Yamaha 1300 Tourer - Yamaha 1300 Tourer Fansite

Quite a while ago I bought Shane's (SS Custom Cycles) lowering kit/dogbones for the rear of the 1300, as I was riding a baby 125cc Dragstar along side the 1300 and the difference in seat height was too noticable. I had them set to a 1.75" drop which made a big difference when stationary and feet are down and seemed perfect.

Whilst Shane's dogbones are fantastic (well built and substantial, with the option of 1" or 1.75" drop), I've recently been riding with my brother (he has a Kawasaki VN900) and he asked me why I slow down so much for bends. I've tried to go into corners faster but have lacked confidence as the front of the bike seems too heavy and adding speed made me feel I was having to force the bike round the bend rather than riding through the bend. After giving some thought I decided return to the stock dogbones to see if they make a difference to the handling as I'm aware that lowering one end only can change the geometry of the bike.

I've only been out on it once since, but what a difference! The bike handles much better in the bends and the front end doesn't seem as heavy. [Also difference in height isn't so noticable as I've now swapped the 125cc for a 600cc streetbike which sits taller than the 1300].

My initial thoughts are that if anyone is considering lowering the rear of their bike, I would definitely lower the front end by the same amount [Shane has front springs that will do this]. I had read lowering the rear only would alter handling but I didn't quite realise by how much...