Too Tall in the Saddle

Message

Don401 · #1 Unread post by **Don401** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 11:13 pm

I'm 65-yr-old newbie and about to acquire a 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit VT750DC for a fantastic price, but the seat is very low and I'm not. At 6'-2" my knees will be hitting my chin on Montreal's potholes. Could I please get some advice on my options; do I shop for a higher seat or maybe a pedals-forward kit?
Thanks for your help!

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:39 am

Forward controls are rather expensive. I'd personally suggest looking for a bike that fits you from the start, rather then trying to force a bike to fit.

Gummiente · #3 Unread post by **Gummiente** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:30 am

I'm with Sev on this one, you need to source a bike that fits you better. If your heart is set on a cruiser style, you'll run into the same height problem on pretty much all of them. If you're willing to entertain other options, though, I'd suggest you check out bikes like the Kawasaki KLR 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650. They are "dual-sport" bikes, which means they have longer suspension travel (and a higher seat height) and are capable of hoofing down gravel roads or paved routes with ease. And seeing as how you want to do battle with Montreal's famous potholes, these bikes would be a better choice anyway.

#4 Unread post by **Sev** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:25 pm

For what it's worth I'm about 5'8" and I have trouble comfortably reaching the pegs on a vulcan 900. Maybe give that a looksee?

Don401 · #5 Unread post by **Don401** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:25 pm

Sev wrote:Forward controls are rather expensive. I'd personally suggest looking for a bike that fits you from the start, rather then trying to force a bike to fit.

Thanks for the valuable input. I've researched something called a "Forward Control Relocation Kit" that supposedly advances the pedals etc. 3"-6" and will cost about $120 parts and labor. Your advice makes perfect sense, but unfortunately the purchase of a fairly recent bike that would properly fit me would be financially impossible, so that's why the well-below-market selling price of this 2003 Shadow was so irresistible.
I shall keep you all informed of my progress....hmmmm, now that I think of it, what did I do with that old whoopee cushion?

Fri Jul 06, 2007 5:23 pm

Don401 wrote:
Sev wrote:Forward controls are rather expensive. I'd personally suggest looking for a bike that fits you from the start, rather then trying to force a bike to fit.
Thanks for the valuable input. I've researched something called a "Forward Control Relocation Kit" that supposedly advances the pedals etc. 3"-6" and will cost about $120 parts and labor. Your advice makes perfect sense, but unfortunately the purchase of a fairly recent bike that would properly fit me would be financially impossible, so that's why the well-below-market selling price of this 2003 Shadow was so irresistible.
I shall keep you all informed of my progress....hmmmm, now that I think of it, what did I do with that old whoopee cushion?

A friend of mine did the relocation option on his bike and it worked great for him. He also is tall.