Pointers to lowering S50 for the vertically challenged

5

5dfggf4f

New member
:party2:Just passed the MSF this past weekend and want to practice on my new bike.

:roll: Ok, I knew I was short, but a 26.5" inseam? (Had my husband measure me today) Looking for suggestions:

Options:
Stock shocks are 12.5".... I can get aftermarket Progressive Suspension Shocks @ 11.5 or 11.0"
Front lowering spring kit to lower either 1 or 2"......again, some say to lower the front approximately the same as the rear.
I did get a gel seat that was suppose to lower the seat an 1" but not on me.:horse:..the front of the seat is actually wider than the the stock seat, so it presses my thighs out, so my short inseamed legs are not as straight down as could be...my bike is very narrow, which is one reason I got it....

I did get an inch put on my riding boots, so they are now 3" tall (old moon boots) but I'm not real comfortable with them and my foot angle rides too heavy on the rear break with them on, so I'll probably go back to my 1 1/2" boots.

So....seat is current 27.6" high.....ground clearance is 4.9" now (stock) how low could I lower it with shocks and not completely bottom out? (don't tell, I weigh about 150ish):rolleyes:

I'm thinking....11.5" shocks buys me an inch w/front lowering spring lower in front an 1" to match
1 1/2" boots buys me an inch or so
having the seat modified, narrowing the front and shaving some of the stock foam off and added some gel or better, but thin foam cushioning...should buy me another 1" or so. (anyone have a seat shaved down and if so, any recommendation?

All these mods should get me 3 inches...which should be just about right to flat foot it.

How does this sound? I know I like to analyze too much, :mrgreen: I have the $$ right to get this done, but want to do it the smart way.
 
I was going to suggest the gel seat but you've already done that. I have one on my new S50 and it seems to be noticeably lower than the seat I had on my last S50, more than I expected for a 1" difference. Also it is narrower than the stock seat, not wider as yours is. Hmmmm..... My bike which was a good fit for me before is even better now. I have no experience lowering a bike so I can't help you there.

Is you problem that you can't get you feet down flat or that you are uncomfortable with your position? Maybe you will get used to it but I'm not really going to push that point because I like my feet flat with a little bend in the knees. I'm sure someone will come along with some good advice soon.

BTW while the S50 is 100# lighter than the C50 and M50 it can still be a handful at 450#. Last year was my first year after many of not riding a motorcycle and I had a few "tippy" moments at stop signs. Just saying that because it is lighter but not necessarily light.

I hope you get yours set up to your liking because your going to love this bike. Being 800cc and light for its class the S50 (VS800 Intruder) is sometimes called a girls bike. Hogwash, this bike call really go for a cruiser, so be careful.

Have fun and ride safe.
 
I understand that "short leg" problem; my inseam is only about 28".

I have a perfect solution. I have a GZ 250 with only 4,xxx miles on it that I'm sure would fit you perfectly. I'd be willing to trade, even up. I'll even ride it down to you from Illinois!! :mrgreen:

So, seriously, what is your riding "situation".....and why did you choose the S50 as your first bike? Do you ride with others who you need to "keep up with" or do you just like the looks of the bike?

I drool every time I see an S50 but I know it's just a bit too big for me.
Consider your options and situation carefully before you spend a lot of time and money on something that might not work out in the end.

A lot of people do what you are talking about and are happy with the results.
Some are not. Just try to be realistic. :bluethum:
 
Guilty. Oh wait, you weren't asking me. Oops. :mrgreen:

The Honda Shadow VLX has a seat height of 25.5" I think. Sitting on one of those might give you a feel of a 2" drop. It's a nice bike but I like the footpeg location of the S50 much better. Just an opinion however, pointing out what I thought was a noticeable difference of the two.
 
Thanks DrBob, I didn't realize the front springs being replaced even w/ a 2" drop would do so well. And no I have no real desire to pushed it to the limit where the pegs scrape (at least anytime soon)
 
Thundurburd & Easy Rider: Thanks for the suggestions.

I even measure the front of the stock and gel seat and yes, my gel seat is about 1/2" wider and deeper in the front, of course where I slide up to...

My toes touch, but I'm not comfortable not being at least almost flat footed due to all the hills we have here in East TN.

I actually "tried on" several bikes from the Kaw 500, Honda Shadows, my favorite V Star 650, but they were either too wide or the controls were too forward for my reach. The S50 fit best due to the narrow width of the bike, I didn't get the S40 'cuz of backfiring issues and I thought I'd outgrow it for the $$ and decided on the S50. I know I can make the modifications to have it fit, I'm just trying to be smart as I can about it.

The weight of the bike isn't an issue, my other hobby is powerlifting so I can squat and deadlift over 300 lbs so this baby isn't so bad :mrgreen:
 
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