: 156.5 / 103 / 78 mm.

https://www.versys1000.com/index.php/topic,23063.msg261662.html#msg261662

Thank you for the offer Claude: I will bear it in mind.

Originally Posted by RaYzerman

I can confirm the stock plates are what Claude says.  If you measure from center of axle to the rear saddlebag mount (there's a projected piece on a downward slope) that should be approx. 605mm.  If you measure the dogbone link centers, you should have approx. 140mm (if not replaced by a shorter one).  The OEM kickstand is 10" from pivot bolt to center of the pad/tube on the lower end.

Thank you, I'll check the measurements.

[Sir Rupert]

Now here’s a thing.

As part of my investigations into lowering the suspension, I started to think about the front forks and lowering them to complement the lowered suspension at the rear, and what would be involved regarding removing the fairing etc. to get at them.

Looking at the top yoke I can see that there is a black ring above the forks about 20mm deep. Have the front forks been lowered by a previous owner, thinks I? I can’t find a really good picture in my Haynes manual but on most bikes the cap on top of the fork legs is flush with the yoke. This would fit with my suspicion that the bike has been lowered in the past. The triangular brackets at the back are original as confirmed by the dimensions kindly supplied by Claude, and that the ‘0356’ stamped on one plate is in fact the last part of the correct Kawasaki part number. The side stand has been modified too, so I think that the bike has been lowered by a previous owner, and then the rear plates have been put back on before resale: however, he hasn’t put the forks back to the original position.

Or, perhaps he just wanted to sharpen up the steering? I can’t think why I’ve never spotted this before. 

Anyway, I’ve managed to source some used Lust Racing plates of the 25 mm size. Unfortunately there are no instructions. I assume that it’s just a case of a straight swap, but it would be great if someone could post a copy of them.

[RaYzerman]

True the fork caps are normally flush with the upper triple clamp, so if above, the front has been lowered.  It can be done without removing any plastic but it is a pain.  I use a 1/4" ratchet and a 6mm hex socket from below and need patience.

The Lust plates lower the bike significantly at the rear wheel and the 25mm number they give is the resulting height measurement at the seat.  The wheel will be far more.  They are a straight swap, just have a 2x4 under your rear tire to lift it up so the bolt holes align.  You can take before and after measurements from axle to a point on the frame to see how much the wheel actually moved (while on centerstand).

[Claude]

About sidestand, I shortened mine even with stock suspension. Before I did, my bike fell on the side so I think it is too long from factory. It's possible your previous owner did the same.

[TowerMan]

Originally Posted by Sir Rupert

Now here’s a thing.

As part of my investigations into lowering the suspension, I started to think about the front forks and lowering them to complement the lowered suspension at the rear, and what would be involved regarding removing the fairing etc. to get at them.

Looking at the top yoke I can see that there is a black ring above the forks about 20mm deep. Have the front forks been lowered by a previous owner, thinks I? I can’t find a really good picture in my Haynes manual but on most bikes the cap on top of the fork legs is flush with the yoke. This would fit with my suspicion that the bike has been lowered in the past. The triangular brackets at the back are original as confirmed by the dimensions kindly supplied by Claude, and that the ‘0356’ stamped on one plate is in fact the last part of the correct Kawasaki part number. The side stand has been modified too, so I think that the bike has been lowered by a previous owner, and then the rear plates have been put back on before resale: however, he hasn’t put the forks back to the original position.

Or, perhaps he just wanted to sharpen up the steering? I can’t think why I’ve never spotted this before. 

Anyway, I’ve managed to source some used Lust Racing plates of the 25 mm size. Unfortunately there are no instructions. I assume that it’s just a case of a straight swap, but it would be great if someone could post a copy of them.

In the V1k Mk2 Kawasaki Service Manual, this is OEM setup dimensions of the front fork installation



Yes it is a lot easier to do with the front fairing off but there is a detailed thread / how to get the fairing off - https://www.versys1000.com/index.php/topic,15367.0.html

[TallyRex]

I know that one is supposed to lower the forks when lowering the rear, but I lowered the rear and went for a ride to see if it felt weird.  It didn't, it felt great and I never touched the forks and the bike still handles great.  I'm just saying that before you get too worried about lowering the forks, take her for a ride after changing links and see how she feels.