Time for a change...

[Sharon.Wilson]

Hi All,

I love my SV to bits, but after a 100plus miles in the saddle I could happily hitch hike home, so is it time to admit my age and get something with a more comfortable ride.

At a fraction over 5'1" my options are limited, so finding a enduro bike seemingly catering for us shorties I am seriously considering change. We want to tour more, but the tank range and uncomfortable riding position of the SV has put me off committing to long distances.

So my question to you non-bias fellow bikers is should I take the plunge and go for a F650GS?

Thanks Sharon

 

[Schtum]

I'm sure you'll get all sorts of warm, fluffy, welcome aboard stuff from the warm, fluffy members on here, in due course.

However, let's cut to the chase - what's your inside leg measurement....?

Even allowing for the fact that women usually have longer legs for a given height than men, 5' 1" is....pretty short. Are you thinking F650GS single or the current model, twin?

With a low seat and lowered suspension you might be able to do it.....

 

[Sharon.Wilson]

I'm about 29' I think. I have the SV lowered and seat scooped so its about 780cm high and I'm on tip toes at that. I could cope with this but no higher, the main reason for the change is less weight on the hands, the SV is a stretch for me. Also with the seat scooped out its like riding a plank

I'm looking at the twin, they have a service bike at my local dealer which would be available for a test ride.

 

[brassmonkey001]

I'm about 29' I think. I have the SV lowered and seat scooped so its about 780cm high and I'm on tip toes at that. I could cope with this but no higher, the main reason for the change is less weight on the hands, the SV is a stretch for me. Also with the seat scooped out its like riding a plank

I'm looking at the twin, they have a service bike at my local dealer which would be available for a test ride.

You'll be fine on the F650 GS single then, can't speak for the twin.

Welcome aboard BTW.

 

[Wrigsby1]

Hi Sharon, F650GS's can go very low so you should have a bit of leeway. They can come with a special factory lowering kit which makes it virtually universal. I have ridden one and I am 6'6".

When I worked for a dealer I sourced a few and they are extremely well balanced and easy to live with bikes. If you get many of the BM or aftermarket extras such as heated grips, taller screen, luggage etc you will have a cracking bike and will love doing long journeys without being in agony at the end!

If you keep a look out one will come along with the kit. There are a few about but they usually have pretty loyal owners. Good Luck

 

[Sharon.Wilson]

Thanks all, I think if I'm going to tempted away from the full faired sport style it would be enduro, I'm excited to find one low enough for me. Im off to Wales on the SV at weekend, will give the GS a test ride when I get back, fingers crossed it ticks all the boxes. Will keep u posted x

 

[Sharon.Wilson]

 

[Wrigsby1]

Here is a previous thread along similar lines...

http://ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180471

If you Google "F650GS lowering kit" you will find allsorts of pics and info. I remember now that the F650 could have a highr seat, lower seat or lowering kit from the factory. If you go new it should be no probs and if you go 2nd hand you will find one with a bit of searching.

The factory low bikes came with shorter centre and side stands to compensate for the lowering linkage. Teh fuel tank os under the seat ot lower the C of G.



PS Nice SV. Too small for me

 

[The Sea Dog]

Hello Sharon

Friend of mine was in exactly the same situation as you with strangely enoug the same bike. While the SV is low(ish) and light it's wuite a broad seat and that caused her issues with confidence when stationary.

She bought the twin F650GS with the factory lowered option and has never looked back, all day comfort but still fun and dead easy for her to (wo)man handle at slow speed, to the extent that shge'll now ride up and down my gravel drive which she would never do before. Add into the mix she also bought Lady Star Daytona boots which have a lift very well hidden in them and she's very happy, from memory the raise in the boot is about 25mm or there abouts.

hth
PAul

 

[Sharon.Wilson]

Thanks, its nice to know I'm not alone here, and I'm supprised to see the amount of girls going from SV to GS this is clearly a natural progression for short riders. I'll get the test ride booked and take it from there. Thanks for all your comments and advise

 

[Gundog]

Mrs Zafuka ( 5ft 3in ) dreamin....

 

[Jaq]

Hello.....

Sharon......I went from the F650GS single to the twin just over 2 years ago....

I'm shorter than you...just over 5ft and my inside leg measurement is 27 inches....so believe me, you'll be fine with the GS....

My twin was factory lowered with the low seat...the footpegs, clutch and front brake handles are also modified for my short fingers....I think the foot brake has also been altered too......

As for touring, Paul and I went to southern Spain last year...it took us a fortnight and the bike didn't miss a beat....I suffer with low back pain on occasion, but riding the GS doesn't exacerbate the problem at all....

Good luck with your test ride...just one word of warning though...prepare to be totally hooked on the GS by the end of it!!.......

 

[Timpo]

Hi, and welcome.
For Sarah Teach, rather than find a factory lowered bike, we found a F650GS (single) and reduced the rear spring preload, slid the fork sliders up through the yokes and fitted a Wunderlich Ergo 'low' seat.
The bike is perfect for her.

Timpo.

 

[Morticia]

Hi Sharon,

You can always buy some boots with the inside built up to give extra height. Daytona do these. I have a pair and they are really comfy and give you that extra reach to the floor.

Good luck

 

[phooey]

... clutch and front brake handles are also modified for my short fingers....I think the foot brake has also been altered too......

Jaq, My wife has the lowered 650 twin and we have issues with the levers. Pazzo's fitted but still a bit of a stretch. What has been done to modify yours ?

Also the rear brake pedal has a long travel for her small feet. Wind the biting point up too much and they eventually overheat and lock the back wheel so I'd be interested to know what mod you have there.

Thanks in adv.

 

[Poley]

My wife went from an SV to a GS, although being 6' she chose the 1200. It's done wonders for her comfort and confidence, so we can now comfortably tour Europe at a daily mileage that was unthinkable beforehand. If you choose the GS, I'm sure you will enjoy your new-found freedom!

 

[Sharon.Wilson]

Mrs Zafuka ( 5ft 3in ) dreamin....

I WISH!!!

 

[Blind Lemon Ade]

I have the F650GS twin, and my jeans say 29" inside leg. I also have the lowered seat (on the bike, not the jeans...) with standard suspension, and this is easily manageable.

However, I did have to get memory foam put into the seat, to make it bearable for longer than 1 hour... it's OK for six hours now (just about!)

I love the bike to bits, being an old Ducati fan, it's got plenty of low-down torque, and has done two-up trips with full luggage easily.

G'wan, g'wan, g'wan!

 

[fuddy]

Have you tried a 650 v strom, they are far more comfortable than
a 650gs twin. I tried the 650gs when my 1200 was in for a service,
the seat was rock hard,i was glad to get my 1200 back.

 

[Sharon.Wilson]

Jaq, My wife has the lowered 650 twin and we have issues with the levers. Pazzo's fitted but still a bit of a stretch. What has been done to modify yours ?

Also the rear brake pedal has a long travel for her small feet. Wind the biting point up too much and they eventually overheat and lock the back wheel so I'd be interested to know what mod you have there.

Thanks in adv.

I have pazzo levers too, I picked the short ones for both break and clutch, I find them okay on the closest setting.

I have also changed the handle bars for Heli bars to bring the bars up an closer although its still quite a stretch on full lock.

I have changing the dog bones to reduce the height and scooped the seat but found it very uncomfortable after 100 miles to I have put a gel insert in.

Other stuff; K&N filter, tail tidy, hugger, dark double bouble, personal plate, power comander, clear indicators, clear bad light, crash bobins, exhaust... cant remember anything else!

So not much changed really