 |
|
22 Nov 2006
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
|
XT600E to tall for a 5'8 Female ??
Me and the missis are planning a long trip. Iv already got my XT600E all kitted out and really want us to use the same bikes..
Well, shes 5'8 and although not small, im thinking the bike will be to tall for her as im 6 foot and find myself on tip toes at times.
So !! What dya reckon ? lowered seat ?? Does anyone make a lowering linkage for the shock ? Are they any good.
Cheers in advance !
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
22 Nov 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham,England
Posts: 140
|
|
|
Lowering an xt600e
Hi, If you do a search a company called KEDO based in Germany sell a lowering link and a front fork lowering sleeve, cost is about 140 euros from memory. I am only 5'6" 29" inside leg and have used this kit on a 17000 km jopurney through Europe an Russia with 2000 km off road. Kedo also sell oil temp filler plug gauge. Hope this helps. Have fun.
Jimmy
|
22 Nov 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by jimmy46
Hi, If you do a search a company called KEDO based in Germany sell a lowering link and a front fork lowering sleeve, cost is about 140 euros from memory. I am only 5'6" 29" inside leg and have used this kit on a 17000 km jopurney through Europe an Russia with 2000 km off road. Kedo also sell oil temp filler plug gauge. Hope this helps. Have fun.
Jimmy
|
Just what i was after... ta very much.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
3 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 325
|
|
|
Did you get the lowering kit???
I'm just over 5ft 5" and I am usually on tip toes. Most of the time it doesn't bother me, but when I'm on a steep hill (and there are lots of those in Spain) my legs aren't quite long enough so I'm seriously thinking about lowering my XT.
My husband is only 5ft 8" and has very short legs (28") so he has a similar problem on his XT.
One thing to think about, when the bikes are fully loaded up, the bike will be about an inch lower anyway but they are also more difficult to keep upright if your feet aren't firmly on the ground (as I found out several times travelling through Europe last year).
|
3 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 19
|
|
|
I put a Talon lowering link (on my drz400sm) and left it on for a week, then took it off. The problem is that the linkage moves the range of travel of the shock away from the optimum. It uses up the soft initial range and makes the shock feel much cruder and harsher. Just be aware of this.
I sorted my height problems by shaving 1.5in of foam from the seat (from the underside so the seat appearance wasn't affected). Comfort is no worse and I can now flat foot one foot. I'm 5' 7".
|
4 Apr 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 33
|
|
TM...the lady I purchased my XT from was...5'4" ! She did lower it but I'm not sure how she did it, probably lowering links. I'm a 5'8" stature and it fits me well with my feet flat on the ground and a stock seat.
Have you considered buying your wife assjacks?? ( thick soled boots) 
|
4 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Gribraltar
Posts: 14
|
|
I must admit that being “altitudinally challenged” (the politically correct name for a short arse  ) I have been going through the same thought process recently, i.e. lowering the suspension or modifying the seat.
I have read the comments on shock performance when combined with a lowering kit with some interest, which is something I had not previously thought of. Duh!!
So for now I think that I may be going with the "zero cost" option of modifying the seat and see how I get on with that. Thanks for the info.
|
10 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 325
|
|
|
XT seat height .....
I'd never ridden my hubbys XT until last week (that's him above in case anybody was wondering ). He took a spill in Gibraltar a couple of weeks ago (thank you to the nice car that pulled out in front of him and then drove off after putting him into the path of the white van who hit him).
I had to drive it to the menders to get it fixed (the bike, not my hubby) and I realised why he's always complaining (soz hun) that his seat is too high - it must be an inch higher than mine!!! Why is that? We've checked both bikes and can't see why there would be any difference in seat height. Apart from his is a 2004 and mine is a 2003, they are identical in every way - same panniers etc.
He's decided against a lower kit and took his seat off the other day so I could trim it off a bit. Luckily, before we took the seat cover off, we realised that my staple gun wouldn't reach all the way round to staple it back on. Anybody got any suggestions???
|
15 Apr 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: At the moment:Zanzibar
Posts: 116
|
|
|
Glue and staples
I bought a can of contact glue (Bison/Bostic or something similar) then I just stapeld a couple of places to hold the cover in position,applyed the glue and fitted the cover back on.
Good luck.
Tom
__________________
Places to be and things to do, see you all out there!!
Cheers.
Tom.
|
24 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 28
|
|
|
Arrow staple gun
If you buy a good quality heavy duty staple gun it will definitly take care of the job.
I done a few seat recovers and mods and have always used the staple method. Caution what length staple you use, you don't want them poking out the other side.
You can also buy stainless steel staples. (glue may work but what do yamaha do? Staple)
|
25 Apr 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
|
|
|
I'm 5' 8", my Tenere is not a problem...
The reason why bike heights may differ could be down to the shock absorber. At one time I had two 3AJs, it was quite obvious that one was higher than the other. During rebuild/s I pulled both rear shock abserbers and compared them - one was slightly longer than the other.
A bit more research revealed that a shock from a TT600 will fit into an XT600, but the TT600 shock is a little longer - resulting in higher ride height. My shock is from a TT600 - and I appreciate the extra height/travel when offroad and loaded up.
If you're going to replace your shock anyway, most decent shocks have adjustable links (maxton, wp, ohlins) - so this may solve the problem. Also you could just drop the forks through the yokes a little to balance things up - but check clearance front wheel against exhaust pipes...
B
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
|
25 Apr 2007
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
|
Hi Ted,
I'm a 5'9" bloke and my XT is no problem, and women tend to have longer legs and be more flexible than us blokes. Shouldn't be a problem I'd think.
I went from an enfield to an XT and it felt monstrous for a while but within a week or two it felt natural.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
26 Apr 2007
|
 |
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dakota
I'd never ridden my hubbys XT until last week (that's him above in case anybody was wondering ). He took a spill in Gibraltar a couple of weeks ago (thank you to the nice car that pulled out in front of him and then drove off after putting him into the path of the white van who hit him).
I had to drive it to the menders to get it fixed (the bike, not my hubby) and I realised why he's always complaining (soz hun) that his seat is too high - it must be an inch higher than mine!!! Why is that? We've checked both bikes and can't see why there would be any difference in seat height. Apart from his is a 2004 and mine is a 2003, they are identical in every way - same panniers etc.
He's decided against a lower kit and took his seat off the other day so I could trim it off a bit. Luckily, before we took the seat cover off, we realised that my staple gun wouldn't reach all the way round to staple it back on. Anybody got any suggestions???
|
I would suspect the shock absorber is adjusted differently. When changing my settings (in function of the load) on my previous rear shock I could have my seat lower or higher by an inch!
I have now changed for a WP one (without the possibility of adjusting to weight) and the seat is now set much higher (when the bike is unloaded)
|
19 Jan 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
|
|
Updating! lol
Where do you get them?! the lowering links that is... and how much do they lower?
Depending on how my XT behaves with the rear shock repositioning I might have to lower it just a little bit... which might also help if I do go Supermoto on her...
Vando 
|
19 Jan 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
|
|
35mm lovering kit from kedo (did you search  )
KEDO - Product Details
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
