F650GS lowering options :)

[paintman]

Jaq (on here) now has a lowered F650GS Twin, with a low seat, to replace her lowered F650GS Single with a low seat; the seat height on both bikes is the same. PM her for more details

This is interesting, last summer my sister in law(who is 5'0 ft) was looking for a lowered 650 gs, she tried two single pots but didn't purchase because of the condition of bikes, however she could put most of her feet on the deck.

As our biking trip to the alps approached, time was running out, then a factory lowered twin popped up on the internet with Coopers, So it was bought untried, Coopers assure us that it is as low as you can go, But Jane is convinced the new model is a little higher than the model it replaced.

Poor girl has dropped it twice both times when stationary, cambers etc. Over the winter she has had thick soles put on her boots, also we are going to get the seat altered, (foam replaced with a gel pad). One side effect of the low seat is that the handlebars are quite a reach so we need to get the bars set further back without increasing the height, ( any ideas ? )This may sound like a sorry old tale, but far from it, she loves her bike and makes good use of it.

 

[oblertone]

Check the seat ...

... as apparently some lowered F650's were sold with standard seats This is one of the few side-on shots I've got of Jaq's bike but you get a reasonable view of the seat profile.

We dealt with the reach issue by rolling the bars back slightly and fitting Vario levers; Jaq says it's transformed the bike and made it much more controllable. I've recently added an adjustable gear lever too

 

[Beth]

Hi Ya Beth, nice to see you over here...

My god, you scared me................for a moment.....
Genuinely smiled actually, especially bearing in mind your comments about revving that 650 and it not going anywhere, no doubt that will be me

Hi beth - I hope you are keeping the 696 as well!

You are welcome to try my 650 - it as a lowered seat, but not lowered (but I am in Southampton so I guess it is too far)

Anne ( AKA Singletrack UKMOC)

Oh no, I'm outed!!!!!!! Totally, definitely keeping the 696, absolutely couldn't bear to part with her (do want phoo to marry me though so will just have to be on the two bikes every minute to get the hang of them both)

phoo's based in Hampshire for another year, we do the boat shows etc your end, will try and meet up, pm'd you xx

......
As our biking trip to the alps approached, time was running out.................

This may sound like a sorry old tale, but far from it, she loves her bike and makes good use of it.

Oi, dont' you worry about any of that, all in the grand alps route scheme of things xx

Will have a 'proper' re-read of your post tomorrow, that experience sounds fairly solid! Sounds like she's doing pretty well and she'll be able to tell me exactly how and why, the advice'll be welcome

 

[phooey]

As our biking trip to the alps approached, time was running out, then a factory lowered twin popped up on the internet with Coopers, So it was bought untried, Coopers assure us that it is as low as you can go, But Jane is convinced the new model is a little higher than the model it replaced.

As Beth posted she is just under 5' and sitting on the factory lowered '09 bike with preload wound off was still a bit of a stretch. We asked them to slide the fork tubes up a bit - BIG difference !

One side effect of the low seat is that the handlebars are quite a reach so we need to get the bars set further back without increasing the height, ( any ideas ? )

The bars can be turned back on the mountings a bit without making use of the controls awkward, or fouling the tank. Brings everything back towards the rider a noticeable amount ( lowers them a bit as well ) Beth looked quite comfortable to me.

Quick thanks for all the kind offers.

 

[Beth]

Just a quick post to say genuine thanks to everyone, have just re read the thread today to consider the replies posted. Val H is completely right, good factory lowered bikes don't come up that often, if we could pick up a decent standard single and lower it ourselves that would be the best option.

I'm concerned it may be touch and go though (not sure of my leg length but know I needed every mm available out of the factory lowered bike to get toes down). I'm a bit worried about buying a standard bike and then finding we just can't get quite enough out of it. phoo'll pm Val H, Oblertone and others to see exactly how to approach it.

In the interim, genuine thanks to everyone who took the time to post (both for the advice and the welcome xx

 

[Funners]

Another thought is to talk to Every Accessory, Wilbers UK importers, they will be able to build you a shorter shock for the bike (well they can do this for the 1200 if you need it so I assume they can do it for any bike)

 

[Beth]

Somehow I think we both know I won't be needing it for the 1200

You're an angel for taking the time to post that, thank you xx

 

[shortstuff]

Hi Beth,
I'm very short as well, just about 5 foot and 26 inch inside leg measurement.
I have had two factory lowered FG650GS singles and now have a factory lowered F650GS twin.

The seat height of the single bike is 750mm and the seat height of the new twin is 765mm. The 15 mm difference is noticible if you are already on tippy toes as I am. The twin is also heavier. I cope by shifting my weight on to one leg most of the time but you do need to practise hill starts and plan stops etc. I have also pushed the forks up through the yokes and this has helped a bit. There is not much that can be done with the seat as it is already very short on padding unlike the seat on the single which I was able to get re-profiled and that made a big difference.

Get yourself a pair of Daytona Ladystar GTX boots. They have an inch of height added to the boot internally which cannot be seen from the outside.They are waterproof and incredibly comfortable.
Much better to add height than the Altbergs which I also have.

If you want the twin keep an eye out on the dealers sites for ex demonstaters for sale as a lot of them were lowered bikes.
Thats where I got mine from.

Hope all this helps - Good Luck

 

[nlbrown]

Hi Oblertone, please contact me, as I am interetsed in your lowering link for the TTR250. Thanks Neil.