Riding a bike that's too high...

[ninja_sleeper]

I am a pretty short person (5'2). I have my Ninjette down. Can't flat foot it, but I can tippy toe it, and I typically balance on one side so that on side is flat footed. It's pretty easy.

The other day I went riding with my buddy, he just got a 2012 Honda CBR 250. It's a beautiful bike and he said we could swap during our ride. I was SO excited to take it for a test drive. When we pulled over at the park however, it sat higher than my ninja. Seeing as it was a brand spanking new bike, I didn't want to risk dropping it. When I sat on it my tippy toes didnt even touch the ground.

So my question is, will it ever be possible for me to get a bigger bike? I want to ride a bigger bike eventually but I fear I am doomed on that front.

Any tips to riding something that's bigger than you?

[Jiggles]

Yea, you can lower pretty much any bike

Harley would be a good option also

[lc86]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

I am a pretty short person (5'2). I have my Ninjette down. Can't flat foot it, but I can tippy toe it, and I typically balance on one side so that on side is flat footed. It's pretty easy.

The other day I went riding with my buddy, he just got a 2012 Honda CBR 250. It's a beautiful bike and he said we could swap during our ride. I was SO excited to take it for a test drive. When we pulled over at the park however, it sat higher than my ninja. Seeing as it was a brand spanking new bike, I didn't want to risk dropping it. When I sat on it my tippy toes didnt even touch the ground.

So my question is, will it ever be possible for me to get a bigger bike? I want to ride a bigger bike eventually but I fear I am doomed on that front.

Any tips to riding something that's bigger than you?

I am lowering a friends bike this week with the soupys lowering kit (front and back). If you want I'll make up a walkthrough so you can see how to do it. She has a pregen, but the front is done exactly the same and the rear is essentially the same. The soupys kits are $180 for both (including shipping) and it can lower the rear by up to 4 inches.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, soupys makes lowering kits for many bikes, even for the hayabusa, and the install of them are all pretty much the same, so my point being you can check out the walkthrough I am going to make to see how easy it is to do, and you can try it later if you want. There are also other brands out there, but with the soupys after it is installed adjusting the height is very easy.

[lc86]

Harley would be a good option also

Man, those drugs really are messing you up

[bluepoof]

The easiest thing to do is slide your butt over in the seat so that you can get your left foot down. You can stay pretty stable with just the left foot planted and the right foot on the brake.

A lot of it is just practice and learning what does/doesn't work for you. You get good at judging parking spots (don't park on declines, don't park in soft gravel, don't park on an off-camber, etc). A lot of times my husband (6'4") will park somewhere and I'll have to ride to a totally different part of the parking lot because it just never occurs to him to pay attention to the parking area.

Oh, and it's way easier IMHO to move a bike while standing next to it than sitting on it. Some people swear by keeping a hand on each handlebar and pushing the bike around that way but, personally, I like having my left hand on the handlebar and my right hand on the seat. That way I can push the bike backwards very easily and steer with my left hand. It takes some practice but it's WAY easier than the tippy-toe duck walk.

(FWIW, I'm 5'1" and am on my 10th bike, only one of which was ever lowered.)

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by lc86

Man, those drugs really are messing you up

I think its the most logical thing I've thought all week haha

[Mountain Dew]

First, build confidence with taller bikes. As long as the difference between your inseam and the seat height isn't like a foot, you should be able to handle it. I've ridden the big, tall, top-heavy BMW adventure bikes and had no problem. The difference in seat height and inseam is like 6 inches.

Secondly, get shoes with bigger soles. My riding shoes make me about an inch and a half taller.

Third, I wouldn't recommend lowering any bike. They're that height for a reason. Ground clearance from hard parts, suspension travel, and geometry. If anything, lower the seat.

[Whiskey]

Even on a short bike a wide seat makes it feel high & uncomfortable, a skinnier seat gives the illusion of being lower. Triumph Daytona 675 triple is very skinny (and the I3 sounds unreal)

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

Secondly, get shoes with bigger soles. My riding shoes make me about an inch and a half taller.

Can't believe I forgot about that! I love pimping my Daytona Ladystar GTX boots.

https://shop.helimot.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=70

Worth every single penny; I've been wearing them exclusively for 10 years now (2 pairs over that time) and they give over an inch of rise while still being incredibly comfortable, armored, and waterproof.

[ninja_sleeper]

The questioned was mostly about riding on other friends' bikes, so there isn't really an option to lower it, but I will keep it in mind when I do upgrade to a 600.

I am totally fine with my ninja's height at the moment. It's perfect and I have mastered moving it around while sitting on it. Also a 3 month unwanted break from riding (lost key) somehow made me more comfortable riding....

Sweet boot suggestions. I am going to have to keep my eye out for a more inexpensive pair. Im not rolling around in cash like you, bluepoof

[Motofool]

Carrie,

I believe that the hang-off technique would perfectly work for standing on one foot.

As for taking a curve, you have to get relocated on the seat before the beginning, so the stability of the bike is not upset.

I am a one-foot stander and always use the right foot down.
In order to be consistent making the bike fall onto the right side when stopping, I just counter-steer to the left a second before coming to a total stop.

It works all the time for me.

[mustang5.0]

i'm 5'3 and i would never think about getting on a homies bike that wasnt lowered.. i wouldnt want to risk the new bike hanging off..

[alex.s]

Stripper heels maybe?

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

Im not rolling around in cash like you, bluepoof

Fair enough, though $500 over 10 years is a pretty good deal.

[TnNinjaGirl]

Originally Posted by alex.s

Stripper heels maybe?

Or motorcross boots. Extra support, protection, higher heel and they come in Pink. Fox Comp 5 is what I am wearing. $179 from Cycle Gear

[Kevin2109]

Learn to support yourself on one leg. I watch 9 year olds race R6's around the track all day can they cant be more then 4'5" (no joke, and there fast as ****)

[Darling Ninja]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

I am a pretty short person (5'2). I have my Ninjette down. Can't flat foot it, but I can tippy toe it, and I typically balance on one side so that on side is flat footed. It's pretty easy.

The other day I went riding with my buddy, he just got a 2012 Honda CBR 250. It's a beautiful bike and he said we could swap during our ride. I was SO excited to take it for a test drive. When we pulled over at the park however, it sat higher than my ninja. Seeing as it was a brand spanking new bike, I didn't want to risk dropping it. When I sat on it my tippy toes didnt even touch the ground.

So my question is, will it ever be possible for me to get a bigger bike? I want to ride a bigger bike eventually but I fear I am doomed on that front.

Any tips to riding something that's bigger than you?

What kind of boots are you wearing? I'm 5'2" and I can plant both feet flat on the ground on my Ninja. I wear the Icon boots with a wedge heel, so that helps a lot. I also considered the CBR250R and had the same problem as you, it's too tall for me even with my Icon boots. I've heard of people carving out the foam that's in the seat to make a bike lower. I'm kind of in the same predicament as you, though. I'm petite and I don't want a taller or heavier bike. I'm sticking with my Ninja for now.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Kevin2109

Learn to support yourself on one leg. I watch 9 year olds race R6's around the track all day can they cant be more then 4'5" (no joke, and there fast as ****)

yeah but they have large people to put them up on the stand when they get back to the pits...

[Kevin2109]

Originally Posted by alex.s

yeah but they have large people to put them up on the stand when they get back to the pits...

Not one of the kids Half his body will be off just hooking his leg on

[Whiskey]

http://cycle-ergo.com/

This will give you a rough idea of what each bike would fit like, you just need to know your height & inside leg measurements.

[massacremasses]

Ive noticed boots help a lot. I have work boots that have a thick soles (so nails dont go right through them) that I wear everyday to work. Because of these boots I can flat foot easily with some height to spare....


If you plan on getting another bike just lower it. Ive ridden a lowered R6, and it rode great.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

Ive noticed boots help a lot. I have work boots that have a thick soles (so nails dont go right through them) that I wear everyday to work. Because of these boots I can flat foot easily with some height to spare....


If you plan on getting another bike just lower it. Ive ridden a lowered R6, and it rode great.

Link to original page on YouTube.

[massacremasses]

haha SHUT IT

im 5'6"


not THAAAAAAAAAAAAT short...

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

http://cycle-ergo.com/

Fantastic site.

[Mountain Dew]

Stop lowering bikes, damnit!

[cuz]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

Stop lowering bikes, damnit!

owners choice

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

Stop lowering bikes, damnit!

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by lc86

I am lowering a friends bike this week with the soupys lowering kit (front and back). If you want I'll make up a walkthrough so you can see how to do it. She has a pregen, but the front is done exactly the same and the rear is essentially the same. The soupys kits are $180 for both (including shipping) and it can lower the rear by up to 4 inches.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, soupys makes lowering kits for many bikes, even for the hayabusa, and the install of them are all pretty much the same, so my point being you can check out the walkthrough I am going to make to see how easy it is to do, and you can try it later if you want. There are also other brands out there, but with the soupys after it is installed adjusting the height is very easy.

hey just wondering, besides the big logo on it n price wise, is there a reason why u picked soupys over roaring toyz? i thought lowering more than 2in. is bad. btw, would u mind doing a walkthrough on the installation? thanx

[lc86]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

hey just wondering, besides the big logo on it n price wise, is there a reason why u picked soupys over roaring toyz? i thought lowering more than 2in. is bad. btw, would u mind doing a walkthrough on the installation? thanx

I picked soupys because the links are adjustable which makes future adjustments that much easier, plus she has a pregen bike. I was going to do the install Tuesday with a full walkthrough, but I decided to dislocate my shoulder instead so I wont be able to get to it The front lowering kit is extremely easy to install though and the back is easy enough if you have a a rear stand and a small jack.

Edit: Also, I was only going to lower it about 1.5" front/back at most, so the handling would be minimally affected.

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by lc86

I picked soupys because the links are adjustable which makes future adjustments that much easier, plus she has a pregen bike. I was going to do the install Tuesday with a full walkthrough, but I decided to dislocate my shoulder instead so I wont be able to get to it The front lowering kit is extremely easy to install though and the back is easy enough if you have a a rear stand and a small jack.

Edit: Also, I was only going to lower it about 1.5" front/back at most, so the handling would be minimally affected.

sorry about ur shoulder...i was thinking soupys links with roaring toyz kickstand...hopefully its easy, ive read some people saying 5+ hrs for both front n rear which is too much in a day for me, so thats a good 2 days work hopefully...get well soon

[massacremasses]

Lowering more than an inch can make it so your tire rubs. Which is obviously not good. Be careful when you lower it. Just because its not rubbing when you sit on it doesnt mean it wont. Keep in mind if its to close when youre just sitting there you will rub if you hit any type of bump, or pot hole.

[lc86]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

sorry about ur shoulder...i was thinking soupys links with roaring toyz kickstand...hopefully its easy, ive read some people saying 5+ hrs for both front n rear which is too much in a day for me, so thats a good 2 days work hopefully...get well soon

Those people mustn't be very good at working on their motorcycles then or had the wrong tools. The job shouldn't take more than a couple hours. Hell, it took me less than 5 hours to convert my bike to EFI, a job like this would take me about an hour, but I would call it 2 just to allow for some wiggle room. Here is a link to a pretty good walkthrough on a newgen, you install the soupys the same way except the rear is easier to adjust once installed. I wish I could still make mine, but since my right arm is useless I don't see it happening. http://ridingjezebel.com/2011/07/05/...nja-250r-2008/

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by lc86

Those people mustn't be very good at working on their motorcycles then or had the wrong tools. The job shouldn't take more than a couple hours. Hell, it took me less than 5 hours to convert my bike to EFI, a job like this would take me about an hour, but I would call it 2 just to allow for some wiggle room. Here is a link to a pretty good walkthrough on a newgen, you install the soupys the same way except the rear is easier to adjust once installed. I wish I could still make mine, but since my right arm is useless I don't see it happening. http://ridingjezebel.com/2011/07/05/...nja-250r-2008/

thanx so much for the link...very informative site. i like how they detailed on how to lower it with very clear pics, makes it so much easier. youre right though, it looks more simple than alot of the how-to's ive been reading on. do u know of another site like that one where i can install the shogun crash kit, i think i want that done too.

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

Lowering more than an inch can make it so your tire rubs. Which is obviously not good. Be careful when you lower it. Just because its not rubbing when you sit on it doesnt mean it wont. Keep in mind if its to close when youre just sitting there you will rub if you hit any type of bump, or pot hole.

i thought it was more than 2 in. that was a big prob when lowering though, y would people get links just to lower 1 in.? thats big waste to me...lc86b just gave me a really good site which explains alot. im only 100 lbs n im planning to ride only to work which is about 10 miles one straight road, new road at that (hallelujah!!!) so i dont think ill be worrying too much about tire rubbing.

site explains that if a passenger is riding or if ur a "heavier set" person, then yea, more chances of tire/fender rubbing. planning to cut that fender off anyways. i aint planning to ride nobody n im tiny. im getting to know more n more on what i can do with my bike by reading other peoples mods, but 1st things 1st, touching the ground lol...my feet dangles everywhere i go

[lc86]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

thanx so much for the link...very informative site. i like how they detailed on how to lower it with very clear pics, makes it so much easier. youre right though, it looks more simple than alot of the how-to's ive been reading on. do u know of another site like that one where i can install the shogun crash kit, i think i want that done too.

There is actually a good DIY on this site, http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43520
I feel stupid for not making more DIYs when I was installing everything before, but if I decide to change anything else in the future I'll try to make some more.

[Alex]

I believe @jezebel is a member here, but I'm not sure if she's been by recently.

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by lc86

There is actually a good DIY on this site, http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43520
I feel stupid for not making more DIYs when I was installing everything before, but if I decide to change anything else in the future I'll try to make some more.

ive came across that one before n skipped it, too complicated compared to the lowering kit. ill pay someone to do that instead. $300 to install lowering links? thats a whole lotta money...cost more than the product itself. why do mechanics milk us for every penny we got? always overcharging for everything

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

I am a pretty short person (5'2). I have my Ninjette down. Can't flat foot it, but I can tippy toe it, and I typically balance on one side so that on side is flat footed. It's pretty easy.

The other day I went riding with my buddy, he just got a 2012 Honda CBR 250. It's a beautiful bike and he said we could swap during our ride. I was SO excited to take it for a test drive. When we pulled over at the park however, it sat higher than my ninja. Seeing as it was a brand spanking new bike, I didn't want to risk dropping it. When I sat on it my tippy toes didnt even touch the ground.

So my question is, will it ever be possible for me to get a bigger bike? I want to ride a bigger bike eventually but I fear I am doomed on that front.

Any tips to riding something that's bigger than you?

As mentioned earlier, some bike have a more narrow seat and you'll be able to touvh even though the "height" in the specs is higher. I can't touch on an R6 with a really wide seat but almost all of the BMWs fit beautifully. 650gs (ForG) and even the 2012 BMW 1000rr. The older Honda 954 also has a skinny seat and I can touch. I'm 5'3" with shorty legs .

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

i thought it was more than 2 in. that was a big prob when lowering though, y would people get links just to lower 1 in.? thats big waste to me...lc86b just gave me a really good site which explains alot. im only 100 lbs n im planning to ride only to work which is about 10 miles one straight road, new road at that (hallelujah!!!) so i dont think ill be worrying too much about tire rubbing.

site explains that if a passenger is riding or if ur a "heavier set" person, then yea, more chances of tire/fender rubbing. planning to cut that fender off anyways. i aint planning to ride nobody n im tiny. im getting to know more n more on what i can do with my bike by reading other peoples mods, but 1st things 1st, touching the ground lol...my feet dangles everywhere i go

thats possible, idk I forget. But when they are talking about the fender rubbing they actually mean under the tail. Thats what you do not want. Its a pain in the ass to change and you have to remove the whole tail and its just not fun.