Help needed, too tall

**NDECNT** · 23rd August 2010, 10:37

Just after a bit of info,
Im 6 foor 4 and finding it VERY uncomfortable to ride my bike (06 CRF250) standing up.
I either have to hunch over or really bend my legs. Both of which result in getting very sore very quickly. Basically when standing im so uncomfrtable i find myself going all over the place and have little control.
I have put higher TAG bars on my bike but hasnt made much difference.
I know there are higher bars around like the Pastrana Pro Taper bars but have also heard they can make the bike even harder to control due to being so high. Doing mostly trail riding at the sandpit etc.
Any other ideas or options that I could look at.
Much appreciated.

**L Rider** · 23rd August 2010, 11:04

Originally Posted by NDECNT

Just after a bit of info,
Im 6 foor 4 and finding it VERY uncomfortable to ride my bike (06 CRF250) standing up.
I either have to hunch over or really bend my legs. Both of which result in getting very sore very quickly. Basically when standing im so uncomfrtable i find myself going all over the place and have little control.
I have put higher TAG bars on my bike but hasnt made much difference.
I know there are higher bars around like the Pastrana Pro Taper bars but have also heard they can make the bike even harder to control due to being so high. Doing mostly trail riding at the sandpit etc.
Any other ideas or options that I could look at.
Much appreciated.

I've heard of some things people do to 85's when kids are getting a bit tall for them but they're not ready for 125's.
Having lower footpegs - not sure if you can do this on all bikes & how low you'd want to go for trail riding.
I've also heard of them putting a taller seat on - not exactly sure about this.
Taller bars - which is what you've done.

I read the above on the net so maybe try google.

**secondfield** · 23rd August 2010, 11:52

I have raised my seat on my WR-250(~3cm) and put a step on the back that I can wedge myself against when sitting down. Just cut and shaped some bedroll mat (for camping) then glued it to the seat in layers, bought an aftermarket cover and re-covered it. Helps me (6'3") make the transition from standing to sitting and vice versa a bit more easily. If you are getting extremely uncomfortable standing it sounds like you may have to work on your technique and strength a bit more, it takes a while to get sorted and comfortable. If you dont hold the bike between your knees (esp when standing) you will find yourself going all over the place. Elbows out and up also, not tucked dowm, allows your the strength in your shoulders to assist, not just your arms.

You could practice this by having intercourse with you wife/partner/GF/cute neighbour as often as possible. When on top stetch their arms wide out to each side of them (like jesus on the cross) and grip them as you would your tag handlebars, elbows and head up. Keep at this until the sweat drips off your nose (shouldnt be too difficult), you will find your strength will increase leaps and bounds. Can be a bit addictive so make sure you get out on your bike at every other avalible oppourtunity.

**krad_nz** · 23rd August 2010, 13:11

You mentioned a high bar but have you tried bar-risers?

I have some on my KDX, 21mm rise I think. Doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference. I'm 6'2".

**barty5** · 23rd August 2010, 13:16

Originally Posted by krad_nz

You mentioned a high bar but have you tried bar-risers?

I have some on my KDX, 21mm rise I think. Doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference. I'm 6'2".

was going to say same thing ive got some on my yzf450 use to get back pain real quick being 6ft they made huge difference took bout a 1/2 day to get use to the change in position. could get you some at a good $$

**wingman7nz** · 23rd August 2010, 13:28

im 6"2 have had risers on all my bikes.. have 30mm risers on my yz450 and that helps a lot!! also when you start getting more confident with attacking try pushing your bars foward a bit to free up some cockpit room(helped me keep my elbows up 2). try taking baby steps here as if you push them foward a lot right away it will screw up your handling cos your not used to it

if you still need more height you can get a whole diff triple clamp that is adjustable foward and back and up and down.. or if thats too expensive i know you can get yamaha standard 20mm higher bar mounts so add that to 30mm risers and thats 50mm all up. id check to see if honda have these for your 250

**Ktmboy** · 23rd August 2010, 13:41

I like secondfields idea best... But I think that lowering the pegs and re doing the seat etc go some way toward a more comfortable ride, However, this will probably chopperise your ride.
You know as in Harley Tractor a dirt bike.
This then affects the handling immensly.

David Knight is about 6'5 and he rides a stock bike with no bar risers, actually I think he uses very flat bars as it promotes the attack position.

I'd google Knight and try to copy his style. Birch would be the best one to consult on this.

**NDECNT** · 23rd August 2010, 14:00

Thanks for all the info! Maybe I will start with some risers and go from there. In fact I think I need a new clamp aswell, one of the threads in mine is buggered. Barty5 maybe you can email me some details.
Thanks

tim@musicways.co.nz

**scott411** · 23rd August 2010, 14:07

i am 6 foot and ride an RM125, i run a renthal windoml bar, and a tall seat, i have ridden a bike with lower footpegs but felt my feet hit the ground alot in turning etc,

i would try tall seat, and bar riders,

**Shorty_925** · 23rd August 2010, 14:37

Im 6'5 and use bar raises with pro taper bars which I have slightly back from vertical, plus a SDG stepped seat. A mate has the same bike but everything standard and riding it feels cramped compared to my own bike.

**NDECNT** · 23rd August 2010, 14:58

Which bend pro tapers and what size risers do you use mate?

**Sunday Casual** · 23rd August 2010, 14:58

I'm 6ft 5 and I just run the standard Kawasaki set up, I used to run Renthal 999's, the lowest bend twinwall possible but now run the standard KX bars.

I don't use a tall seat and it doesn't seem like too much of an issue.

Maybe just riding style?

**little.whittle** · 23rd August 2010, 19:45

I know a guy who makes larger frames for all ktm's.. for the tall riders. I think his son is racing in the mx3 world championships next year

**Shorty_925** · 23rd August 2010, 22:13

Originally Posted by NDECNT

Which bend pro tapers and what size risers do you use mate?

30mm rises for a fat bar and Windham bend, bars arent so much my the thing id miss, more the bar rises. I could ride without them id say, though its more comfortable to have them. I can only last about 20mins of trail riding a Trials bike and my back is shot.