How To Increase Ground Clearances Of A Motorcycle
A motorcycle’s ground clearance is a critical measurement that manufacturers consistently specify in their motorcycle specifications. It represents the gap between the ground and the lowest point of the motorcycle, typically the engine sump. A low ground clearance can be a significant drawback for a motorcycle, leading to various challenges for riders. In this article, I, Saleh, will discuss methods to increase the ground clearance of a motorcycle, offering solutions to address this common issue.
Increasing Ground Clearance in Motorcycles Low ground clearance is a prevalent issue, particularly in street-focused motorcycles. This problem is often encountered in modern sportbikes, custom choppers, and sport-oriented naked street motorcycles. Even heavyweight adventure motorcycles, which require robust skid plates, can face challenges related to low ground clearance.
How To Increase Ground Clearances Of A Motorcycle
Ground clearance is a critical measurement that determines how effectively a fully loaded motorcycle can navigate obstacles without encountering impacts or hindrances to sensitive components such as the engine sump, exhaust system, or cooling setups. This is precisely why ground clearance is of paramount importance. It applies not only to off-road motorcycles but also to street bikes, as both benefit from having higher and maximal ground clearances.
While the specific manufacturing and structural reasons behind low ground clearance are not the focus of our discussion today, it is essential to understand that optimizing a motorcycle’s center of gravity is the key factor contributing to lower ground clearances. Therefore, if you are grappling with issues related to low ground clearance on your motorcycle, there are globally accepted solutions available. These solutions may involve some compromise to the absolute center of gravity but remain within a safe margin, allowing you to achieve a slightly higher ground clearance. Below, we will explore these solutions in detail.
Lifting down the front suspension
Adjusting the Front Suspension One effective method to enhance a motorcycle’s ground clearance is by adjusting the front suspension. Typically, motorcycle manufacturers position the front shock absorbers a few millimeters to a centimeter higher than the YOKE level. By lowering the shock absorbers to align with the YOKE level, riders can gain an additional few millimeters to a centimeter of ground clearance for their motorcycles.
Enhancing Front Suspension Length An effective aftermarket solution for increasing a motorcycle’s ground clearance is utilizing a suspension length increasing kit for the front suspension. This kit can be installed on the top of the front fork, allowing riders to lower the fork to the YOKE level and achieve their desired ground clearance.
Increasing the front suspension length
In some instances, riders may opt for a rear suspension lifting kit, especially when adjustments are needed at the rear after modifying the front suspension. By connecting this kit to the rear suspension, users can easily extend the rear suspension length, effectively adjusting the ground clearance while simultaneously tweaking the front suspension length.Stiffening the rear suspension is another technique that influences ground clearance. While this approach can be suitable for heavy-weighted riders, it may not be the ideal choice for those with lighter weight.
Using a rear suspension lifting kit
Utilizing Larger Tires A cost-effective and straightforward method to enhance ground clearance is by opting for larger diameter tires with an increased sidewall ratio. For instance, if your motorcycle comes with stock tires measured at 120/60-17”, you can switch to larger options like 120/70-17” or 120/80-17”. This change can provide an additional centimeter of wheel height, consequently increasing your motorcycle’s ground clearance. However, it’s important to note that this alteration may lead to some compromises in terms of torque, power delivery, and fuel economy.
Stiffening the rear suspension
Modifying the Exhaust Assembly In cases where modern motorcycles are equipped with a bulky exhaust system featuring a large catalytic converter beneath the engine sump, ground clearance can be significantly reduced. To address this issue, riders can explore the option of reshaping the exhaust assembly by creating additional space or investing in an aftermarket exhaust system. Such modifications can effectively increase ground clearance in motorcycles with this particular design.
Using larger tires
Redefining Skid Plate Design Some contemporary adventure motorcycles come equipped with stock skid plates that occupy substantial space under the engine without offering much practical utility. A practical solution is to replace these bulky stock skid plates with reinforced and reshaped solid alternatives. This simple modification can result in an increased ground clearance of approximately one centimeter or more.
Reshaping the exhaust assembly
In conclusion, the techniques outlined above represent common methods to raise the ground clearance of a motorcycle. Depending on individual needs and preferences, one or more of these steps may be necessary to achieve the desired ground clearance while maintaining a balanced motorcycle setup. It’s essential to recognize that no motorcycle is universally perfect, and personalized adjustments are often necessary to strike the right compromise. So, customize your motorcycle according to your requirements and enjoy your rides.
Reshaping skid plate design
Redefining Skid Plate Design Some contemporary adventure motorcycles come equipped with stock skid plates that occupy substantial space under the engine without offering much practical utility. A practical solution is to replace these bulky stock skid plates with reinforced and reshaped solid alternatives. This simple modification can result in an increased ground clearance of approximately one centimeter or more.
In conclusion, the techniques outlined above represent common methods to raise the ground clearance of a motorcycle. Depending on individual needs and preferences, one or more of these steps may be necessary to achieve the desired ground clearance while maintaining a balanced motorcycle setup. It’s essential to recognize that no motorcycle is universally perfect, and personalized adjustments are often necessary to strike the right compromise. So, customize your motorcycle according to your requirements and enjoy your rides.
