When the Adventure Bike is Too Tall

Adventure bikes and many modern street motorcycles are becoming more powerful, comfortable, and off-road capable. However, with many models, the suspension travel—and consequently the seat height—is also increasing. This often challenges shorter riders, especially when it comes to maintaining solid footing while maneuvering, in city traffic, or on uneven terrain. Touratech Suspension offers a modular lowering program with various options to ergonomically adapt motorcycles to their owner's height. The range includes everything from simple spring kits and special cartridges to high-quality shocks and solutions for electronic suspensions.

A secure footing is one of the most crucial factors for relaxed and confident motorcycle riding. This is exactly where Touratech's concept takes effect. Their various solutions are designed to help riders reach the ground more easily, thereby gaining more control over their bike. Especially with fully loaded adventure bikes or in challenging riding situations, a reduced seat height can simplify handling. At the same time, Touratech aims to keep the riding dynamics as unchanged as possible.

The simplest method of lowering a bike is by replacing the stock springs. Touratech offers nearly 200 specific solutions for this. Depending on the model, different lowering options are available. For instance, the BMW F 850 GS can be lowered by either 20 or 40 millimeters. The fork springs used are progressively wound to ensure both responsive handling in everyday riding and ample reserves for sporty riding or when heavily loaded. This spring replacement is particularly aimed at riders looking to improve their ergonomics without having to swap out the entire suspension system.

Specially developed lowering shocks are considered a particularly comprehensive solution. In these systems, suspension travel, damping, and spring length are harmonized as a cohesive unit. Additionally, adjustments are made according to the rider's weight, riding style, and ergonomic needs. Touratech offers various suspension levels for numerous motorcycle models—from the entry-level E1 to the high-end Extreme series. For instance, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin has options for 25 or 40 millimeters lowering.

Additionally, the program includes special lowering cartridges for the fork. These replace the stock internals and are currently available for nearly 20 models, including the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, BMW F 850 GS, KTM 790 Adventure, Honda XL750 Transalp, and Yamaha Ténéré 700. For riders of current BMW GS models with ESA, Touratech also offers electronic lowering shocks. These remain compatible with the stock adjustment and assistance systems, ensuring secure handling on both asphalt and off-road, even with a reduced seat height.

In addition to suspension components, the program also includes specially designed comfort seats. With reduced padding height and optimized contour, reaching the ground is further facilitated. At the same time, Touratech uses tailored foam densities to maintain long-distance comfort despite thinner padding. The seats also feature the well-known hollow section in the tailbone area and the Fresh-Touch cover, which helps reduce heating under direct sunlight.

According to Touratech, the lowering program includes solutions for around 200 different motorcycles. The range covers BMW GS models, Honda Africa Twin and XL750 Transalp, KTM Adventure models, Yamaha Ténéré 700, Ducati DesertX, Triumph Tiger, Husqvarna Norden 901, and numerous other adventure and street motorcycles.

With its modular concept, Touratech aims to make motorcycles more accessible to a wider audience. Instead of relying on makeshift solutions, the company offers a range of technically refined options designed to enhance ergonomics and safety without fundamentally altering the motorcycle's character. Particularly with modern adventure bikes, a few centimeters of seat height can often determine whether a rider feels truly comfortable on their bike. Touratech aims to tackle this exact issue with its various lowering solutions, making the joy of riding accessible to a broader audience.

You can find more information about the available lowering solutions, compatible motorcycle models, and the various suspension options in the official Touratech Webshop.