How feasible or practical is it to reduce the seat height of the Commando? I ask because I'm not very tall, my current every day machine is a Hinckley Bonneville which at 30.5 inches is just about right for me. I've heard of removing some of the seat padding, shortening the forks and rear shocks as well as reducing the rear wheel diameter can reduce seat height by about 2" from standard.
Does anyone have any view on this?
Norman Hyde used to offer…
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I emailed Norvil about thi…
I emailed Norvil about this and here's Les' reply ...
"Hi,
It is not a very good way to do it because,
It alters both the rake and trail angles.
That is why we sell a 2âlower frame kit
Regards
Les Malone"
I've no idea what a lower frame kit is as it's not mentioned as part of their catalogue but needless to say it exists and my problem may not be one after all.
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If the forks were shortene…
If the forks were shortened and shorter rear units fitted, how can rake and trail be affected? Many people have fitted 18" wheel rims for a wider choice of tyres, and I've not heard reports of dire consequences.
Perhaps 18" wheels and a re-upholstered seat with less padding(lots of firms out there who can do this) might provide the reduction in seat height that you're looking for.
A 2" lower frame kit sounds like the most expensive of all options!
(I must confess to a theoretical approach on this one, because I have a 36" inside leg.....)
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Previously wrote: How feas…
Previously wrote:
How feasible or practical is it to reduce the seat height of the Commando? I ask because I'm not very tall, my current every day machine is a Hinckley Bonneville which at 30.5 inches is just about right for me. I've heard of removing some of the seat padding, shortening the forks and rear shocks as well as reducing the rear wheel diameter can reduce seat height by about 2" from standard.
Does anyone have any view on this?
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Thanks for the offer Neil…
Thanks for the offer Neil but I'm in Bangor. I'll have a look at the seats you mentioned as that may be enough to get over the problem - thanks.
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It might sound an obvious…
It might sound an obvious point but the seat height is less noticeable with a Roadster tank than an Interstate.
I run an 18" front wheel with a 110/90V18 tyre on and it does drop the front a little.
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Norman Hyde used to offer the reduced height Commando seat [see image below] but this is no longer listed. Does anyone else out there still make something like it?
I found it helped a lot, including stopping you from sliding backwards all the time.
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hyde_seat.jpg