To lower or not to lower?

[bendusty]

I am thinking about lowering my 06 Nomad. What are the pros and cons to having this done? My wife has a difficult time getting on the bike since knee replacement surg last year.

[dantama]

I have a hard time seeing that lowering would change much as far as the geometry that the knee has to deal with for getting on and off. And lowering would make what is already poor cornering clearance worse. Your boards will start grinding in the same corner at a lower speed if you lower it.

Pull up against the curb for her to climb on from on top of the curb?

[landman]

lowering may also degrade ride qaulity as you will not have as much suspension travel.

[phenrichs]

CJ can tell you a little about that. He put a car tire on his and it lowered it only a bit and he had to learn not to drag his pipes.

Let her get on from the left side with the bike on the stand. That lowers the rear board. Also she might try getting on and sitting on the driver seat first and then scooting back, unless you have a driver backrest of course.

[caddman11]

Dragging your pipes is the first thing I thought about. My wife actually takes a running start to get on, lands on the floor board with her good leg, and then throws her bad leg over, she thinks it helps. What ever???????????? :-/

[sonny]

Caddman 11 I think it would be worth a ride to In to see that:)
thanks for your time

[fakebikerdude59]

Pull up against the curb for her to climb on from on top of the curb? [/quote]

+1.

That is what works great for my wife. And I lean the bike slightly towards her so she can slide a leg straight across the seat.

[Idaho]

I lowered a Volusia that I owned just prior to the Nomad. I was dragging pipes and pegs ALL the time. Bottomed out on small bumps. Not worth it. I tore into the bike and put the original frame pieces back and was much happier. I will never do that again.

[oldbikers]

I lowered my Nomad buy using 11 1/2" progressive shock because I am short and fat rides great and handles fine I have no problems

[macmac]

My wife just grabs my shoulder to hold, stands on the board, and steps thru like on a girls pedal bike, on or off the stand as I wish.

[hammer]

I love an honest man Jim. ;)

The Nomad would not be the bike I would lower especially because you are carrying a passenger.

There are already good suggestions here for helping her get on.

[ndbigfish]

Mine has been lowered one inch for several years now. I ride two-up alot. There is very little difference in dragging the boards, but handling is improved with the mechanical shocks. You have to watch speed bumps and steep driveways just the same. I like the added security when stopping also; as I'm not in such a "straight" legged position. It didn't make it easier for my pillion; she still kicks the bags getting off. A pair of saddlebag chaps took care of that. You might try letting the pillion on first; with the kickstand down and stabilizing the handlebars while they get seated.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

You definitely will hit the floorboards in places you didn't before. Might want to consider building a small step that you can carry for her to get on and off.

[Kawhead]

I'm probably as short and fat as oldbikers :) and I lowered my last Nomad to 11.5" and she rubbed the pipes a lot to me. There were times especially on tight interstate exit and off ramps when my ass chewed into the seat! The handling wasn't the same and IF you get Progressive shocks and you install the spacers make sure beforehand thats what you want to do "cause they are yours then.

I have a different Nomad now and I shant lower this one. :) All due respect to my buddy oldbikers, I wouldn't do it. Try something else like see if she has a long legged girl friend to ride with you or something. ???

[redjay]

My wife has bad knees and a bad back. I made a step about 1 foot high to make it easier to get on the bike at home. I leave it in the driveway when we go out so she can use it when we get home.