Dropping the fork tubes and other ways to lower 1200 Sport

[ohiorider]

Have any of you 2v 1200 Sport owners lowered your bike?  Looks like by removing the cosmetic caps covering the tops of the fork tubes, the front of the bike could be dropped 1/2" - 3/4" before the tubes would contact the Aprilia Mana handlebars.  Not sure what would be the simplest way to lower the rear end a similar amount.  To assist in getting the bike off the side stand, I could attach a small pad to the bottom of the stand to keep the bike more upright.  Any thoughts about these modifications?  Also, any thoughts about how lowering the bike this small amount might affect handling?

Thanks,

Bob

[Bert Remington]

Lowering link for sale on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-Norge-Breva-1100-1200-Griso-and-Stelvio-lowering-link/352644259907?hash=item521b3c6043:g:ICsAAOSweWtcrgUt

I don't know if it will work on your Sport.

[ohiorider]

Lowering link for sale on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-Norge-Breva-1100-1200-Griso-and-Stelvio-lowering-link/352644259907?hash=item521b3c6043:g:ICsAAOSweWtcrgUt

I don't know if it will work on your Sport.

Thanks for the information.

Bob

[Bert Remington]

I checked with seller and it seems all CARC models use the GU05560330 link so his lowering link should fit your Sport. I haven't installed my link yet so please keep this forum informed of your progress so I can slipstream behind you. I'm particularly interested in changes to front fork height effects on handling. Also any changes to side and center stands.

[ohiorider]

I checked with seller and it seems all CARC models use the GU05560330 link so his lowering link should fit your Sport. I haven't installed my link yet so please keep this forum informed of your progress so I can slipstream behind you. I'm particularly interested in changes to front fork height effects on handling. Also any changes to side and center stands.

Bert,

I'm not certain I'm going to lower the Sport.  She's a top-heavy bike, I'm 76 years old, and trending toward lighter bikes.  However, if I do decide to hang onto this great ride, and lower it, I'll let you know about my results.

Bob

[Bert Remington]

Bob -- At 73 I'm slipstreaming you on age too.  I'll continue with my research on lowering link-related changes.  While I can easily flat-foot my Norge lowering it would make it easier to throw a leg over and to maneuver in parking etc situations.

May I suggest you consider a 2012-2017 Royal Enfield Classic 500 (or Bullet 500) for your lighter bike.  Only 400 lbs, it has that out-in-the-air not-a-UJM look of your Sport.  You will get questions, compliments and I-want-ones from men, women and children.  Minimal care needed even with 500-mile chain lube intervals.  Start by visiting the folks at https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php/board,19.0.html

[yogidozer]

Bob -- At 73 I'm slipstreaming you on age too.  I'll continue with my research on lowering link-related changes.  While I can easily flat-foot my Norge lowering it would make it easier to throw a leg over and to maneuver in parking etc situations.

May I suggest you consider a 2012-2017 Royal Enfield Classic 500 (or Bullet 500) for your lighter bike.  Only 400 lbs, it has that out-in-the-air not-a-UJM look of your Sport.  You will get questions, compliments and I-want-ones from men, women and children.  Minimal care needed even with 500-mile chain lube intervals.  Start by visiting the folks at https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php/board,19.0.html

Have to agree Bert on this suggestion. If you feel uncomfortable with the height/weight of the sport, you're not going to enjoy it as much as a more suitable ride.
Think back to what most of us started riding with. Smaller bikes. We all put a ton of miles on them, enjoyed the heck out of every mile too 
Better milage, cheaper to insure, lower initial cost.
Those Royal Enfields are classy to. JMO

[ohiorider]

Yogi, back when smaller bikes were big bikes, those were the days!  My BSA 650, in 1965, would have been considered a big motorcycle.  Big enough to take me from Charleston WV to Port Isabel TX and back home in 1966.  Fast forward to 2006.  My riding buddy, Tom, and I rode our two 790cc Bonnevilles from Cleveland OH to the Four Corners area, headed north to Moab and Cody, took a turn to the east and headed for home.  Delightful bikes and a memorable ride.  Currently, I'm growing accustomed to my 2014 Honda CB1100.  She's heavy, but carries weight low, steers very lightly, and has enough hp (88) and low end torque to accelerate smartly.  When I add bags and a low sport shield, this might end up being my do-all bike.

Bert, the Bullets interest me.  I suspect I'd have to set my expectations lower than for any twin, but for putting around the Cuyahoga National Park and surrounding area, one could be the perfect light bike.BTW - is the Bullet in the pics your bike?  If so, how do you like the C Bow mounts?  I'm thinking about a set on the CB1100, and mounting a pair of Givi E21 bags, using an adaptor that lets me mount the Givi's to the C Bow mounts.

[yogidozer]

Yogi, back when smaller bikes were big bikes, those were the days!  My BSA 650, in 1965, would have been considered a big motorcycle.  Big enough to take me from Charleston WV to Port Isabel TX and back home in 1966.  Fast forward to 2006.  My riding buddy, Tom, and I rode our two 790cc Bonnevilles from Cleveland OH to the Four Corners area, headed north to Moab and Cody, took a turn to the east and headed for home.  Delightful bikes and a memorable ride.  Currently, I'm growing accustomed to my 2014 Honda CB1100.  She's heavy, but carries weight low, steers very lightly, and has enough hp (88) and low end torque to accelerate smartly.  When I add bags and a low sport shield, this might end up being my do-all bike.

Bert, the Bullets interest me.  I suspect I'd have to set my expectations lower than for any twin, but for putting around the Cuyahoga National Park and surrounding area, one could be the perfect light bike.

Now there's an idea, keep your eyes out for a classic BSA or Triumph. Plenty of power, they were lighter than current Triumphs, and a blast to ride!

[ohiorider]

Now there's an idea, keep your eyes out for a classic BSA or Triumph. Plenty of power, they were lighter than current Triumphs, and a blast to ride!

Yogi, that might be stepping back in time a bit too far!  Though it's been over 50 years since I owned my BSA, I have 'fond' memories of the Lucas magneto failing to fire the plugs if the bike got caught in a rainstorm.  Also the time (in Lake Charles LA) the tiny sprocket chain that drove the 6v (6v?) generator breaking, and destroying the sprocket on the generator.  However, I've gotta give the old gal her due ...... she did provide me with one of my more memorable motorcycle rides.  This was at a time before I even knew anyone who'd taken a road trip of several days on a motorcycle.  And here I was, riding across the King Ranch in Texas, having the time of my life!  Damn, to be 23 once again, and too stupid to know what I didn't know.

Bob