Is it worth lowering my seat?

My legs appear to be about half an inch too short for my SV and whereas before I could deal with it, I'm starting to think I should do something about it

I'm 5'7", but have to paddle the bike about on tiptoes, not really a problem but if the surface is slippery (like the cobbles/sets/gravel we have loads of round here) then there isn't much scope for catching the bike if she wobbles. I have dropped her more times than I care to remember to be honest what with all the hills and awkward cambers round here. I can usually lower it down so have been getting away with minimal damage and although I can pick her up again no problem, it's starting to get on my nerves. I used to be able to stop the bike from falling more often than not but I have a sore shoulder from a diesel off way back in November so I don't even try now.

I noticed YC's Corbin seat was lower than the standard one but having tried that on mine last night, I was disappointed at how uncomfy it was for me, thanks to that pommel-type ridge at the front of it (this of course makes YC quite happy as I've had my beady eye on it for a while ). I'm thinking carving some foam out of the standard would be an option but I appear to be in the minority of people who actually finds the standard seat really comfy and I don't particularly want to mess about with it.


Found this post from SK

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

A lowered seat will get you a bit of a difference, basically take off the cover, carve the foam out with a breadknife, then staplegun the cover back on.

So 4 options really.

1) Live with it - many people do - I have shortish legs and get by on my pointy no problem now I am used to it.

2) Attack the seat, shouldn't cost more than a few quid to sort that, if you dont need to buy a staple gun to put the cover back in then its next to free.

I'm thinking I should probably live with it

And although I could probably cope with leaving it as it is, as I have done, but wondered if folk had any other options... I loves my Thump but this is a niggle that I feel could do with sorting.


Cheers folks.
MYB

[pookie]

Ive done option 2) and cut , carved and dremmelled it. I found its the width of the seat that causes the tip toes for me so shaving off the sides and a bit off the top worked wonders.

The original specs of the seat height are
SV 650 1999
Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in)

Originally Posted by missyburd

but wondered if folk had any other options... I loves my Thump but this is a niggle that I feel could do with sorting

Dog bones?

[dizzyblonde]

The Corbin seat makes no difference in height, and the reason you perhaps find it uncomfortable is because its wider than standard, also once riding it relaxes so it fits to you.....well mine does.

Maria, you are the same height as me. I have no problem with the height of the SV. I can paddle it around feet flat on floor.....you must have short legs

Are you sure you have standard dog bones on the bike in the first place?

I think you should get out of the habit of paddling whilst sat on Thump, and start to push it around. I know this is difficult where you work, but its a damn sight easier to do than tippy toeing about trying to move it whilst sat on it, once you get the hang of it.

If you are sat on it, and it falls, your shoulder won't be happy, if you are stood, with the weight against your hip, if it goes, you can drop it, without injury to yourself in most cases. . . I should know, I have to work around injuries to my spine and my shoulder.

[maviczap]

Take it to Tony Archer he's not far from you is he?

http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/

Get it lowered and have a gel insert put in. My stardard height seat is sooooooo much more comfortable

Or get some of these boots

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Take it to Tony Archer he's not far from you is he?

Get it lowered and have a gel insert put in. My stardard height seat is sooooooo much more comfortable

Or get some of these boots

ROFL.

Yes Tony Archer is, I know where he hides

[Geodude]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Dog bones?

+1 or get a cheap spare seat and chop it about, see how it is and if you dont like it you still have a good seat. I also find the curvy standard seat cumfy so not just you

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Geodude

. I also find the curvy standard seat cumfy so not just you

You is nuts The most uncomfortable plank I've ever parked my bum on

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Take it to Tony Archer he's not far from you is he?

Smartrrrs Seats are outside York. Did a great job adding a gel insert on my Curvy seat. Does resculpt work on foam too. Considering the same on my GSX as the seat height is a smidge higher than the Curvy.

Aye Tony Archer down the road so always an option.

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

Maria, you are the same height as me. I have no problem with the height of the SV. I can paddle it around feet flat on floor.....you must have short legs

I have a longer torso i think. So yes, shorter legs.

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

Are you sure you have standard dog bones on the bike in the first place?

I think you should get out of the habit of paddling whilst sat on Thump, and start to push it around. I know this is difficult where you work, but its a damn sight easier to do than tippy toeing about trying to move it whilst sat on it, once you get the hang of it.

Dunno about dog bones. Will have to investigate.

I know I can get off and push it about, I do it enough heaving the thing up the drive and turning it round, you should see my biceps! But pushing strains my shoulder more than paddling it about. And I can't park the bike up at work while off it because I slide it in next to the wall and I leave just enough gap to hop off the right of it. As it leans over far more than a normal sidestand would allow, I've perfected that particular parking technique and I'm not learning another.

Too many bleddy hills oop these parts!!!