Motorcycle Repair: Lowering a Suzuki GN250, legged sister, suspension units

Question
My short legged sister has a 2002 Suzuki GN250 as a first bike.

Now she can reach the ground with both feet, which is acceptable, but it would be better if she could put both feet flat on the ground.

I think if she could do that she would feel a lot more in control and there-for gain a lot of confidence.

I did think about this when she bought the beastie but in all other respects it was ideal, she seemed to like it, and it was markedly cheaper than anything else we had looked at.

Now there is quite possibly a way that this could be improved, if not rectified altogether. The back end could be lowered. This would involve a new set of suspension units on the rear.

They are dead easy to replace, she could do it herself.  It is a matter of locating a set that has the same performance characteristics (travel, spring rate, compressed length,  etc) but are about an inch shorterin extended length.  Lowering the rear by an inch (give or take) would make a noticeable difference to the seat height.

There would be a few details to work out first, like whether there is enough clearance under the mudguard for the tire if this were to be done, etc. It would change the steering geometry by a very small amount, but not enough, I believe, to matter. May even improve it. (a smidgion more rake)  

There would be a slight reduction in cornering clearance. I don't think this would be significant though, and anyway, by the time she has enough confidence to be 'ear-holing' it like that, she will probably be wanting more motorcycle in the first place.

The fail safe is, that if it doesn't work out, she will still have the originals to put back on. I think it is worth at least finding out about and trying.

Can you suggest any suitable suspension units to use? Any other comments would be appreciated.


Answer
John,
Have you thought about replacing the seat with
a lower profile model or less padding?
This would eliminate any handling problems
brought about by changing suspension components.
Rear shocks could be changed for slightly
shorter ones designed for bikes in the
same weight catagory.
Best thing would be take a measurement
and go shopping at your dealers or online.
The front suspension could be lowered with
a shorter internal spring I believe.
Like you said, you can always change
back if you keep the originals.