My legs must have grown longer

[grahamfitter]

For the last two years since I learned to ride a motorcycle, I've been reading this statement from so many smart motorcyclists on the internet it must be true:

My 30" inseam is too short for <insert long list of bikes here>.

For example, I'm definitely too short for a KLR 650.

Here's the paradox: As of this morning I own a 2008 KLR 650 and I can comfortably reach the ground with a flat foot on one side or tiptoes on both sides.

So, obviously, one of those facts must be wrong. Since it can't possibly be all those expert motorcyclists on the internet offering the same sage advice, the only other possibility is my legs must have grown longer.

That's definitely a bit weird but I can live with it, especially if it means I can now reach the cookie jar without standing on a chair! :ylsmoke:

Cheers,
Graham

[grahamfitter]

I just realized another benefit to being taller is I won't need to buy these:

41950 from here (http://www.motorcowboy.com/category/kissboots/) :D

Cheers,
Graham

[Bluto]

Hi Graham.

That is great to hear. I hope to purchase a used 2007 Kaw KLR 650 - I always thought of it as a Land Cruiser of the Dual Sports. Thinking and thinking about a Hanna rear bumper for years but made more sense for me to stick a dual sport back there.

I'm 5'6'' with a 32-33" inseam (measuring from the inner groin with tape). Haven't seen the pre 2008 models closely and you have been shopping around -So you think I'm tall enough for the earlier model? :roost:

[R_Lefebvre]

Yeah, I've got a 30" inseam, and I got used to riding a WR250 with a 39" inseam. So, a KLR really can't be that bad. It's something you just get used to. It's really only a problem off-road. You have to plan your stops. Well, not plan but... I've only been caught out a few times.

That being said, it helps if the bike is light weight. I suspect a 39" 250lb bike is much different than a 400lb 35" bike.

[CoastalDefender]

Check for lowering links?

I have a 34" inseam and sitting on the KLR in the showroom a couple months ago had me tip-toeing to keep vertical.

[frgtwn]

Tiptoes, like, in really really long feet?

Or,

two flat tires?

I have an 05, Corbin low seat, and it is kinda tall. (for me)

Dale

[grahamfitter]

<snip> So you think I'm tall enough for the earlier model?

Lets find out exactly how much taller I grew first. :)


Tiptoes, like, in really really long feet?

Or,

two flat tires? <snip>

Size eight and normal tire pressure.


Check for lowering links <snip>

Option number three: the bike has shrunk!

I'll check on the lowering links. It also has a Sargent seat which according to the previous owner isn't any lower than stock but I suppose it could be.

This KLR came farkled with side protection, skid plate and luggage racks and the aftermarket Stebel horn sounds like it should weigh several hundred pounds by itself. Maybe the whole bike is sagging because of that?

Is there anything else that could make the bike lower?

Cheers,
Graham

[goodtimes]

Lowering links are pretty common on KLRs, low seats are all over the place too.

Of course, the more probable answer is that after a couple years of riding, you are becoming comfortable with only getting your toes to the ground, instead of flat-footing it.

Something else to keep in mind, it's not just the seat height, but also the seat width. Great example is the 800GS. The low seat is about 1.5" lower than the standard seat, but it is also wider -- so I'm on my toes (both feet) with either one of the OEM seats.

[MarcFJ60]

Just goes to show pretty much anybody can ride any bike. It's just a matter of what you're comfortable with.

My XChallenge actually DID shrink - sort of . . . After adding the rear racks, soft panniers and a Pelican on the back, I am solidly on the balls of my feet. The extra weight must have dropped the seat height a solid inch or more.

[CoastalDefender]

Just goes to show pretty much anybody can ride any bike. It's just a matter of what you're comfortable with.

My XChallenge actually DID shrink - sort of . . . After adding the rear racks, soft panniers and a Pelican on the back, I am solidly on the balls of my feet. The extra weight must have dropped the seat height a solid inch or more.

My wee has the same problem. I even jacked the rear suspension to compensate, to no avail. :(

[grahamfitter]

I'll check on the lowering links.

The suspension dogbone linkage thingy is stamped with 136-2 and is about 5.5 inches between bolt centers. Any ideas if this is the stock one?

Cheers,
Graham

[BigAl]

So, obviously, one of those facts must be wrong. Since it can't possibly be all those expert motorcyclists on the internet offering the same sage advice, the only other possibility is my legs must have grown longer.


You are in dicey territory, I rarely go against internet experts:)

[T.Low]

White water boaters are capable of all sorts of things.:bike_rider::roost:

Have you seen the ADV slideshow pic with the BMW Dual Sport with the Liquid Logic strapped on the back with the dog sitting in it? You don't see sea kayakers doing stuff like that.

[grahamfitter]

White water boaters are capable of all sorts of things.:bike_rider::roost:

Have you seen the ADV slideshow pic with the BMW Dual Sport with the Liquid Logic strapped on the back with the dog sitting in it? You don't see sea kayakers doing stuff like that.

Yup! :)

I think its one of Ara's photos. I saw it a few years ago before I learned to ride a motorcycle and was wasting countless hours on the internet pondering what bike I should get and where I should ride it.

The only problem I saw with his setup is if one paddles solo, and I imagine this chap does, the dog can't shuttle the bike. That and in order to strap it sideways across the moto, his playboat had to be so short it would make almost every ferry above a carnivorous hole a hero move! :sombrero:

Cheers,
Graham

[RedRocker]

I got a lower seat for my KLR, me and my 29" inseam do just fine.

[etbadger]

...
Is there anything else that could make the bike lower?
...

Tire profile. If its not running the original stock tires they may affect the height.

Also forks being raised/lowered in the tripple clamps OR front spring preload effectively raise or lower the front end (no idea if a KLR has these options for adjustment), perhaps even lighter front springs.

We had to take advantage of all the tricks to get Amy to fit on her Ninja 250, including fork adjustment and different (smaller) tire profile.

http://www.badgertrek.com/motorcycles/AMY_Powerpuff_bike_small.jpg (http://www.badgertrek.com/motorcycles/ex250.shtml)

-Erik

[Seeker]

Usually, the rule for street bikes is you want to be able to sit on the bike and be able to put both feet flat on either side. I prefer to be able to do that for any bike I ride but at 6'4", and a 34" inseam, it's rarely an issue. It is also the recommendation that is touted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation who puts on all the street bike training classes that get you a discount on your insurance. That's probably where everyone is getting their "expert advice".

Street bikes are heavy and if it starts to go, you want to be able to put the full heft of your leg strength into preventing it from going full-on narcoleptic on you, which you can't do if you can't put your heel on the ground.

For dirt bikes, you can probably get away with more.

[R_Lefebvre]

Yep. Big difference between holding up a 300lb off-road bike, and an 800lb pig.