|
|
Top Tips to Make a
Motorcycle Fit for Shorter Riders
| 1) |
Determine if you're leaning forward or reaching for
the handlebar controls. If so, it may be shifting you in your seat
and hampering foot to ground reach. Consider adding a pullback riser
or checking into a new handlebar. |
| 2) |
Check if there is an adjustment to the rear shock(s) and front forks
(it's called preload, the point of spring compression, and for lighter
weight riders, can be brought down . . . just make sure the springs aren't
bottoming out when you encounter bumps in the road). |
| 3) |
Buy or modify boots for a higher heel/sole. You'll want to carefully
consider how your foot is placed in regard to the footpeg and lever, but
remember that the lever can usually be re-adjusted to a different angle
if the new configuration shifts your overall foot position. You can also
consider adding an interior insert for about another 1/2" (or more if you
buy a boot one size up, more insole, which may be useful).
Lower the bike or raise the boot sole
height? (Adobe Acrobat PDF file)
|
| 4) |
Change the stock seat to something that is either narrower (so
thighs are not
pushed out) or curved down to lower overall seat height or have the
original seat's interior padding shaved down (you can add a gel insert to
maintain tush comfort). |
| 5) |
Check for shorter shocks or find a shop that will custom shorten them,
Alternatively, check into air suspension shocks which can lower/raise as
needed. |
| 6) |
Lower the bike with an official lowering kit. |
| 7) |
Find an independent motorcycle shop and see if they
can make a lowering link for you. It's a piece of metal (either
straight or L shaped) with holes on each end. The shock is removed
and the new bracket placed between the frame and the shock. This
will lower the motorcycle. Alternatively, on some bikes, a new frame
hole can be drilled so that when the shock is reattached, it will be
at a lower position. |
| 8) |
Change out the tire to a lower profile (but talk to the mechanic about a possible impact on the
speedometer reading). |
Models with Rider's
height, Inseam, and Modification Notes
Straight from the women
and men who write into the VTwin Mama site!
Models in RED are linked to a detailed review
by a woman rider!
Email me your basic info at vtwinmama@vtwinmama.com
. . . or . . . provide
a more detailed review
AlphaSports Models
Rider Height Inseam Notes
| GV250 Classic |
Not Given |
|
25" seat height, bears a resemblance to the 100th
Anniversary Fatboy and is about $3500 new |
| GV250 |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Flat-footed with no modifications, good balance, and
great to learn on |
BWM Models Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| Boxer 650, 800, 1000 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Last ones made were in 1996 and sidestand not so easy
to reach, but they last forever |
| Funduro F650 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Easily lowered |
| F650CS (2002) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
|
Feet almost flat on the ground, seat could be a bit
lower . . . a great starter bike |
| F650GS (2006) |
4'11" (149.9 cm) |
26" |
Factory lowered |
| F650GS (2005) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Factory lowered, boots with 2" heels, on tip toes
with both feet down |
| F650GS (2003) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
A light bike at 425lbs, low center of gravity, not
flat foot, but no problem handling the bike |
| F650GS (2007) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
28" |
ac;
Factory low frame + factory low seat;1 inch Koubalink to lower the
rear + raise the front fork by 1 inch
; Shortening of kickstand by 1.5 inch (work done by a welder
recommended by local BMW dealer) |
| F650GS
(2009) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
30" |
Stock |
| F800ST
(2008) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Balls of feet planted firmly, but not entirely
flatfoot to the ground |
| R1150R |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Seat lowered by 2", shorter set of shocks |
| R1200C Phoenix |
5'7" (170.2 cm) |
28" |
Can almost flat foot this bike |
Ducati
Models Rider Height Inseam
Notes
| 600 Monster |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Perfect height fit with no adjustments |
| 696 Monster (2009) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
28.5" |
tips of toes before mods, solid ball of foot after:
tree dropped through forks by 1 inch, preload in back set to soft,
seat cut down, customized with Shocktec gel pad, handle bars with
more rise and pull back (rerouted cables) |
| 696 Monster (2009) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
29" |
Stock |
| 696
Monster (2009) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
28" |
Suspension lowered 1" |
Harley Davidson
Models Rider Height Inseam
Notes
| Buell Blast (2006) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
25" |
Low profile seat yields seat height of 25.5 inches,
can easily flat foot. |
| Buell Blast |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
No modifications noted |
| Buell Blast (2001) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
30" |
Flatfoot and easy to move around |
| Buell CityX (XB9SX) (2005) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
XB12SCG seat for lower sitting profile; low center of
gravity (not top heavy) making for good bike control for short
riders; considering Corbin seat for a bit lower seat height |
| Fat Boy (2000) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Originally a lower seat height and center of gravity;
then lowered 1" |
| Fat Boy |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Lowered 1"; 4.5" pullback risers |
| Fat Boy |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Lowered front and back and Corbin close solo seat
added; well-balanced and absolutely perfect! |
| Fat Boy |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Lowered 1" both front and back |
| Fat Boy (2001) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Inexpensive lowering available |
| Fat Boy (1999) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Lowered, changed to LePera Barebones seat, but that
seat was uncomfortable, so changed to Mustang wide solo touring seat
with backrest. Perfect. |
| Fat Boy |
5'4 1 /2" (163.8 cm) |
|
Sides of the factory seat cut down for about an extra
inch of leg-to-ground reach |
| FLH Shovelhead (1979) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
11" shocks, LePera BareBones gel seat, longer
"Lo Rise" handlebars, wrap around oil tank so leg doesn't
hit battery |
| Heritage Springer |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Some seat foam removed for overall 2" seat
position drop, may lower bike to better handle backing up into icky
parking situations |
| Heritage Springer (2000) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
New handlebars with more pull-back and "dog
bone" risers, Corbin Chose Solo seat, clutch assist and
ergonomic levers that slant inward |
| Low
Rider (2001) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Changed to Drag Muller Power Clutch, changed to LePera
Silhouette Up Front seat to move me forward 3" and its narrow
so feet can reach the ground, changed shocks to 11"
Progressives (lowered an inch) |
| Low
Rider (2002) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Easy clutch bracket added, Wyatt Fuller pullback
handlebars, Corbin Gunfighter seat, lowered with Progressive shocks
in back and moved front fords in triple tree for 1" lower |
| Low Rider (2003) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Used Progressive
shocks to lower the bike and the rider loves it |
| Low Rider (2004) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Plans on changing out the stock seat with a Corbin
"Close Gunfighter" to lower the sitting height by another
1.75" -- may not need new shocks by doing this |
| Low Rider |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
26.5" |
Lowered about 2", Barebones seat from LePera
(1" lower) and added an inch to HD boot soles |
| Low
Rider (2007) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Added Badlander seat, took seat to a
local motor trimmer, and got quite a bit of foam shaved from front
of seat to make it narrower. Changed standard 12" shocks with
Progressive 412 11", to lower seat height. |
| Low Rider |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Change out rear shocks to 11" Progressive,
although overall comfort might be slightly compromised |
| Low Rider (2003) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Fits great. |
| Night
Rod (2006) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Not quite flat foot, but bike and/or shocks can be
lowered |
| Nightster XL1200 (2007) |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
No lowering as stock 25.3" seat height was
enough. May try some 10.25" or 11" short shocks to get a
bit more of both feet down. |
| Nightster
XL1200 (2007) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Slight heel on boots and flat footed |
| Nightster (2007) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
No changes for sitting height, but may want new
handlebar and easier clutch mod |
| Road
King (2005) |
5'4.5" (163.8 cm) |
|
HD Heritage handlebar for comfortable reach, HD Reach
seat to get closer to handlebar, feet closer to ground and more
comfort |
| Softail Heritage (2005) |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
Lowered by 2" with Progressive shocks, added
5" risers (new cables to controls), new narrow solo seat, added
metal block to rear brake pedal for reach, extension to the
kickstand, and had 1" added to HD boots |
| Softail Heritage Classic (2001) |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
Lowered and changed to LePera Silhouette seat;
checking into new boots |
| Softail Heritage Classic (2002) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Softail lowering kit on the rear only |
| Softail Classic (2004) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Front and rear lowering kit, narrower HD seat for
better access to forward controls, feet are firmly planted on ground |
| Softail Heritage Classic (2006) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Feet flat at stops and solid flat moving a bit forward
in the seat |
| Softail Heritage Classic (2004) |
5'3.5" (161.3 cm) |
|
Lowered one inch; adjusted stock handlebars down from their
upright position |
| Softail Heritage Classic (2006) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Lowered front and back and stock Easy Clutch is good. |
| Softail Heritage Classic (2009) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
30.5" |
Lowered 1.5"; may add a small pullback riser in
future |
| Softail Deluxe |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
24.5" |
Front end lowered |
| Softail Deluxe (2006) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Wears engineer boots and may shave foam at front of
seat for better ability to duckwalk the bike into parking spaces;
turn stock bars down a bit. |
| Softail Deluxe (2005) |
5'3.5" (161.3 cm) |
|
No adjustments for stock bike |
| Softail Deluxe (2006) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Lowered front and rear by one inch, installed Corbin
Close Solo seat for extra one inch lowering |
| Softail
Deluxe (2009) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Changed to HD Sundowner seat |
| Softail Standard (1992) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Lowered rear and added narrower single seat, extended
handlebars back |
| Sportster Hugger (2002) |
4'8" (142.2") |
|
Lowered front by 2" and back by 1.5".
Doesn't feel top heavy. |
| Sportster Hugger (1993) |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
New Progressive shocks (lowered it by 2") and
lower profile custom seat |
| Sportster Hugger (2003) |
4'11" (149.9 cm) |
|
28" inseam; changed solo seat to LePera King
Cobra; 11" Progressive shocks; front fork lowering kit |
| Sportster
XLH 883 Hugger (1999) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Bought used, had Badlander seat, pulled buckhorn
handlebar back closer |
| Sportster Hugger (1997) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Lowered rear and added narrower seat |
| Sportster 883 (2003) |
4'11" (149.9 cm) |
|
Lowered and Badlander seat installed |
| Sportster 883 (1996) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Lowering springs in the front forks (lower about 2
inches), 11" Progressive shocks in the rear (2" lower),
White Brother's relocation bracket for the rear (extra 1/2")
and custom seat from LePera |
| Sportster 883 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Corbin Close Gunfighter seat brought her 2" down
and 2" forward (and yes, the consensus is that this bike is top
heavy) |
| Sportster 883 (2003) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Pull back handlebar, EZ Clutch (a must have), Stage 1
kit, LePera seat (9" wide, helps the short rider reach the
ground, was on tiptoe before) |
| Sportster 883
(2009) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Brawler solo seat |
| Sportster XL883L (2008) |
4'9" (144.8 cm) |
24.5" |
Changed to 10" shocks, changed to HD Reach Solo
Seat, men's elevator boots with 1/2" sole added; may be
switching to Heritage handlebar to remove lean forward. |
| Sportster 883L |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
Lowering kit from Hellbent Hogs and HD Brawler seat |
| Sportster XL883L (2005) |
4'11" (149.9 cm) |
|
Raised forks by 1 inch (lowers front of bike), Changed
shocks from 11 3/4 to Progressive 11s, 2" pullback risers, feet
planted on ground, bars where needed |
| Sportster 883L (2005) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Lowered the suspension and new seat |
| Sportster 883L (2006) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
10" custom shorty shocks from Lick's Custom shop
in MA |
| Sportster 883L (2007) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Factory setup great . . . feet flat to ground and standard
handlebar already in good pullback position.
|
| Sportster
883L (2005) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Could touch ground flat footed with original set-up |
| Sportster XL 883 Custom (2005) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Factory setup great . . . feet flat to ground and
standard handlebar already in good pullback position. |
| Sportster (2004) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
The 2004 model's seat height is already 1.5"
lower! |
| Sportster 1200 |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Progressive shocks front and rear lowered bike
2", Corbin single seat shaved down that lowered rider another
3/4". |
| Sportster 1200 (2002) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Lowered! |
| Sportster 1200 Custom (2007) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
29" |
I wear 2" heel boots |
| Sportster 1200L (2006) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Lowered the forks, shorter shocks, down by 2", HD
Brawler seat, almost flat footed |
| Sportster 1200L (2006) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
No alterations needed |
| Street Bob (2006) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Replaced shock 12" shock with Progressive
11" shock to have boot heels on ground |
| Street Glide (2008) |
5'4" (162.2 cm) |
30" |
Rear lowered at time of purchase, lowered front end,
added Reach seat, wants to add pullback riser, but fits and rides
great! |
| Super
Glide Custom FXDC (2008) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Changed out back shocks to Progressive
412 11" shock. The dealer had Race Tech custom build a front
fork lowering kit to lower front forks about 1" (lowering kit
was not yet available for the 2008 at the time). Changed handlebars
to Bikers Choice 10" rise to bring the bars closer. Changed out
the seat to the LePera Upfront Silhouette to bring me closer to the
handlebars and lower to the ground. |
| V-Rod
(2003) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Reduced reach foot controls and handlebar; going to go
to floorboards to get calf off the exhaust |
| V-Rod
(2003) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Reduced reach foot controls to get calf off the
exhaust, Custom Solo Seat for longer ride comfort |
| V-Rod
(2003) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Reduced reach foot controls (stock ok, but this even
better) |
Honda
Models Rider
Height Inseam Notes
| CBF600 (2005) |
4'11.5" (151.1 cm) |
|
Stock adjustable seat height, lowered front end a bit,
at stop flatfoot to one side or tippy toe at center |
| CRF230L
(2008) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Stock but suspension really dips down for balls of
feet to ground; may change to street tires and Corbin seat for more
lowering |
| CBR600RR (2009) |
4'11" (149.9 cm) |
|
Rider bought boot one size larger to add toe insert
for toe-to-ground reach |
| Magna 750 |
4'9" (144.8 cm) |
|
Took side covers off and made custom leather covers;
cut seat down; installed lowering kit |
| Rebel
(2003) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Stock! |
| Rebel |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
As is and love the cupped seat |
| Rebel |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Perfect for a beginner |
| Shadow Aero 750 (2004) |
5'0 (152.4 cm) |
|
Will be adding pullback risers and the clutch was
adjusted for easier pull |
| Shadow Aero 750 (2006) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
The 2006 model has been lowered by 1.5" for a
seat height at 25.9" |
| Shadow Aero 750 (2004) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Only 1/3 inch higher than the Shadow 600VLX |
| Shadow Aero 750 (2007) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Stock |
| Shadow Aero VT 750 (2006) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Feet firmly on ground, full handlebar turn poses no
problems, well balanced. |
| Shadow Aero 750 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
28" |
Flat footed, but bike with same seat height and wider
seat, couldn't get heel down |
| Shadow Aero 750 |
5'3" (160 cm) |
26" |
Flat foot |
| Shadow Aero VT 750 (2004) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Sweet bike! Honda has lowered the seat to 25.7",
narrowed the tank, and the shaft drive is great. |
| Shadow
Aero VT 750 (2005) |
5'5" (165 cm) |
|
Changed to Kuryakyn floorboards for more relaxed foot
position, ISO-grips with throttle boss and adjusted lever position,
would like pull back riser, but new handlebar would be needed
(welded onto hbars), Corbin seat |
| Shadow Aero 750 (2007) |
5'6" (167.6") |
|
No changes needed. |
| Shadow
Sabre 1100 (2007) |
4'11" (150 cm) |
|
Stock is working just fine . . . forward controls took
a bit getting use to |
| Shadow
Sabre 1100 (2002) |
5'0" (152 cm) |
|
Put on lower Progressive rear adjustable shock,
slimmed down the seat at front sides, new springs in the front fork
to lower that end, new taller heeled boots. |
| Shadow Spirit 750 (2003) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Touch the ground almost flat footed . . . bike rides
like a dream! |
| Shadow
Spirit 750D (2007) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
No changes needed. |
| Shadow Spirit 750 (2002) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Great stuff! |
| Shadow Spirit 750 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Lower center of gravity |
| Spirit 750 (2003) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Stock Magna bars and a Corbin seat |
| Shadow
Spirit 750 (2009) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Stock |
| Shadow VLX (1999) |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
Lowering kit from Scootworks, monoshock set to lowest
position, new side covers made of leather, modified seat to be
narrower and lower and installed standard pullback risers. |
| Shadow
VLX 600 (2000) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
None |
| Shadow
VLX Deluxe (2004) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
None |
| Shadow VLX (1997) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Low seat height makes it perfect |
| Shadow VT800 (2000) |
5"3" (160 cm) |
|
No modifications noted |
| Shadow
VT1100C (1995) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Lower the rear shocks. |
| ST1300 (2004) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
30" |
Handlebar risers added, seat sculpted down at least 1
inch. Love my ride! |
| VTR 250 (1989 and 1990) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
28.5" |
Stock; These bikes are great for women and great
beginner bike to build up confidence. I’ve dropped this bike a
couple of times and was able to pick it on my own. The manual
says the dry weight is 300lbs. Also, the VTR handles better
than the Kawasaki Ninja because of the frame. In high speeds
the Ninja becomes wobbly/shaky but the VTR maintains a smooth ride. |
| VTX1300C (2004) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Bike lowered 2" with Progressive shocks, new
handlebars, and seat |
| VTX 1300 Retro (2003) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
27" overall seat height and narrow seat make it
perfect. Handlebar positioning also is great |
| VTX 1300 Retro |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
4" pullback risers, nice seat, floorboards, a tad
heavy but still easy to lift up |
Kawasaki Models Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| 454 LTD (1988) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
No adjustments, but the bike was only manufactured
from the early to late 80's |
| Eliminator 125 |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
29" |
Stock bike, slight platform on Sidi boot, light weight
good for a very new rider |
| Eliminator 600 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Feet flat on the ground and a bike that really moves! |
| KLR 650 |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
|
Lowering links bring rear down 2", loosen front
fork bolts to lower , Corbin dished seat |
| Mean
Streak 1600 (2006) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Stock bike |
| Ninja
250R (2008) |
4'9" (144.8 cm) |
|
Stock bike |
| Ninja 250 (2006) |
5'0" (152.4") |
|
The tank is narrower and great for short riders and
has more "zoom zoom" spark than the Honda Rebel |
| Ninja 250 |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Lowered a few inches and shaved down the seat; few
mods to up the Hp |
Ninja 250 (2003)
30" inseam |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
No mods, can touch ground pretty easily |
| Ninja 500 (2002) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Perfect height! 1.5" heel on boots, 30.7"
seat height, no modifications, all stock |
| Ninja 500 (2001) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
30" |
Stock; rider wears boots with 1.5" heel |
| Ninja 650R (2006) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Loves the bike but needs it a bit lower . . . no
lowering link kit available, researching 3/4" shorter shock,
shorter seat and possible custom shock build |
| Ninja
ER
650, ER 650 (2006) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Test ride, stock set-up fine from the get-go |
| Ninja 1400 |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Lowered 2 inches and has the seat switched to a drag
racing seat which is 1 ½” lower than stock. |
| Vulcan 500 |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Flat foot no problem |
| Vulcan
EN500 (1994) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Stock set-up |
| Vulcan 750 |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Added Corbin seat which lowered the seat height by one
inch and moved the seating position forward |
| Vulcan
750 (1986) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
|
Just fine as is |
| Vulcan 800 Standard (2002) |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
High rake angle of front fork takes some practice, but
is smooth and vibration free and easy to pull clutch. Low center of
gravity with comfortable seat and enough power. |
| Vulcan 800 Classic (1999) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
No seat mods needed; pullback riser added for better
shoulder comfort |
| 1500 Classic |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Progressive shocks lowered rear 3"; Cobra kit
lowered front 2.5"; changed solo seat and lowered bike another
1" and easily sit flatfooted now; 3" risers for less
reach. |
| Vulcan
1500 (2002) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
|
Full flat foot and good control positioning |
| ZZR600 (2003) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Shaved seat down one inch and had the rear suspension
lowered by one inch |
| ZZR600
(2008) |
5'1" (159.4 cm) |
|
Lowered 2" |
Lifan
Models
Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| LF250 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
No modifications needed |
Moto Guzzi Models Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| 500 Mark II |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Not in production since the 1980's, but a great bike
if you can find one |
| Breva 750ie (2003) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
One foot on the ground, but the bike isn't heavy, and
it can be lowered a bit in front and back |
| Breva 750 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
28" |
Feet flat on the ground, special "Ladies"
seat available, low center of gravity |
| Nevada |
5'4.5" (164 cm) |
|
Slightly lower seat height compared to the Breva,
although it is a very similar bike. Rider able to tip-toe both feet
or flat foot one foot. Relatively light for a cruiser and very easy
to handle in traffic. Great handling. |
| Nevada
Classic (2006) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
30/31" |
As is |
Ridley
Models Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| Auto-Glide (2003) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
27" |
Stock |
| Auto-Glide (2003) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Low center of gravity and well-balanced, no
modifications needed (seat height is 24.5") |
| Auto-Glide Chopper (2008) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
27" |
4" push seat |
| Auto-Glide Sport (2007) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
27" |
Stock |
| Auto-Glide
TT (2007) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Not a thing |
Suzuki
Models Rider
Height Inseam Notes
Side note:
when Suzuki
renamed their bikes the Boulevard series, it's helpful to know what they
use to be called! S40 was the Savage, S50 was the Intruder 800, S83 was
the Intruder 1400, C50 was the Volusia 800, C90 was the Intruder 1500, M95
was the Marauder 1600.
| GZ250 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Good beginning bike and flat footed to boot -- light
weight and low seat |
| GZ250
(2000) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Good to go. |
| GZ250
(2002) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
For firm flat foot, remove all padding, adding gel pad
inside seat and recovered |
| GZ250
(2006) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Good to go. |
| GS 500 (1999) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
28.5" |
Standard seat height of 31.5". I could tip toe
in, but couldn't back out. Bought dog bones from the dealer and now
I'm almost fully flat footed in 1" heels. |
| GS 500 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Low seat, light and chuckable on the road |
| Boulevard C50 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Stock seat is not too comfortable, change to Mustang
Classic raises overall rider height by 1" and may necessitate
pull-back risers. |
| Boulevard S40 |
4'11" (150 cm) |
|
The bike is 2" narrower than the S50, which helps
with reach to foot controls |
| Boulevard S40 (2008) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
27.5" |
Flatfoot and knees slightly bent! |
| Boulevard
S40 (2007) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
No modifications. |
| Boulevard S40 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Flat foot, no modifications. Relocated clutch and
brake levers for proper grip. Nice balance, good center, perfect
starter bike. |
| Boulevard S50 |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
No modifications noted |
| Boulevard S50 (2005) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Redid seat on my own by shaving the top and sides down
and added a bit more support at the lower back area, wearing flat
bottom riding boots |
| Boulevard S50 (2006) |
5'1" (154.0 cm) |
|
Flatfooted with no modifications |
| Hayabusa (2009) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
32" |
Stock; rider can flat foot without problems |
| Intruder 800 |
4'9" (144.8 cm) |
|
Fit better than the Honda Shadow 600 VLX |
| Intruder 800 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Lowered front and back; seat shaved down; overall seat
height is now 26" |
| Intruder 800 (2002) |
5"2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Shorter shocks and lowered front forks |
| Intruder 800 |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Lowered front and back; shaved seat; new heat height
is 24" |
| Intruder
800 (1995) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
29" |
Changed to Corbin Dual-Touring saddle (Corbin shaved
sides and center, moving the rider forward) |
| Intruder 800 (1999) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
|
Changed the stock seat for a custom one |
| Savage 650 |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Good beginner bike; fun to ride, low to the ground,
and cheapest 650 found by one rider; belt drive is nice and the bike
can take a beating |
| Savage 650 (2003) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Only 50 lbs heavier than a 250cc, easy to handle,
takes curves easily |
| Savage 650 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Flat-footed with room to spare. Listed seat height is
27.6". Nice narrow seat and weight and balance makes it easy to
ride with enough power to keep up with 1300s. |
| Savage (2002) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
30" |
Stock; rider wears boots with 1.5" heels |
| SV 650 (2001) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
27" inseam; suspension lowered, stock seat, move
forward on seat at stops for easy flat foot |
| SV 650S (2005) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Lowering links to bring it down two notches to really low-- that
caused the wheel to hit the underside/well of the bike-- bad.
My heels were about an inch or two off the ground with motorcycle
boots (a 1" heel).
With the bike moved to the first notch, slightly higher notch
on the lowering link I'm about 4 inches off the ground-- with
the boots, just barely balancing on the front of my soles.
|
| SV 650 (2001) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Will be adding lowering links, otherwise you're on the
balls of your feet |
| Volusia 800 (2003) |
5'5" (165.1 cm) |
|
No mods needed |
Triumph Models Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| America (2007) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
31" |
Stock |
| Bonneville 800 SE (2009) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
27.5" |
Seat Height 29.5", no mods to bike height;
1" added to boots feet are not flat; toes reach ground though! |
| Bonneville 800 |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Well padded seats, ideal for shaving down or removing
all stuffing and replacing with Gel seat inside |
| Bonneville
(2007) |
5'6 1/2" (166.4 cm) |
|
Narrower seat |
| Bonneville T100 (2001) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
31" |
Stock |
| Legend (1999) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Full foot contact and light enough to move without
help and a very cool bike! |
| Legend TT (900 cc) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Designed for shorter riders and almost the same as a
Thunderbird model but with a different rear subframe that allows the
seat to be lower. Can almost flat foot. |
| Speedmaster
(2004) |
5'1" (155 cm) |
|
Lowered back shocks and front tubes, about 2" |
| Speedmaster
(2004) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
30" |
Pullback riser, Corbin seat, lowered bike by 1"
with Progressive shocks |
| Thruxton 900 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Can't quite flatfoot, but close enough for comfort |
Victory Models Rider
Height Inseam
Notes
| Vegas
8 Ball (2005) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
1" lowering kit, 2" pullback riser, moved
footpegs back 1.5", stock seat allowed flat foot at stops |
| Vegas |
5'7" (170.2 cm) |
28" |
Pulled back forward pegs and Ness bars and sits very
comfortably |
Yamaha
Models Rider
Height Inseam Notes
| FZX 700 (Fazer) (1986) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
25" |
Advertised saddle height is ~30 inches. On the balls
of my feet while wearing my boots. Boots are not motorcycle
specific, but add roughly 1/2 inch. Much harder to back up, but
getting used to it. |
Majesty
400 (2006)
Auto Tranny |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
Lowered seat. |
| Virago 250 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
27" seat height and flat footed; 80 miles to the
gallon; great buckhorn type handlebar |
| Virago 250 (1996) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Flat foot and easy to pick up |
| Virago 535 (1987) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Fuel range is only 80 miles and the gas tank is under
the seat, but the bike is dependable |
| Virago 535 (1995) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
No modifications for height, fuel range noted at 150
miles for the stock tank. |
| Virago 750 (1995) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Sits lower than the 535 and is dependable |
| Virago 1100 (1996) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Could touch the ground with no modifications noted |
| VStar 650 (2006) |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
Lowered |
| VStar 650 (2004) |
5' 1/2" (153.7 cm) |
|
Bike as is, but may change seat to lower by an inch to
ease backing up |
| VStar 650 |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
|
Better footing than previous Intruder 800 |
| VStar 650 |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Sits beautifully just as is. |
| VStar 650 Classic |
4'11" (149.9 cm) |
|
Lowered and foam removed from seat (overall lowering
affect of 5") |
| VStar 650 Classic (1999) |
5"0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Lowered; noted that the Custom model has an original
lower seat height but is a sportier version of the Classic |
| VStar 650 Classic (2004) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
Don't let the published seat height of 27.9" fool
you -- it's doable! |
| VStar
650 Classic (2007) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Nothing needed. |
| VStar 650 Classic |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
No modifications needed |
| VStar 650 Custom |
4'10" (147.3 cm) |
|
Lowering kit front and rear, fits perfectly and while
sitting on the bike, can touch the ground flat footed with legs
bent! |
| VStar
650 Custom (Midnight) (2006) |
5'0" (152.4 cm) |
|
As is |
| VStar 650 Custom |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
Seat is narrower than the Classic model |
| VStar
650 Custom (2005) |
5'2" (157.5 cm) |
|
As is |
| VStar 650 Custom |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Bolt under the seat for the single shock, redrill the
hole and it will lower the bike and doesn't affect the ride at all |
| VStar 1100 Classic |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
PCS lowering kit, Mustang seat, 4" pullback
risers |
| VStar 1100 Classic |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Just needs a windshield, bags and she's ready to roll! |
| VStar 1100 Custom |
5'1" (154.9 cm) |
28" |
Feet solid to ground, easy to lift off sidestand, can
reach controls with no fuss |
| VStar 1100 Custom (2004) |
5'5" (165.1 cm)
short legs |
|
Barons DT Pullback risers; Mustang Wide Vintage
Touring Seat (modified to fit backside); no lowering kit needed |
| VStar
1100 Silverado (2006) |
5'3" (160 cm) |
|
Pull-back risers on the handlebars |
| VStar
1100 Silverado (2006) |
5'4" (162.6 cm) |
|
Pull-back risers on the handlebars |
| VStar
1300 (2007) |
5'6" (167.6 cm) |
|
New handlebars to pullback 2"; changed to a
Corbin saddle seat |
|
