Suzuki/Kawasaki 2007....500/600

[banditrider]

My old man had a GS500 and it was great fun to ride. He'd dropped the forks through the clamps a bit and performed surgery on the exhaust - a lot of fun.

In saying that though, the Kawasaki is a far more modern kettle of fish and should do most things better. Also, I'm a big fan of Bandits...

The 600 Hornet, Yamaha Fazer 600 or Suzuki GSR may also be worth looking at.

[nagaraya]

Had the the seat foam done for my SV650S by McDonald's Motor Trimmers about a week ago. Huge improvement for the seat height! Affordable as well.

[Hitcher]

Suzuki GSR may also be worth looking at.

The biggest failing with the GSR600 is its mirrors -- they're completely useless at speeds in excess of about 40kmh thanks to the vibration. I imagine remedying this would require a lot of fannying around, not to mention cost. Otherwise they are a very tidy package and shit hot fun to ride!

[klyong82]

I'm short too. I tip-toe on both legs on my Fireblade but can balance and reach the ground comfortably on one leg. Took a bit of time getting used to it.

Anyway I had a friend that was 164cm tall and she installed a lowering kit (reduced by 2 inches I think) on a CBR600RR. Think it cost all up about $300 bucks for parts and install ( I'll ask her just to verify). If you like a GSXR then buy one and lower it. When you go to the shop ask them for options.

You could get someone to test ride the bike while you pillion at the back so that you can feel the power of the bike.

[Toaster]

Safe handling of a bike at slow speed and when with feet down is very important, especially for hill starts etc.

The feel and ride is key - basically which-ever is the most comfortable manageable bike that you feel happy being seen on and more importantly feel safe and comfortable riding would be my recommendation.

[Cajun]

I'm short too. I tip-toe on both legs on my Fireblade but can balance and reach the ground comfortably on one leg. Took a bit of time getting used to it.

Anyway I had a friend that was 164cm tall and she installed a lowering kit (reduced by 2 inches I think) on a CBR600RR. Think it cost all up about $300 bucks for parts and install ( I'll ask her just to verify). If you like a GSXR then buy one and lower it. When you go to the shop ask them for options.

You could get someone to test ride the bike while you pillion at the back so that you can feel the power of the bike.

lowering it by 2" is far to much, and will effect the handling far to much,

most i would lower with dogbones is 1" and no more, we have played around, had father in laws lowered hayabusa lowered by 3" at one stage, fine for straight line, but corners, you run in to issues

[jrandom]

gsxr1000 seemed to feel more comfortable (smaller) than being on hyosung 250!!!...

Am I the only one who's wondering why you don't just buy a GSX-R1000?

[klyong82]

lowering it by 2" is far to much, and will effect the handling far to much,

most i would lower with dogbones is 1" and no more, we have played around, had father in laws lowered hayabusa lowered by 3" at one stage, fine for straight line, but corners, you run in to issues

Yeah I asked her about handling but she said it was ok. She used her CBR for touring in the weekends. I suppose that is something she has to bear with if she wants to ride a sports bike for her height.

Yeah I have always left all my bikes stock standard as I believe altering the height or anything major will not be good for the bike.

[fireball]

Am I the only one who's wondering why you don't just buy a GSX-R1000?

dont you put that idea in her head young man just cos you want one...

[MotoGirl]

lowering it by 2" is far to much, and will effect the handling far to much,

most i would lower with dogbones is 1" and no more, we have played around, had father in laws lowered hayabusa lowered by 3" at one stage, fine for straight line, but corners, you run in to issues

Don't forget we lowered my GSX-R1000 by an inch so I could get my feet on the ground. We had to drop the front down to match and I never noticed any difference in handling. I'm only 1.64m tall and could get the balls of my feet on the ground afterwards.

[Bonez]

LilSel don't forget the GSF650 as well. It has the ablility to adust seat 770mm / 790mm (2-way adjustable).

[SVboy]

I just got the K7 GSXR 600. I am not a "huge" man!!-but found I fitted the Gixxer well-much better than the Kawa. I love the bike-hope you can make the height work for you. I sat on the ERf-fine, but just not special. Good luck.