New SV, Vertically challenged!

I just purchased a 2002 sv650, basically bc i couldn't pass up a bike for 2k with only 6k miles on it. The down side is i'm 5' 2" and can barely tip toe this bike. Very uncomfortable compared to my 883. i already plan on shaving the seat but i don't think that will get me quite what i'm looking for. my questions are i plan to purchase lowering links and then lower the front as well i want to keep some hint of handling in this bike. i don't plan on beating on it crazy but if i feel the need i want it to be able to perform. lowering links are pretty straight forward, but as far as the forks raising them threw the triple.. how much can a really raise them without making the ride to stiff, or having clearance issues under hard breaking? Has anyone ever had this forks shortened? and if so how much did it run them? considering how high this bike sits for me im probably looking at 1" 1/2 to 2" to be anywhere near acceptable. any input on this would be great.. remeber im not looking to do this cheaply.. im looking do this this the right way. if i have to buy all new springs and shocks so be it.

It's not so much that you'll stiffen the ride, when you lower the yokes on the forks as that the front fender might hit your radiator under hard braking, 25-30mm is the most you can go imho.

If you're under 140 lbs then the stock front springs are ok fr you, but fresh oil in 10w would be good.

[Bibio]

think the max you can go safely on the front is 15mm if i remember. 25mm dogbones will give you 15mm at seat.

i'm in the same boat but shorter 5' feckall. i've had to go the GSXR route which is about 20mm all round then shave the seat almost down to the plastic and fit a gel pad gives a total of 75mm (3"). i have a K7 (pointy) though.

might help if we knew where you are from as doing a GSXR swap is cheaper to do in the states than over here.

my last SV had a GSXR 1000 K8 rear shocky and GSXR 1000 k1-2 front end with a shaved seat and it was low enough for me to be flat footed.

another thing that helps (i'm going to get flamed) is to set your rider sag a bit lower than normal if you are light. 35-40mm rear 40-45 front. this lets the bike sag more when you actually sit on it which helps a lot.

i live in the midwest USA. Im going to be completly honest this will be my first sportsbike. and ive never had to do much modding to any bike. What all does the gsxr swap involve? I have no doubt i have the mechanical appitude to perform it (cars are my love, current baby 1990 z26, ls1 and t56 all custom done by my own hands). im just curious on what all i should be looking for this is the first ive heard of doing anything like that.

[Bibio]

you basically take the sv front end off and put a gsxr one on. here is a site your side of the water that will explain everything. http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=135430

because you have a curvy (first gen) you will need a bearing from TWF http://www.twfracing.com/images/zpar...earing_lg.jpeg

you then need to either use dog bones or get a shocky made to your spec. if you are a heavy rider then the GSXR 1000 K8 will fit just nicely.here is a nice table that shows you all the available (cheep) ones that fit the SV http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php...9&postcount=34

[Bibio]

here is a pic that shows just how much mine was lower than a stock



and one that shows just how short i really am.






one other thing to remember when lowering an SV is remember to get your side stand shortened or your bike will fall over.

thanks for all that info. its nice knowing there are options out there thats def much more around the hieght im looking for. if anyone else has opinions keep them coming. im interested in them all. Oh and i am a light rider around 140lbs max. and the bike will have minimal fairing as well so the bike itself will be on the lighter side.

Hi fellow shorty!

I'm 5'3 as well.

I struggled like hell with stock height (02 plate)...kept dropping it and all sorts, however some of this was contributed to by not being used to bikes at all (first bike, fresh license etc).

I planned on dogbones and everything else but found now I am a bit more used to it, a shaved seat is enough for me. It is nearly down to plastic at the front, but with a bit more padding further back. I didnt plan on doing it like this, just the way it ended up! On longer rides I have to shift my ass backwards otherwise it gets quite sore! Gel pad needed, but then it may raise the height again...

Otherwise, its fine. I'm on tiptoes still but managable. Still cant paddle backwards properly so I have to get off the bike to do that. No need to do Pedrosa style at standstill though.

Stock shock and forks. Seems like no matter what I do, the bike just doesnt sag when I sit on it! I only weigh 8.5 stone though on a good day.

So as you have the same year bike as me, and same height, I'd suggest just doing the seat and giving yourself a week or 2 to get used to it before opting for anything more. Well, unless you want to do a GSXR conversion/aftermarket shock of course, apparently one of the best mods to do on this bike with its budget suspension.

HTH

H