Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Sep 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MN USA
Posts: 14
What are short people riding?

Am 5ft 4in so like seat height about 27inches - want to ride south from Minnesota on/off pavement. What bike are shorter people riding? Tried Ural Patrol but am not good enough mechanic or patient enough. Appreciate input from this inspiring community.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
How about the F650GS. Has a very low seat height and relatively low weight. It also has the potential for un-made roads.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 54
I think the GPZ500 will be fine, too.
So should any Custom model.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 54
Oops...guilty of not reading your post in detail. Customs are not so good off-road!

Depends how much you are going off-road, really. The GPZ is light - and I did actually get stuck on an awful rocky road in California on a VT500C....the bike made it, as it did when I got lost on a 'road' which turned out to be the actual coast. Sand of every type - the shaft drive just laughed at it. ( I was totally exhausted, though!!)

Take a good look at how much you will need the off-road abilities.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Sep 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555

Try a smaller capacity Trailie like an XT250, serow, or an old twin shock XT500, they are not so tall as the newer bikes, but will probably be shagged. Lighter bikes are easier to handle off road as well.
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Sep 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
I have heard the xt225 is a good choice. Here is a link to someone that went from canada to SA on one

http://www.b13media.com/lois/

Here is the link to yahama.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products...aha_xt225.aspx

Hope this helps.

------------------
John
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Sep 2004
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Suzi DR 650 SE.

------------------
Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Sep 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MN USA
Posts: 14
Thank you for your responses. Am new to the site and find it an energizing experience - Grant & Susan Johnson and all have created exactly (and more than)what I've been looking for. Looking at a F650GS next week.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MaeSot, Thailand
Posts: 95
Hi all,
I think everyone has different ideas or priorities, so will choose different bikes. We have just finished riding around Australia, 20000km, on an F650GS and a Dakar. Both bikes were fairly new with less than 10,000km on them. We wanted reliability and reasonably comfortable bike with the option of some dirt road capability. The GS has a very low seat height which was ideal for my partner.Comfort is something that is quite often overlooked, but I think people who have travelled long distances do not take it for granted. We have no regrets, and will head off to Asia on the same bikes.

All the best in your search!!

Andrew and Wendy



------------------
See u soon!!
__________________
“… all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing ...”.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Oct 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Seymour, MO USA
Posts: 3
Folks,

I'm in the process of deciding whick DP bike I am going to buy. I have pretty well narrowed it down to the DR650 Suzuki and the KLR 650. I just had a couple of questions.

First, I have been riding for 40 years so I would consider myself fairly experienced. I have ridden dirt bikes, sport bikes, cruisers, classics and so on but my current bikes are a 2000 Buell, a Royal Enfield and a frankenstien bike dirt bike with a 250 Bultaco motor. Through the years I have done a lot of touring in the Ozarks and I honestly use the Enfield for most of those chores, it handles gravel roads, old logging roads and the blacktop stuff OK as long as I don't get in any kind of a hurry. Mostly it winds up being blacktop about 60% and gravel about 30% with about 10% of the work on what we call cow paths in this area. No jumps or excessive speeds.

The concern with the Enfield is one of longevity. It does fine but it does require quite a bit of TLC. Not bad on weekend jaunts but would tend to become problematic on longer trips.

My issue is one of height. I have a 29" inseam and the KLR and the DR are both too tall in stock trim. I know the DR will lower to 33 inches, which I can handle. That is about the same height as the Buell and it is substantially narrower, allowing me to comfortably plant feet. However, I think I prefer the KLR because of the larger tank, the better supply of aftermarket parts and the w/c engine. As the old song goes, "How low can you go?" I know they make a lowering link, sacrificing a bit of ground clearance and shock travel. I figure some liberal carving of the seat foam would gain another couple of inches. I am wondering if anyone out there has had experience in doing something similar. I sat on a KLR with a scooped seat with stock suspension height and it was manageable but would feel better with something a little lower.

Before ya'll write back and tell me that your feet touching the ground is over rated, let me say that I tend to agree that it doesn't really matter when you are moving. However, when you stop, the foot has to touch the ground sometime. Before the knee surgery, it wasn't an issue because the leg could support it. The left knee is to unstable to support weight and, since we have to live by the laws of physics, as the bike leans further over, more weight is placed on the third point, my leg. The Buell was actually dropped in a parking lot when I stopped bridging a two inch depression and when the left foot hit the ground, the leg folded and the bike fell. Mostly, my pride was hurt because the parking lot was occupied.

Anyway, if anyone has done anything to lower a KLR, please let me know what it consisted of and how it worked.

By the way, the Beemer would work but is more than I want to spend. Also, experience taught me that the Buell does not work in the DP role. Does great on the blacktops but it doesn't do very well at all going a half mile down a dry river bed.

Thanks,

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Oct 2004
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Acerbis make a 25l tank for the old model DR, which can be adapted to the SE. We get about 500 km out of it before switching to reserve. On tar only, that is.

But: beware of the engine grenade. See the Suzi forum here on HUBB.

------------------
Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
Mike, I have a 27 1/2 inch inseam (at least that's my usual trouser leg length), and ride a KLR 650. The only thing I did was have foam removed from the seat, which lowered the seat about 1 - 1 1/2 inches, and also narrowed the front part of the seat makiing it easier to reach the ground. I could now touch with both toes, almost both balls of my feet. The good amount of sag in the stock suspenion helps. However, I wasn't happy with the comfort of the stock seat so I had one made by Mr. Ed's Moto in Albany, Oregon, asking him to make it as low as possible. It's very slightly lower than the cut down stock seat had been.

I considered lowering links but had problems with them on a F650 GS when it was loaded with luggage. Over bumps the rear tire would strike the underside of the rear fender (these were 2 inch links). So, I've found the current seat height acceptable - not optimum, but manageable.

Norm Kouba, who makes Kouba Links, will ship a set to you to try, and if you don't like them they can be returned, even in used condition. If you try the links I would suggest trying 1 inch ones first.

I hope this is of some help, even though I can't suggest anything you haven't already thought of.

Mike
Idaho

[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 29 October 2004).]
__________________
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Oct 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Seymour, MO USA
Posts: 3
Thanks for your help. I am leaning towards the KLR. I will begin with scooping the seat since I have a friend that does upholstery. If that doesn't get me down to a comfort level, I will begin using the links. Not sure how much I would bottom out but it is always a concern. Being able to get the feet down is only a concern for me when I am on a loaded bike in parking lots or city situations but I am almost paranoid about since dropping the Buell. I cannot recall how many times I have crashed and it never bothered me psychologically but that incident sure did. Maybe because it doesn't make as good a story as "...and I was cooking it a little too hot when I came around the corner and saw the fresh, road kill groundhog right in the line I had picked and ..."

I was wondering about the sag that would develop. The bikes I have set on have all been new or almost new and still somewhat stiff. My experience has shown that seat height tends to decrease over time.

Thanks for the help.

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 206
In addition to the F650 GS with the low seat, you can also get the factory lowered F650 (called the GSL, or, to confuse things and you get ABS with that, it turns into a F650 GSAL).
My girfriend is on one and we have been dragging its belly all over south america for 5 months now. Engine gaurds are a must, as the ground clearance isn't much.
I don't have the standover heights with me,
but one interesting bit of info is that my girlfriend (5' 3") says if she had more riding experience when she bought the bike, she may have opted for the slightly higher, regular GS with a low seat and cope with only having her tippy toes on the pavement at stops.
Have fun!
rene
www.renedian.com
__________________
Go slow, be well.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 29 Nov 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: RTW
Posts: 88
BMW R1150 Adventure,KTM 640 Ad.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:40.