The Surron LBX is an awesome emoto. We all know that. But it is small, almost toy-like, especially from a dirtbike background. While this does come in handy for all sorts of things, you may find it ergonomically better on your body to raise the seat height.
And the good news is: you can easily make this happen! It is also one of the cheaper mods you can do on your e-moto. Choosing which Surron seat riser is the next thing… I’ll give you a few options, but of course, the GritShift seat riser is the best 😛
Seriously though, the testing the R&D guys and girls put GritShift products through before releasing them for public use, is, well, insane! However, I get that looks are always subjective, so I’ll include a few options for you.
How to choose a Surron LBX seat riser
Did you know that not only does it raise the seat height, but a seat riser can also allow room for a bigger battery or larger rear wheels? Getting any ideas??!
A seat riser will make your ride way more comfortable, especially if you’re taller. Once you’ve worked out that this is the mod for your Surron, you’ll want to look for a few basic things before deciding what seat riser to purchase for your LBX.
Read the product descriptions and look for details such as:
- What is it constructed from? Is it strong?
- Is it easily fitted and removed?
- Does it come with a cover for the lock to the battery lid?
- Does it have some way of stopping the battery from lifting upwards?
- How much rise and reach does it give you?
Different brands have slightly different versions of the tried-and-true seat riser. Some have the option to mount a tire pump. Some don’t have the battery bracket. Some have different designs on the mounts. Keep these differences in mind as we browse a few of the current best options.
Here is a list of our favorites:
Warp 9 Subframe Riser
The Warp 9 Subframe Riser, built by the well-known brand Warp 9, is a good and sturdy seat riser. It provides a 2.5” rise and a 1.5” extra reach. The kit includes a battery lid spacer that also covers the lid latch. Not every brand has this option, and in my opinion, it is a necessity. This keeps all the dirt and mud out of the latching system.
GritShift 2.5” Seat Riser
The GritShift 2.5″ seat riser, built by us, is simply awesome. Ok, for some more technical details: it’s CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and a single-piece riser. We need these to withstand landings from all sorts of heights. Like Warp 9’s riser, ours also gives you a 2.5” rise and 1.5” extra reach. It also has an aluminum tank riser to add even more strength.
Heavy Hitter Mod-X Billet Subframe
Heavy Hitter is a GritShift brand.
You might find that raising the seat isn’t enough to fix your discomfort, so why not get rid of the LBX seat altogether?
This subframe is built for some serious modding for any style of riding. The best part of the Heavy Hitter LBX riser is it allows you to use an MX-style seat. The Mod-X Billet Subframe works well with a KTM Freeride seat, or you can still use the OEM Surron seat. Follow the link and you’ll see this is way more than just a standard seat riser.
Check out this awesome build that Rusty explains, it is sporting the Mod-X Bullet Subframe with a KTM seat. This is the ultimate modded Surron!
How to install the seat riser
Installing the Surron LBX seat riser is actually a straightforward job. I’ll talk about the GritShift kit, but most seat riser kits are similar in theory. You’ll get detailed instructions inside your GritShift kit, but so you’re aware of what’s in store when it arrives at your door, this is what you’ll need to do.
Note: If you have any aftermarket parts, such as the rear fender, seat, battery lid, etc, you may need to modify these instructions slightly. Always check compatibility with your actual Surron prior to purchasing if you have a heap of mods and are unsure if it will go together.
- Remove the battery from your Surron LBX.
- Remove the 2 lower 5mm bolts on each side and the 4mm bolt on each side. (6 in total)
- Remove the 2 bolts in the battery housing that joins the latch mechanism.
- Be careful with any wiring, you may need to remove some cable holders to give the wires extra room.
- Lift the seat partway off. (Be careful of wires!)
- Add the main extender by adding the bottom bolts on both sides of your Surron.
- Add the front brackets on both sides.
- To change the locking mechanism, remove the lock on the underside of the battery lid.
- Replace with the new locking mechanism from the kit.
- Check all bolts and screws are correctly tightened.
Note: If the OEM bolts are difficult to remove, use a heat gun to loosen the Loctite. Be careful not to strip the bolts.
Check out this video which explains how to install a seat riser. Note this isn’t GritShift’s seat riser, but it will give you a rough idea of the installation process.
Do I need to mod anything else?
Now your seat is at a better height, you may find that the ergos still feel weird. By raising one section of your Surron, it can sometimes put the other parts out of whack, depending on your proportions and comfort standards. These are a few things to consider:
Handlebar riser:
A direct mount stem riser can lift your handlebars 2”, while also making them extra sturdy. It is a great addition to the seat riser, and definitely gets rid of the ‘toy bike’ feeling, especially for taller LBX riders.
For a full article on bar risers, read here:
Handlebar:
In addition to the stem riser, or as a stand-alone mod, you could consider changing your stock handlebar. By making this mod, you can change the overall height, sweep, and width – just about anything really! Don’t forget about choosing a color that suits the theme of your Surron.
Footpeg mounts:
There are many options for footpeg mounts, so I just want to make you aware that it is possible to change the location of your footpegs. You would be surprised how much moving your feet can change the angle of your hips and reduce back and neck strain while riding. Many new Surron owners choose to replace the stock footpegs for grippy footpegs, but you can also change the mounting points entirely.
Does the Surron LBX need a Seat Riser?
The Surron seat riser is a simple, yet highly effective way of not being cramped on your LBX! When you’re comfortable, you just ride better. But if you get more technical, you ride better because you can shift your weight more easily.
Sandy corners coming up? Easy – make the front end lighter. Hard on the brakes? Move your weight backward accordingly. Unless you’re on a meandering commute, riding an e-moto is all to do with balance and shifting your weight. With the right ergos on your Surron, your riding will instantly get better.
Whether or not you’ve done the mods you want to do, just get your Surron and head outside! Practice is the key to knowing what you might want to change in the future. Over time, you’ll know if you need a seat riser or not – not everyone needs one – but if you find yourself feeling cramped on the bike or feeling like you’re back riding the bikes from your childhood again, a seat riser can go a long way to fixing those feelings!
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