has my new-to-me Breva V1100 been lowered?

[cheekieduckie]

Hello
I've just recently brought this fine machine home with me.  The previous owner has passed away so I have few details on mods performed to the bike.  It's an 07 with 3500 miles and rides wonderfully. 
However, I felt that the sidestand kept the bike rather 'vertical' and noticed it was quite a heave to get it up on the centerstand. 

On-the-sidestand and handlebars straight ahead.  Bike unladen, rear-preload 1.5 turns out:

Left handlebar tip (barend bolt to ground): 36"
Right handlebar tip (barend bold to ground): 43"
Lean/tilt (measured at gascap): 11.6 degrees (it's 13.5 on my GranCanyon, 16 on the Futura)

With the bike standing vertically (off the centerstand)
Seat height: 30" (though I'm not sure what seat I have)

I was wondering if someone might be kind enough to measure theirs for comparison.

I wouldn't mind increasing ground-clearance a bit and/or raising the seat (if I've somehow got the lower gel seat), suggestions would be much appreciated!

I took it on a 550 mile ride this past weekend and she's pretty darn sweet!  I did run into the relay-click-no-start thing last night and a little searching on the board answered my questions!  This place is great.

Thanks
Ken

[cheekieduckie]

well, it turns out the answer is yes! I crawled under a buddy's Griso (uses the same 'dogbone' link) and compared it to mine.
The portion of the L connecting the U-shaped link to the swingarm appears to be about 1" taller, resulting in roughly the same lowering at the seat. 


Stock link on the left (P/N 05560330) and the lowering link on the right. 
I think I saw something similar on Westmoreland's website thanks to this forum post: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=23385.0



This is how it was installed


And this is how it looks with the stock linkage

She's much happier on the sidestand now :)
Time to take some pre-load out and go for a test ride !

[Kev m]

Did you put a stock link back in?

Every now and again we get someone asking about lowering a CARC bike. I suspect you could sell the lowering link if you wanted.

[gsf12man]

I believe the low seat option is a black seat w/red stitching, correct me if I'm wrong, guys. And for the no-start, by all means make or install the Startus Interruptus kit. It turned my Breva into a starts-every-time machine, just like motorcycles are supposed to do. (I had first replaced its marginal battery which cured that for a long time, eventually came back, occasionally.)

[Kev m]

IF memory serves, you're right on the seat.

Check with Jas67, as he sold his Breva last night, but still has the Gel Seat, he can tell you about the stitching for sure.

[cheekieduckie]

Thanks Kev, will do.  I put the stock linkage back on, but haven't test ridden...but the drop link will likely be looking for a new home.

[Adk.IBO]

Thanks Kev, will do.  I put the stock linkage back on, but haven't test ridden...but the drop link will likely be looking for a new home.

I would be very interested in the drop link if it becomes available if you please?

Stay safe, John

[Chuck in Indiana]

black seat w/red stitching, correct me if I'm wrong,

correctamundo..

[cheekieduckie]

So, I like it with the stock setup.  Taking about 2 turns of preload out seems to even out the change in geometry (forks had not been raised).  John, I sent you a PM :)
Ken