Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I am a fairly new rider. I have a yamaha 650 and woild like to buy a 2002 honda shadow sabre. I rode the honda the other day and wondered if anyone out there had some advice on seat height and/or somehow modifying the bike so I can flat foot it. I am pretty close right now but would like a to be able to completly flat foot it.

Thanks!

I'm not sure about the ground clearance on the Sabres, but in theory you could have a lowering link put on the back, and then raise the forks a little bit to effectively lower the bike. I'm guessing the most you could get is an inch lower (some bikes you can drop the back a good 3 inches, but cruisers are already pretty close to the ground) but if you can almost flat foot it that might be all you need.

A different seat might get your feet flat, too...or you could shave the foam on the current seat. Not sure how comfy that would turn out, though.

Debbie to the Total Motorcycle Community!

Thumper makes some great points about lowering the seat. You could see if Yamaha sells a OEM low seat for your bike (sometimes they do) or you could take your seat in to get re-foamed and shaped. Lowering the bike may produce some unpleasent results or damage. How much lower do you think you need to go?

Mike

Sometimes, just getting the sides of the seat trimmed, makes your legs seem longer, lol. Check for some of the alternatives to mechanical mods before diving into something like lowering links. I think an adjustment at your bum is cheaper and easier than anything else...

Agree with Thumper...

The easiest way is to change the seat out - whether there is an OEM version by Honda - or you can find a custom seat maker. I'm mainly familiar with how Harley riders do this, but since the Sabre is a cruiser, it's probably similar. The guys I know who have gone this route have been able to get 1-2 inches depending on the seat.

If changing seats is the avenue you choose, I'd just make sure you get the comfort you need for longer rides!!!