Guys, anyone here with a Multi V4S have experience of the Multi V4S with lowered and stock suspension? Has anyone had theirs lowered after riding it with stock suspension? I'd like to know if it make any difference to the ride and handling? I've basically got a lowered seat, but if I find the standard seat more comfy for long journeys and I'd prefer to get my feet down a bit lower when loaded up with luggage, so debating to have it lowered or not. The lower seat I'm happy with height wise, so lowering it and using the standard seat I think it would be about the right height I want.
Have you not had the s/ware upgrade done that permits you to lower the bike when coming to a stop? Press and hold the suspension button for 3secs.
I have, but it doesn’t seem to actually drop much, unless some other pre load settings need altering.
I have the lower seat but I found the difference between it and the std one marginal even though it’s supposed the be 30mm. The minimum preload on the button is useful. The difference felt depends where you’re normally set obviously. No experience of the lowered chassis sorry.
On my new bike I’ve got the lowered seat and lower suspension kit fitted. I’ve got a 29” inside leg and can get both feet flat in the ground
One of the IAM observers I ride with has a lowered set up. I’ll see if I can get him to come on here and answer your questions.
I would have thought the drop in bike height should be at least the same as the difference in seat pad thickness between the std and lowered seat. Check what your preload settings are in the respective modes and see if changing them makes the difference you need (perhaps just in Urban to start).
The lowered seat height is ok for me, but find uncomfy on long journeys. I did take a look at the preload settings, using the suspension button it does drop to 0, but could just do with the little bit more. I'm considering having the lower seat re-upholstered with memory foam, if it makes it more comfortable to sit on all day I'd be happy with that.
Found these guys who recommend Memory foam over gel, going to give them a call. Elite Comfort Seat Motorcycle Memory Foam Inserts at Sussexmotorcycles.com, better than gel pads for rider comfort.
Had the (similar) suspension lowering kit fitted to a new Monster (937cc). It certainly made a big difference and doesn’t seem to compromise the handling over stock. I was under the impression that the front springs and rear shock spring were shorter, however, I am led to believe it is just a spring rate difference. The one thing that did not work successfully is the “shorter” side stand. With a ‘soft’ suspension set up, when you sit on the bike and compress the suspension, the bike stands up on the side stand and can throw the bike over if you aren’t expecting it. The standard suspension on the Monster is not brilliant so have since bitten the bullet on gone the Maxton route, who made a physically shorter cartridge kit and rear shock. The difference is night and day, absolutely super to ride and now capable of using the bikes potential with confidence. Andy
Thx Andy, I'm going to get a quote to have the lowering kit fitted and decide what route to take. I'm sure the standard seat with the lowering kit will be ok for me.
I'm 29" inside leg, I've got the standard suspension but I dropped the forks 10mm and fitted the lower seat. Dropping the forks has improved the handling for me, it turns much sharper and allows for more lean on sharp bends. I also find the the lower seat perfectly comfortable on long rides, I've completed 4 long tours on it and so it works for me. And no, I don't have a fat ass, before anyone suggests it. I also leave the suspension on Auto and just lower it to minimum for slow riding and stopping when needed.
I must have a fat arse How do you mean suspension on 'Auto'? I can sit on the lower seat for longer than approx 90mins without getting a numb arse. I called a couple of seat upholsters today and I think it will be a waste of money re-padding the low seat due the heated seat element. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and just get it lowered.
If press the Suspension button, you should 5 options, 1 helmet icon, a helmet & luggage, 2 helmets, 2 helmets & luggage and the Auto Levelling, which adjusts the suspension based on the wait on the bike.
They are right - if you have a heated jacket / vest then you don't need the heated seat, so take the element out and get a comfortable memory foam seat instead. That is what I have done and I only used the heated seat 2/3 times just to see what it was like. With the element in the seat removed there are no errors shown unless you try to switch it on
Thanks for that. I kept looking for that option, but wasn't showing if the bikes set to minimum pre-load (holding the suspension button down for a few seconds.
I've just been out on a ride with the stock seat for nearly 2 hours as hadn't used the stock seat much. To be completely honest I don't think theres any difference in comfort between this and the low seat. If I'm brutally honest I think the low seat is a bit comfier due to the way its scooped out. Also I feel more 'in' the bike using the low seat compared to the stock seat. I think my arse needs to get used to the low seat or have it re-padded without the heating element. I may be wasting close to approx £800 getting the bike lowered. Decisions, decisions......
