How low can i setup an S4

[jerryz]

I am having knee surgery and will have to make My S4 lower , but how low can i set the forks thru the yoke until it no longer stable or safe 10mm 20mm 30mm??? then i will lower the rear to match . i want to get the bike 20-30mm lower overall.

I would prefer a smaller lower bike now like a sportster or a Bonny or an aircooled M750 or M900 for ease of getting on or off as the are a bit lower but In thailand its not possible to sell the S4 without a massive loss $10,000 and no dealers do PX either so my best option is to modify if possible plus i like the bike too much now.
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MONSTERMAN

[Howie]

I don't have an exact answer for you, but if you adjust the rear link and the front equally you will not effect stability.  Of course you will loose ground clearance.  Dropping the bike about 30 mm. will give you the same height as the 620.  I don't know how far the stock link will go.  You could also shave the seat , but then you will need to fold your legs more. 

[jerryz]

No cant shave the seat anymore did that already and it kills my backside ..

[Speeddog]

The OEM Service Manual has a measurement for how far the forks stick out above the lower triple.
I don't have that handy right now though....

At that setting, the front fender will touch the radiator if the front is totally bottomed out.

So, can't really lower it much IMO.

[stopintime]

What will be the problem after surgery?

There might be other things you can do as well.

[jerryz]

Loss off strength , less able to balance, so want to lower C of G  and height to make it easier to swing leg over the bike .

[sbrguy]

get a 620 seat it is cut differently than the normal ducati s4 so you can get .5 inches or maybe 3/4 inch lower just by getting a new seat that is shaped differently without having to lower the suspension.

[Howie]

The OEM Service Manual has a measurement for how far the forks stick out above the lower triple.
I don't have that handy right now though....

At that setting, the front fender will touch the radiator if the front is totally bottomed out.

So, can't really lower it much IMO.

forgot about the radiator problem.

[stopintime]

Loss off strength , less able to balance, so want to lower C of G  and height to make it easier to swing leg over the bike .

When I was on a Gold Wing with a passenger I used my own version of Monty Python's silly walk - lifting my leg in front of me, sliding it over, front first. I've also seen people lifting their leg by the ankle, behind their body, and swinging it over by hand (so to speak).

You could get boots with higher soles, or add soles to your existing boots.

To make your shaved seat more tolerable, there are other types of foam with higher density.

[The Bearded Duc]

Loss off strength , less able to balance, so want to lower C of G  and height to make it easier to swing leg over the bike .

Is the bike your only form of transportation?

Why not just take a break from riding until your strength comes back? No sense in making that injury worse by falling down due to lack of strength or balance.

[jerryz]

I have 2 cars and a pick up as well as 3 Ducatis  and my wifes  scooter  and  Honda Rebel  250 but the carsare real pain to drive as the throttle pedal gives me agony as does the seating position , riding any of the bikes is  a better option its just getting on and off swinging the leg over the seat. the scooter and rebel are easy ...very low  even my mates HD sporty is easier as seat is 4'' lower .

I reckon i will get an inch off the S4 and 1/2 off the M750

even my Doctor reckoned the bikes were better for my posture at present than 4 wheels .

going to have to wait 6 -8 months for the surgery anyway under UK waiting lists  where its free ,cant afford it in thailand $12,000 and my insurance wont cover it .