Okay Dad,
Let me help you out.

Here are pics of the mods "Hogus" did to his bike over the weekend. He installed crash bars, a Pure Triumph lowering kit, bar risers, lowered the front forks, and new Corbin seat with back rest.
Did you say you guys lowered the front forks 18mm? If so, is that too much?
I've heard of people recommending lowering no more than 15mm. Not sure though.