To answer your question, yes, lowering a motorcycle will effect the handling. How much will it effect the handling? That will all be determined by how much you lower it.

I guess it really depends on what you want to do with your bike though. People ride for different reasons, you know? If you're a relatively short guy, and need to lower it to touch the ground with the flats of your feet, that's understandable. You'll be a lot more confident if you can flat foot the ground than you would feel if you were on the tips of your toes. My bike is a tad tall for me but I haven't lowered it because I learned to ride it the way it sits. If you just want to lower it for looks, I personally wouldn't do it if you intend to do more than ride it back and forth to school or work, or take girls out on.. If you want to get out in the mountains or do some real riding outside of traffic, try not to lower it any more than you have to.

I invite you to come down to Roanoke any time you want and ride with me! I'll possibly be coming back through the Blacksburg area this weekend actually. We rode through Ironto to get to Blacksburg last Sunday, and that was one HELL of a ride.. Beautiful scenery, little to no traffic, nice weather.. Fun!

PS: Maybe you should check out my ZX6R if you're interested in buying a used bike. It's a GREAT bike!!!