[cornerslider]

Just know that moving forward after a lowering kit, that the bike will not handle as well. Whatever height you "drop" in the rear, you will need to lower the front the same amount (by raising the fork tubes in the triple clamps). You will most likely have less corning clearance when lowering it. Also- you will most likely need a shorter kickstand as well. Good luck-

 

[cornerslider]

You know.... Sometimes a new rider just needs some confidence. As we progress, we learn to notice the subtle changes in geometry. At 4'11", she just needs to be able to touch the ground- period. I doubt she will be joining MotoAmerica Junior Cup anytime soon. The OEM suspension on the R3 is so "broad", and designed to suit so many different sizes/weights of riders. I doubt many street riders could even feel the subtle changes in geometry? I stand by my original reply-

 

[cornerslider]

Raising the fork tubes will change the geometry even more for the worse. You need to re-spring and cut the inside spacers to lower properly.

I used to be a "customer/supporter" of Norton Motorsports.... It appears (to me) that you are attempting to profit from "fear mongering".... I know you're a supporting vendor on this site, and I'm trying REALLY hard to respect that. Street riders are NOT track oriented riders. Yes, EVERY rider will benefit from a properly sprung front end, yet most won't even notice the difference. I currently have three Yamaha R3's. Two of them are dedicated track-only bikes, the third is a dedicated street bike. I'm a rider coach at a local track organization, and I see so much bad information out there from people that have no idea what it's like to ride a bike @ less than 5' tall. I am NOT one of those people.... I just know how hard it is to be trying to get a little confidence, while trying to learn a new skill-

 

[cornerslider]

I'm sorry that you feel that way, but that's not at all what I'm trying to do. I've actually said this long before I worked for Norton, mainly because I personally experience this exact issue as a short rider (I'm only 5'4"ish). I rode for years with a lowered ZX6, that was lowered improperly, I never setup the ergo, and even started riding at the track. I struggled to get comfortable and learn how to ride like I wanted, until I undid the lowering on my ZX6, set up the ergo and suspension to me, and then it was like night and day difference. I went from feeling awkward in corners, to being confident.

This carried over to when I started racing the Ninja 250, and gave me the confidence to start racing as a direct result, and this was before I was even a mechanic and still in school. Back then, I learned what ultimately helped me as a rider just from watching Dave Moss's videos, and then even having him setup both my ZX6 and Ninja 250 at Thunderhill.

My recommendations are coming from years of not just personal experience, but also years of helping other riders and friends deal with the same issues I had. Sure, new riders aren't racing, and most aren't at the track. However, having a properly setup bike suspension, ergonomic, and tire wise make all the difference regardless of skill level for instilling confidence vs holding someone back from enjoying their ride.

I'm sorry if I came across as "harsh". I still love and will continue to support Norton Motorsports. I just see so many posts on this site (as well as other sites), that are continually telling people their bike "sucks", and if they don't upgrade X,Y, & Z, they are sketchy..... I HATE that!!! I have three R3's on the stable, as well as an FZ-07. I set all of them up myself. I'm no suspension expert, (I just do a LOT of research) but, EVERY rider that has ridden any of my bikes on a track comes in, and always says the same "don't change a thing". I actually encourage my track friends to ride my bikes. I'm always looking for feedback. It's actually slightly disappointing when I hear "don't change a thing" .... I honestly think we are very similar in our desire to help newer riders. I'm sorry about the "fear mongering" comment yesterday.... I had a really bad day @ work yesterday, and brought it to the R3 forum. Please accept my sincere apology-