Are you finding your Honda Grom a bit too tall for your comfort? You’re not alone. Many riders want to lower their bikes for better control and a more confident ride, especially if you’re just starting out or have shorter legs.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of Lowering: Lowering the Honda Grom improves comfort, stability, and control, making it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground and enhancing riding confidence, especially for beginners.
- Understanding Suspension: Familiarity with the Grom’s suspension system is crucial, as it directly affects ride quality and performance. Lowering changes the bike’s handling characteristics and can lead to a stiffer ride.
- Methods to Lower: There are various methods for lowering your Honda Grom, including installing a lowering kit, adjusting the rear shock settings, and modifying the front forks. Each method requires specific tools and careful execution.
- Essential Tools: Key tools for lowering include a socket set, torque wrench, adjustable wrenches, pliers, and a motorcycle stand. Having these tools ready ensures a smoother adjusting process.
- Safety Checks Post-Lowering: After lowering, inspect tire clearances, suspension links, brake systems, and all fasteners to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
- Test Riding Guidelines: Start with short and smooth rides to acclimate to the new handling. Monitor performance and make necessary adjustments for optimal safety and comfort.
Understanding The Honda Grom’s Suspension
The Honda Grom features a suspension system that directly influences ride quality and performance. Understanding this system helps you adjust the bike effectively.
Importance Of Lowering
Lowering your Grom enhances comfort and stability. A reduced seat height allows shorter riders to reach the ground more easily, increasing confidence. Riders experience improved control during turns and stops, making the bike more accessible for beginners. In addition, lowering can change your riding posture, enhancing comfort during long rides.
Effects On Handling
Lowering the Grom can significantly impact its handling characteristics. A lower center of gravity often leads to increased stability at speed, allowing for smoother cornering. However, it can also create a stiffer ride over bumps, resulting in less suspension travel. This trade-off means you’ll enjoy enhanced agility but may encounter a harsher ride on uneven surfaces. Ensure you adjust your riding style and expectations to match these changes for optimal performance.
Methods To Lower A Honda Grom
Several methods exist to lower your Honda Grom, each offering specific benefits and varying levels of complexity. Explore these options to find what works best for your riding style.
Lowering Kit Installation
- Select a Lowering Kit: Choose a quality lowering kit designed specifically for the Honda Grom. Popular options include adjustable links that can lower the rear by one to three inches.
- Gather Tools: Prepare tools such as a ratchet, socket set, and a torque wrench for the installation.
- Lift the Bike: Use a motorcycle stand to safely elevate the Grom. Ensure it’s stable during the installation.
- Remove Stock Link: Remove the stock link connecting the rear suspension to the swingarm. Follow the kit’s instructions for precise measurements and settings.
- Install the Lowering Link: Attach the new lowering link, ensuring correct positioning to maintain alignment.
- Double-Check Tightness: Use the torque wrench to tighten all connections as specified in the kit’s manual.
Adjusting Rear Shock Settings
- Locate Adjustments: Find the preload adjustment on the rear shock, usually a ring at the top or bottom.
- Decrease Preload: Use a spanner wrench to reduce the preload. Turn it counterclockwise for a softer setting, lowering the bike’s rear end.
- Test Ride: Take a short ride after adjustment to test comfort and handling. Re-adjust if necessary.
- Monitor Performance: Pay attention to how the bike feels during turns and bumps. Fine-tune adjustments until you reach your desired height and comfort level.
- Measure and Mark: Measure the amount you want to lower the front forks. A common adjustment is about one to two inches.
- Loosen Triple Clamps: Carefully loosen the triple clamp bolts. Ensure you do this gradually to avoid damage.
- Push Forks Down: Gently push the front forks down into the triple clamps to achieve the desired height. Align the fork tubes evenly.
- Tighten Bolts: Re-tighten the triple clamp bolts securely, following torque specifications. Ensure the forks remain aligned.
- Test and Adjust: Take the bike for a ride to assess the handling. Make small adjustments as needed for optimal performance.
Implementing these methods helps tailor your Honda Grom to your preferences and improves your riding experience. Be patient during adjustments, and prioritize safety throughout the process.
Tools Needed For Lowering
Lowering your Honda Grom requires specific tools to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. Here’s a breakdown of the tools you’ll need.
Basic Tools
- Socket Set: Use a socket set that includes various sizes, especially 10mm and 12mm sockets, for removing bolts.
- Torque Wrench: A torque wrench helps you tighten bolts to the correct specifications, maintaining safety and performance.
- Wrenches: An adjustable wrench or a set of combination wrenches allows for adjustments on nuts and bolts.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers assist in gripping and manipulating small parts, especially in tight spaces.
- Screwdriver Set: Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are essential for removing any screws or clips.
- Rear Shock Spanner Wrench: This tool is crucial for adjusting the preload on the rear shock, allowing for proper lowering.
- Suspension Compression Tool: If you plan to adjust fork height, this tool compresses the front suspension safely.
- Bike Stand: A motorcycle stand provides stability while working on your Grom, ensuring safety during adjustments.
- Lowering Link Tool: Some kits come with a specific tool to assist in the installation of lowering links, making the process easier.
Gather these tools before starting your project. This preparation ensures a more efficient and successful lowering experience for your Honda Grom.
Safety Considerations
Prioritizing safety is crucial when lowering your Honda Grom. Proper adjustments ensure optimal performance and minimize risks during riding.
Checking Components After Lowering
After lowering your Grom, inspect all components carefully.
- Tire Clearances: Make sure there’s adequate space between the tires and the fenders. Check for any rubbing during suspension travel.
- Suspension Links: Examine rear suspension links for proper alignment. Misalignment can lead to uneven handling.
- Braking System: Inspect brake lines for tension. Ensure there’s no interference with the lowered suspension.
- Shock Absorbers: Test the shocks for leaks. A leaking shock can affect ride quality and safety.
- Fasteners: Tighten all bolts and fasteners. Vibration can loosen components over time.
Test Riding Tips
Test riding your lowered Grom is essential for safety and performance.
- Start Slow: Begin with short, easy rides to get accustomed to the new height and handling.
- Find Smooth Roads: Choose flat, smooth surfaces for your initial rides. This minimizes bumps that can affect your stability.
- Observe Handling: Pay attention to how the bike handles turns and stops. Quick changes in handling may indicate further adjustments are needed.
- Check Brakes Frequently: Your braking system might feel different. Test brakes at various speeds to ensure responsiveness.
- Involve a Friend: Ride with someone experienced. A second opinion helps identify any handling issues that you might overlook.
These safety checks and test riding tips ensure a safer experience while enjoying your newly lowered Honda Grom.
Conclusion
Lowering your Honda Grom can really enhance your riding experience. With improved comfort and control you’ll feel more confident on the road. Just remember to take safety seriously after making adjustments.
Always double-check your bike’s components and take it for a test ride to ensure everything feels right. Riding with a buddy can also provide valuable feedback as you get used to the changes.
Enjoy your newly lowered Grom and ride safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of lowering a Honda Grom?
Lowering a Honda Grom can improve comfort, control, and confidence for the rider. It helps in better handling, especially for shorter riders, and enhances the overall riding experience.
How can I lower my Honda Grom?
You can lower your Honda Grom by using a lowering kit, which typically includes shorter shocks or adjustable suspension links. Adjusting the suspension settings can also contribute to lowering the bike.
What safety checks should I perform after lowering my bike?
After lowering your bike, check tire clearances, suspension links, braking systems, shock absorbers, and all fasteners to ensure everything is secure and functioning properly.
What tips should I follow for test riding my lowered Grom?
Begin your test ride slowly on smooth roads. Observe the handling and comfort level, check the brakes frequently, and consider riding with an experienced friend for valuable feedback.
Is it safe to lower a bike like the Honda Grom?
Yes, lowering a Honda Grom can be safe if done correctly. Make sure to adhere to safety checks and adjustments. Proper alignment and functionality are crucial for a safe riding experience.
