How low can an SV go?

[ophic]

Miss Ophic may soon be wanting to step up to something a little more pokey than her GZ125. The bad news is she's only 5'1" tall and somewhat short in the leg.

So, which is lower? curvey or pointy? the specs i've found say:
curvey: 805mm
pointy (03): 800mm
pointy (>04): 800mm

Now this doesn't seem right to me because I thought the curvy was lower, and I know for a fact that the 04 and later bikes have a lower rear subframe.

Her GZ has a seat height of 680mm and the bike she fits best so far is a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 with a seat height of 652mm. Seat height isn't the only factor because many cruisers have low-ish seats but are also very wide so she still can't touch the floor. The SV is narrow so i think if it could be lowered to around 680mm it would be fine. Obviously if it can go any lower than this, then all the better.

Anyone done any lowering as drastic as this? and can anyone confirm which model is lower to begin with?

[wow]

I have lowered my bike in 3 ways, longer dogbones, lower seat (taken off foam of middle and sides) and dropped the front forks. I have never measured the result but it's not anywhere near 680mm I know that.

If she's interested she could ask around on curvyriders.co.uk what other short female riders are riding.

Or have a look at this helpful article here (scroll down) http://bikegirl.co.uk/resources/newbies/buyingabike.html

[Stu]

See any thread with Ruthja has been in :) 4'10" there

[Sid Squid]

I'm not sure about the exact dimensions of any variety of SV, but I sincerely doubt you'll be able to lose 120mm from either kind.

[Viney]

One of the limiting factors is the side stand. If went any lower than a standard lowerd Sv, then you will have to moidfy the stand!

[Luckypants]

I recently measured SpeedyClaire's bike in response to the same question. Her seat height is 760mm (30 inches).

That is with lowered seat, longer dog-bones and the forks dropped through the yokes 10mm. You won't get and SV much lower. The bike also has a shortened stand.

You will probably have to look at 400cc bikes to get a seat that low.

or maybe this!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/DSC00292.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/DSC00293.jpg

[ophic]

Thanks people. I guess she'll be getting a cruiser then :D

[Stu]

Thanks people. I guess she'll be getting a cruiser then :D
As above, I do believe Ruthja is on an SV & shorter than your good lady

[ophic]

As above, I do believe Ruthja is on an SV & shorter than your good lady
Possibly longer legs though. Or even larger feet.
I'll see if I can get an inside leg measurement :eye:

[fizzwheel]

I read a post on here once from somebody who is short in the leg, she said something like

"Sometimes I just have to accept that theres certain bikes I'm just not going to be able to ride"

if you're having to lower it that, much I suspect for your other half the SV is in that situation.

You're right about the seat width making a difference, Liz cant get her feet down comfortably on an R6, but she can fine on an R1 because the seats narrower.

I'd be inclined to take her bike shopping and sit on loads of bikes ( unless you've done that already ) anything but ride a cruiser ;)

[ophic]

anything but ride a cruiser ;)
she likes cruisers. now you see my problem [-o<

[fizzwheel]

she likes cruisers. now you see my problem [-o<

Yep, but if thats what she likes and it fits her, then thats what I'd be buying her, rather than trying to tailor the SV to fit her...

[speedplay]

anything but ride a cruiser ;)

+1

Cruisers in the UK.....why?!

[ophic]

Yep, but if thats what she likes and it fits her, then thats what I'd be buying her, rather than trying to tailor the SV to fit her...
yes thats the bottom line, and something i'm happy to do. I was just investigating alternatives, as SVs are cheaper and more familiar, and imho, much more practical for day to day use.

I don't dislike cruisers - in fact on a warm summer day i'll be wondering which bike to take :)