'89 F-K ride height info requested

Hello again.

The weekend has been a grand occasion for finally riding the bike. I have a question about ride height, and in a related way, about the mainstand 'up' position on the bike.

To answer one main question - the suspension unit is a new Nitron road unit. I did not measure it against the ancient Showa it replaced, but it fitted fine... The suspension spring is selected according to the rider's clothed weight, so there is every hope that an honest answer begat an honest spring... I am also assuming that the suspension linkage is original, as I do know know if alternative-length 'dog-bones' are/were available for this model.

Now - the mainstand appears to be about horizontal when 'up', although as the bike has non-original pipes (now sporting 'Mivv' units) in a 4-2 configuration, I cannot be certain of its correct 'up' position. There was no rubber bump stop when I got the bike (just a dent in the silencer tube), so I made one to stop the mainstand 'kick plate' about 1/4" away from the silencer tube.

So, the crux of the matter is, the mainstand grounds out on mild cornering. I am not a fast or hard rider, so this is all a bit exciting for me... I am not sure if the stand is too low, or if the ride height is too low. The bike appears to 'sag' when on the side stand, and a recent picture of me doing a pass, also leaves the impression of rear-end 'sag'.

And so to the end, and the question: can anyone on here please tell me what the correct ground clearance should be for a F-K model, and where to measure it? I see in the service manual that ground clearance is '135 mm', but is that along the length of the undertray (assuming a 'straight' undertray)?

Als0 - what is the correct position for the mainstand (being the lowest point, or above it)?

Thank you.

 

Turns out, the ride height checks out - 135mm under the fairing tray. Just so you know...

Suspension movement is still a query, as is the mainstand height (although as long as it is 135mm +).

 

so unbolt the centerstand and keep it ready at home for quick (on some bikes) deployment as needed. safer than grounding out. only 2 ez bolts on most, and no need for spring.

 

Indeed.

It appears that my aftermarket exhaust (4-2 Mivv) has a link pipe which gets in the way of the stand. I have yet to see another system like it on eBay, and have no desire to strip (and probably snap header studs on) the bike to replace the exhaust for something more 'accommodating'.

Best bet for safer riding is to remove the mainstand, as you suggested. I had considered that before, but hoped that something magical would happen overnight, requiring no further action. I like a mainstand...

 

Depending on where and how it hits the exhaust, perhaps you can get another used main stand and have it modified and welded to miss the exhaust and fully retract?

 

Good idea.

It seems that I have the wrong model for spares... I will keep an eye out, but remove the offending item now so that I can actually ride the damn thing.

Thanks all.