New to forum and am ready to buy my Zx-14r, But being 5'6" going to need a little lowering for my feet to reach the ground fully. I have read about the lowering links, but they seem dangerous when cornering. So what about an air suspension, where you can lower while at a stop but raise while you ride. Is there such a suspension?

Never heard of that for bikes. Cool idea though. The Ohlins KA544 has preload you can adjust on the fly but I don't think that would lower you more than a half inch. Check into it. Might work if you have the right spring. Several members have this suspension. PM Grn14 or wofzx14 if no one knows the answer to this. You could also go to Dan Kyle to ask if a KA544 would work for your purpose.

http://www.kyleusa.com/

I have a KA544 but never tried it out yet.

A carved out seat will also lower you up to 3 inches. You can pick up a used on on Ebay fpr about $70.

There are adjustable lowering links so you do not need to go all the way. You'd also need a shortened kickstand. Lowering links should reduce clearance but if you are not cornering harder than normal street riding, I don't think it will be a big problem. Bumps and sudden inclines will be the main risk with a lowered bike. You can get you oil pan modified into a low profile by Schnitz. You can hacksaw off your oil drain plug guard and go with a low profile plug.

Other than that, riding boots with a heal and be real careful coming to a stop.

It's a myth that you have to be totally flat footed. I'm 5'7", and am not flat footed on mine either. I do wear work type boots to give me extra footing compared to gym shoes or dress shoes. But it's not necessary to be totally flat footed and be safe. IMO the more flat footed the better.

I don't agree with people that take it to the point of being what I call tripod-tip-toed (can only touch down one foot, and that's with only the front of their foot). I don't accept this as safe or equally safe to being flat footed. However in some cases it might be the best a rider can do for a particular bike they want to ride, but I still won't accept it as safe.

As far as lowering, there's other people with more experience than I to advise you.

Unless you are the kind of person that goes balls out trying to ride the sidewall of your tires you'll be fine with lowering links. Still handles pretty good. Start with a lowered seat if you don't want to mess with the geometry of the bike. I think most people get their butts low enough to satisfy them after shaving the seat.

A Saddlemen seat is about a half inch lower and a Seargeant is probably pretty similar. I like my Saddlemen Tech Style seat. About $400 but nice looking and more comfy than the stock Gen1 seat. Another benefit is that an aftermarket seat or carved OEM will stop your butt from sliding forward all the time which was a problem with the Gen1. Don't know if the GEn2 seat is better for that but it looks more comfortable.

Spencers in Florida will completely redo your OEM seat for $75 and does a great job!

greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

I've had Spencer do a couple of OEM seats on other bikes for me and I was more then happy with each one, plus you can't beat his price or the comfort of his mod. Spencer will want to know your bike model, your inseam, and where you sit on the seat. Call him and ask questions if you need to, nice guy to do business with.

I agree with nasty the seat ergos is an excellent call.
Mine is lowered as per the princip acceleratica theory - lighten, lengthen, lower. I think Romans coined this 3 l approach.

I have a set of roaring toyz lowering links still in the packaging im willing to sell if you are looking for a lowering option.

I have a set of roaring toyz lowering links still in the packaging im willing to sell if you are looking for a lowering option.

how much?

Shoot me a pm.

I'm thinking $60 shipped, but I'm open to best offer