[Quatro]

Hi all. I couldn’t see a place for introductions so just before getting to my questions... Hi! I ride a 2002 SV650 unfaired in red. Had it about five years.

My struggle with bikes is my height. I’m 5ft3, 28inch inside leg. Plus I only weigh 50kg and lacking in strength (working on that!)

I know people ride all sorts and you don’t have to be flat foot, but I want to be. I feel much more stable, comfortable and confident, and so I enjoy riding more.

My bike was already lowered when I bought it. I wear wedge heels in my boots and am almost flat foot.

So...coming to the fact I want to upgrade, I saw that the 2017 model is almost an inch lower than mine as it comes originally. And there are some 4inch lowering kits. I don’t know how much mine is lowered (is there a way to check?)

I sat on a 2017 model and it seems way too high, I was barely reaching with tiptoes. Makes me think mine must be lowered more than just an inch or two!

Has anyone used these 4inch lowering kits? I know the concerns over lowering in this way, but given my light weight and the fact I’m not trying for knee down turns, I don’t think it’ll be an issue for me. It hasn’t been on my current bike.

Can anyone confirm they genuinely get the bike down to 26.9inches? And is there anyone of a similar height to me that can tell me how it feels height wise then?
Obviously I don’t know what it’ll be like til I’ve bought the bike and had a kit fitted and if it’s still no good, it’s a bit late then!

Other than that, I’ve been considering my options and would probably end up with a Honda Rebel. 27inch seat height -perfect size for me, love the styling- still a bit street, but a compromise on power and build quality. And comparatively expensive.