short riders ~ klr 650 for the vertically challeneged

[fasteddiecopeman]

My suggestion for YOUR bike (don't forget that the KLR's ground clearance is the SAME as it's suspension travel, so, once lowered it will tend to bottom on big dips, etc.) is to ensure you have a good aluminum skid plate to take the blows (and protect your oil drain plug by getting a low-profile one), and strengthen the footpeg mounts which are square, VERY shallow nuts inside that little box on the bottom frame rail with maybe 2 threads. Stock are 8mm, and I went to 10mm high strength hex nuts (I know you'll change the strength by welding), and allen head bolts because hex bolts will tend to 'foul' one another. Since I did mine they've stayed tight. Next thing I would do, is to minimize suspension travel SLIGHTLY, so that bottoming becomes rare. Probably stiffer, progressive fork springs on the front, and a stiffer, progressive rear spring. At your weight you may not need very much, though a load of gear will add to it. I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam, and I lowered mine 2", then 1 1/4" at first, then returned it to stock height after bashing my skid plate and footpegs enough that I made the mods I mentioned. At first I'd been intimidated by the KLR's height, but not anymore. If you have a problem swinging your leg over, try mounting from the right side: bike on side stand, reach up and squeeze the front brake then SIMULTANEOUSLY right foot onto peg AND rear brake, and transfer your weight up and left as you reach for and hold the left grip. It's IMPORTANT that you transfer weight left so the bike doesn't totally unload the stand! The first few times you do it you'll feel like the KLR will fall right, but that's mostly psychological. Works REALLY well after the bike is loaded with gear across the rear of the seat. Good luck. Ed

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "homework4fun" wrote: > > Hello all, > > I've read some of the previous posts regarding rider height and found > them very helpful. Even so, I just want to get a few more opinions > about rider height... > > My brothers and I are planning an intercontinental motorcycle trip, 15 > months from now. Ideally we would all like to have the same dual-sport > motorcycle for reliability purposes. I'm the shortest (& strongest > of my brothers, at 5'5 135lbs. > > I figure that w/ 1.5" lowering links installed and thick soled boots, > I'd be able to adapt to the 650. What do y'all think? > > Thanks in advance! Much appreciated! >