Just like the topic says. I'm a pretty short guy, about 5'4-5'5. I'm kinda sick of the kawi 500 that I have and I think I'm ready to move up to a 600. The only thing is that I don't know what I can fit. I can fit the kawi pretty well. Both of my feet can be placed flat against the ground. What else do you think I can ride?? What about that new CBR 600RR?? You guys think I can ride that???

 

you can buy ride height adjusters for almost all 600s' to lowwer it to a height that you can touch with both feet on.


[Modified by busa1300, 1:42 PM 11/21/2002]

 

I was going to suggest the 500 but you're already on it. As for the 6rr, it's a bit higher than the f4i and in my opinion the added height and width would be too much for you. I had a couple 5'5 girls try to ride the f4i and they kept fumbling at low speed. No problems w/ the 500 though. Perhaps look into an f3 and lower the ride height a bit. Don't forget to raise the rearsets up and to the rear for ground clearance and maybe a hi mount exhaust if that has clearance problems after you lower it. I wouldnt' lower it much more than 1.5". Ever consider a naked bike? No plastics, slightly less problem w/ ground clearance and a general lower seat height.

 

I'm exactly your height, 5'5" tall 130bls with gears on!!! I have an F4i, which has a 31.7" seat height, and so far I don't have a problem with it. Sure, I can't flat foot on both feet but just learn how to stop with your left foot down. The seat of the F4i is a bit wider so you'll have even higher than posted seat height. I suggest you go and sit on the bikes you like, then decide for yourself. One note though, it's harder to drag knees when you're short!!

Oh, don't lower the bike. It's gonna screw up the handling. Learn how to ride the bike as it is.


[Modified by Vtec44, 2:40 AM 11/22/2002]

 

Dude, that's exactly what the guy at the dealership said. Why is that though?? I was thinking of just lowering it before I talked to him, but he convinced me otherwise and said that it will totally **** up the handling. Dammit, I had my mind set on the 600RR too.

 

Well basically it changes all the suspension geometry. Also it takes away from your suspension travel and thus requires new bound/rebound settings on the dampers. But the big deal is the rake and castor angles are affected greatly.

 

I have pretty short legs, but I can firmly plant my feet on my ZX-6E. It's one of the lowest seat-height bikes I've seen. I have to tippy-toe on my buddy's FZR 600.

 

I believe it has to do with weight distribution, traction, steering geometry, and ground clearance of the bike, someone please correct me on this. I rode a Ninja 250 for a while before I bought my F4i so the problem isn't that bad. I think you should get an old beater bike that you can flat foot, and learn how to ride it. Once you get that out of the way, riding on taller bikes is much much easier.


[Modified by Vtec44, 12:43 AM 11/23/2002]

 

He's already got a 500...

 

Oops... my bad...