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Shopping for a bike - am I tall enough
Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:10 pm
by napoleon_e
Hey all,
I'm looking into getting my first bike.
I'm thinking about a 2006 Suzuki GS500F. I am 5'7'. I know that the height is 31inches or so. Just wondering if anyone else is as tall as me and has this bike. Will I fit?
Thanks!
Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:10 pm
by NorthernPete
go to your local suzi store and have a sit and see.
Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:11 pm
by Ninja Geoff
measure from the ground to your crotch. that's your inseam. that'll give you and idea. FYI i have a 30 inch inseam and the only bikes i feel akward getting on are the 650 dual sports, but i can flat foot them.
Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:33 pm
by kabob983
You should be perfectly fine on a GS500, but as stated go sit on one and see how you think. Heck, if you really want to sit on one, crouch low and go "vroom vroom."
Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 6:24 pm
by Scoutmedic
I'm 5'7" with a 28" inseam and was able to flat foot the 500F. You definitely need to go sit on it and, possibly, other bikes as well. Even though I could flat foot the 500, it felt awkward. The pegs tended to feel like they were digging into my legs when I was standing it up.
Good luck in your search!
Bike height
Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 2:33 pm
by napoleon_e
I went to the bike dealer by my house today, and they had no gs500fs. I sat on the GSXR-600 which is 31.9 inches. The balls of my feet touched the ground completey. I'm hoping that the difference 0.8 inches will almost have my feet flat...
Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 2:51 pm
by MontyCarlo
Don't forget that you can get the seat shaved down if you need just a little extra clearance. Altering the seat is a good way to get an otherwise ill fitting bike to fit well. Suspension changes can be made but those are pricey at best, dangerous at worst.
Custom seat work runs $50 and up depending on what's done. Find an upholsterer who has done lots of moto seats.
Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:34 am
by thebighop
Good rule of thumb...and I have posted this a lot!
Forget your size, and inseam, your hat size ,and your lovers name...Go sit on the bike you think you want. If while sitting on the bike, holding it in an upright position , just like you would be if you were riding, and your feet are flat on the ground, then that bike is not too big for you. If you are on your tip toes...notta, forgetaboutit. You want to be able to stand up and have all the control you can muster when you come to a stop,especially if you ride two up. Standing on your tip toes does not give you that control or support....Sure you may look cool on the big bike, but I'd rather see you live through the experience than drop the bike and get hurt, or ran over by the car behind you.
Now, on the other hand, if your knees are up under your chin while sitting on the bike, it's too small for you.
Ride Smart