Author Topic: Can you lower a 2022 AK 550  (Read 415 times)

jtwmedic

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Can you lower a 2022 AK 550
« on: July 06, 2023, 01:05:37 AM »
HI, New owner here, I just bought a AK550 and want to know if there is any way to lower bike 1-2 inches    UPDATE: I've been ridding daily for the last month and now I am more comfortable and loving the ride and handling.
« Last Edit: August 03, 2023, 01:27:56 AM by jtwmedic »

rjs987

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Re: Can you lower a 2022 AK 550
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2023, 12:52:20 PM »
None that I know of. With a horizontal rear shock that would be difficult at best and I really don't recommend a shorter shock.

However, lowering just the seat height might be possible and that would be the best and first way to go about it. I'm sure there can be some seat foam that can be removed and/or the seat reshaped to make it more comfortable to reach the ground. There should be upholstery shops around that can do this for you.

I have a 32" inseam. While I do tend to have my heels just barely off the ground IF I put both feet down equally while I am well back on the seat I can still slip just slightly forward on the seat and get both feet flat on the ground. I usually just put one foot down however and that is always flat on the ground. I became accustomed to an ST1100 which has a taller seat height at 31.5" and my Gold Wing with a slightly lower seat height at 30.1" (being so much heavier and wider made it seem the same or worse).
/bob
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Stig / Major Tom

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Re: Can you lower a 2022 AK 550
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2023, 02:13:49 PM »
One solution I've read is to purchase boots with a very thick heel and sole.

This would probably get you less than 1"....but might be of help.
Removing the seat's padding material - might mean cutting riding time due to discomfort. Scooter seats not being famous for their comfort to begin with!

If you haven't yet purchased this scooter - which apparently does not fit you - it might be well to shop around and try other $10K rides.

The AK is not a light scooter - if I could not plant my feet reassuringly at every stop - it would not be much fun to own.

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rjs987

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Re: Can you lower a 2022 AK 550
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2023, 05:00:12 PM »
One solution I've read is to purchase boots with a very thick heel and sole.

This would probably get you less than 1"....but might be of help.
Removing the seat's padding material - might mean cutting riding time due to discomfort. Scooter seats not being famous for their comfort to begin with!

If you haven't yet purchased this scooter - which apparently does not fit you - it might be well to shop around and try other $10K rides.

The AK is not a light scooter - if I could not plant my feet reassuringly at every stop - it would not be much fun to own.

Stig

He did say he is a new owner.
I agree about not being comfortable on any bike that I couldn't confidently hold up at a stop. I find from my own riding experience and training that I really don't need to flat foot on both sides to be confident but I also don't like being way up on my tippy toes, especially if I only have one foot down. If my heels are just barely lifted with both feet down then I am good to go. A big part of it is learning balance. I learned on my GW. Once you learn to balance well on a 900 lb monster then anything else is like a toy lightweight. Perspective.
/bob
2022 Kymco AK 550 Super Touring Extreme in Matte Deep Blue
RETIRED - US Navy and Air National Guard and civilian career

randyo

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Re: Can you lower a 2022 AK 550
« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2023, 07:03:13 AM »
He did say he is a new owner.
I agree about not being comfortable on any bike that I couldn't confidently hold up at a stop. I find from my own riding experience and training that I really don't need to flat foot on both sides to be confident but I also don't like being way up on my tippy toes, especially if I only have one foot down. If my heels are just barely lifted with both feet down then I am good to go. A big part of it is learning balance. I learned on my GW. Once you learn to balance well on a 900 lb monster then anything else is like a toy lightweight. Perspective.

That's where I am on my AK550, heels lifted a bit, I wouldn't mind a narrower seat, but more importantly, a redesign of the floorboards, my left hip is not liking it much at stops... the reason I got the scooter to begin with, I can't lift my left leg high enough to get over the saddle of a conventional bike without a step or two
RandyO
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