Ok, joining the chorus here for what it's worth. A couple of observations. Obviously manufacturers compromise their bikes to appeal to a specific clientele which makes modifications likely if your purpose is different. That said, they are very good at producing a very good balance that is unwise to ignore. Certainly making handling modifications without a specific intent makes no sense, unless of course the intent is aesthetic, in which case handling does not matter. Regardless, the hundreds of hours by expert riders used to arrive at the the makers result is a good place to start. Get the ergonomics the way you want (bars, seat, foot rests, and controls), and ride it - A LOT. Figure out what you like and don't like about how it drives, and make dedicated alterations toward improving what you like and minimizing or eliminating what you don't like. In my experience, most guys end up reducing ground clearance with pipes and pegs when inexperienced with making mods. Throw in any sort of lowering of the chassis and the bike is miserable. Trying to fix this with stiffer springs makes things worse, as now you have a bike that not only scrapes but is also too stiff, and that is discounting whatever has happened to the handling. In the main, talking about people who want a cafe bike and actually plan on riding it in an appropriate fashion, I would say more ground clearance is needed if anything, as taking any bike and making it possible to drive harder will get it leaned over more than in its previous life. Lastly, it seems to me most people like their bikes suspensions set up noticeably too stiff. I think this is because it makes many feel like the bike is more solid, and lends confidence when driving it, but I think more often than not most guys would be able to ride faster, and much more comfortably with a more compliant set up.