New biker with new bike just a few inches too high...

[kilgh]

Hi there!

Was just posting in the newbies section about this and then found this area. I figure someone here can answer this for me...

I have a new klx 250s 2009 in my possession, but have decided it is too tall for my liking. Can just get tip-toes down and as a new (very new) rider would much prefer more control at slow to no speeds. The bike weight is fine. I know this because after a stupid loss of balance (undamaging) I could pick up the bike. (might ask my back about that tomorrow though).

But having to push it everywhere (as in not on the bike) and having no confidence that the ground is where I expect it to be is not fun. (I'm glad I've been kickboxing for fitness to get that leg over! Don't want to be doing that in another 10 yrs time) I was very confident on the bike I trained on, but I was pretty much flat-foot on that one...it was only a 150...and not as nice as the klx...

Anyway! My question is:

Has anyone (in Auckland preferably) shaved their seat? And how/where did you go about this?

[maggot]

As well as shaving the seat, maybe look at boosting the heels on your regular boots, could give you an extra inch or so to play with, and shouldn't be too obtrusive I'd imagine

As for shaving the seat, I'm sure someone will pop along to fill you in shortly

[kilgh]

Cheers. Got some SIDI Crossfires....feeling kinda tall in them already.

[Virago]

As well as shaving the seat, maybe look at boosting the heels on your regular boots, could give you an extra inch or so to play with, and shouldn't be too obtrusive I'd imagine...

A common misconception. When you're struggling to get your toes down, bigger heels aren't going to do diddly-squat...

[kilgh]

Yeah, it's definately not a boots thing...just a 34.5in seat height with a 31.5in body.

[maggot]

A common misconception. When you're struggling to get your toes down, bigger heels aren't going to do diddly-squat...

Ah well, make you feel right at home on K Rd

[kilgh]

Well many residents from that area would have no trouble with my seat height anyway.

[YellowDog]

If you Google "Kawasaki KLX250S LOwering Kit", you may find what you need

[kilgh]

Yes, I've done some research but kinda was never good at crafts....so don't want to go hacking at my pretty new bike myself. Plus don't have the recommended tools.

[Motu]

Get some lowering links,and drop the forks down through the yokes.

http://www.koubalink.com/KLX250-300.html

I used to fit the lowering links to my DT230 in 10 minutes on just the side stand,real easy.

[BADGRL]

Have you lowered the suspension?... all dirt bikes have quite a bit of adjustment to them.

If you dont have the right tools use a hammer and wrap a rag around a flathead screw driver - use this to gently screw the 2 x metal plates down as far as they go around your rear shock See how you get on you may want to shorten the front forks also.

Just a thought. And Damn why are you all the way up in Aucks!

[kilgh]

Sorry, Auckland is where my parents chose to live....

I figure I just bought this bike new from the local Kawasaki dealer...so I should get them to do the job. Novice rider, wrong tools, no patience, short attention span...bad combo. I did ask actually, but they said "you'll be right". And that may be so...but darn it I want to have some fun with this bike now! Did I mention I have no patience?

[Howie]

Hi Kilgh, As others have mentioned probably lowering links, and dropping the forks through the triple clamps is the answer. If you do a search of the Adventure/dual purpose bike section of this forum you might find a bit more info. The other place to have a look would be over on advrider. www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=403371 is one thread I found that might give you some info to go back to the shop with.

Do you know a more experienced rider that can help you with sorting out the ride height?

[kilgh]

Nope, oddly I don't know many riders. None locally anyway.

Thanks for the link.

[hellokitty]

Nope, oddly I don't know many riders. None locally anyway.

Thanks for the link.

Go to Cycletreads during the week and talk to Caren - pretty lady with long blonde hair - she rides enduro - she will be able to tell you about upcoming events and clubs that you can join. She has a bunch of friends that go riding and she is always keen to encourage women riders.

Check out Power Adventures - http://www.poweradventures.co.nz/
they do rides and training.