Redback Motorcycle Smash Repairs - 1/ 9 Collie St, Fyshwick. Ph: 6280 5433

Newbie Advice needed

Discussion in 'New Members - G'Day!' started by IronZulu, Jan 3, 2016.

  1. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    G'Day

    I am a shorty (5"5') mature aged returning rider after 22 years off the bikes. I'm going through the entire learning process again to get back onto the road and I am looking for a road/trail bike to suit my height which is also LAMS. I have been looking at VStroms, which I really really like, but they are 800mm+ seath height and I am on my tippy toes both feet in flat runners. Havent jumped on with riding boots yet, but.

    Are there bikes that are similar to the Suzuki Vstrom, but a little smaller in height?

    Thanks in Advance

    Zulu
     
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  2. Miggzie
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    Miggzie Member

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    Welcome to the forum

    From memory the BMW G650GS comes in lowered version
     
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  3. davo231481
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    davo231481 Member

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    Dr 400 / 650(?) with kit
     
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  4. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    Yea I been looking at the DR400 as well as KLR's. Not really interested in euro bikes, they are too expensive to maintain, Jap bikes are a dime a dozen and cheapest to maintain (spares and all that being cheap), and every mechanic can fix jap bikes easy.
     
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  5. gazman
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    gazman Member

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    KLE500 is road trail that has a low seat standard,2007 was the last one built. Otherwise dr/klr/similar with a rear suspension lowering link.

    Vstrom's are not really road trail bikes ? They are a road bike with a little taller suspension. They don't even have switchable ABS but probably have a after market lowering link.
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2016
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  6. supamodel
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    supamodel Secret Aaaaaagent Man Staff Member Moderator Supporter

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    Quite a few of the VStroms actually don't have ABS at all.

    Taller suspension, some differences in the motor (650 - SV650 versus DL650 is more of a difference internally than people realise), 19" front wheel.
     
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  7. davo231481
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    davo231481 Member

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    I see @Yedi is selling his dr
     
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  8. Yedi
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    Yedi Guest

  9. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    Well check this out then.. the XT's come with all the bushwhacking gear, obviously this guy can ride really well.


     
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  10. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    Seen it already, nice looking bike. Just checking out prices and such.. still have to pass my learners and get riding gear first. I'm sure a bike will come around at the right price that would be just right for me. So far people been telling me to 1. Get Japanese bikes " they are bullet proof" to quote a mate. 2. Get a bike fitted to me, not me fitting it. Still trying to work that one out, but I think it will come to me.
    3. Spend what I am comfortable with ( this is the hard one, considering my impulsive nature)
    So I'm surfing around the ACT forums and for sale threads and meeting with dudes selling bikes and watching lots of youtubes.

    Thanks for all the advice guys, appreciated :)
     
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  11. davo231481
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    davo231481 Member

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    There s a bloke at work who would be your height if not a bit shorter and he has taken his DR on a number of extended bush trips and has spent a motza on the extras ie tank , rack, etc. He rides it as his daily commute as well. I think what he really likes about it is it's easy nature , dual purpose. and riding position. Also the fact that the design hasn't really changed since introduction and a swag of spares are readily available if needed.
    That said another bloke here has a Vstrom and absolutely loves it tho he's considerably taller.
     
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  12. Yedi
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    Yedi Guest

    Pretty sure he's referring to the fact that, within reason, the suspension on most bikes can be easily modified regarding ride/seat height and to choose the bike you like rather than the one that already fits you :up
     
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  13. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    I am really taking a shine to the V-Strom..



    Any V-Strom owners out there ?
     
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  14. supamodel
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    supamodel Secret Aaaaaagent Man Staff Member Moderator Supporter

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  15. Jek
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    Jek Member

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    Yes, I am a V-strom owner (6' tall) - and currently trying to sell it (bought a Triumph Tiger). Obviously I would love you to buy it but would never want anyone to buy a bike that wasn't right for them. I actually bought it after a colleague bought one. He wouldn't be much taller than you. Mine is not the XT and doesn't have ABS but feel free to ask any questions about it. Frankly and honestly, I can't recommend them enough. Great bike.
     
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  16. Madmonk
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    Madmonk Member Supporter

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    Yep I agree about the Vstrom being a great bike. I am 5"7' and when I moved from a cruiser to the Vstrom I was a bit leery about the seat height (partially due to crappy knees). I found that I was able to get it quite a bit lower between some custom upholstery work on the seat foam itself and by installing some adjustable dog bones. This allowed me to easily flat foot it though the dog bones did limit the ground clearance!

    Another benefit with a Vstrom (though this will be true for some other models as well) is the wide variety of accessories available to customise the bike. This includes luggage, bash bars and plates, electrical additions and handlebars.

    If you want to throw your leg over mine and see how it feels, let me know. I am sure that we can arrange something :)
     
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  17. vinniebarbarino
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    vinniebarbarino Member

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    WR250 R, CRF 250L, KLX250, XT 250 (Nice and light and fuel injected except the KLX)
    Apparently you can ride a CB250 just about anywhere and they're cheap and bullet proof.
    There is a Honda CBR500X similar to a VStrom but with a lower seat height.
    re VStroms only a few are Lams approved (have a different ECU)
    And welcome back to motorcycling.
     
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  18. danthemotorcycleman
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    danthemotorcycleman Member

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    I can second this... I' 5'5" as well and I own a drz. I've had to cut the seat down about an inch to feel comfortable on it but that's when I first started riding. I've gotten on a normal stock one recently and it's fine. You get used to the height...

    Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk
     
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  19. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    Yea Jek, I already quizzed you about the bike. On Gumtree I think or bike sales. I liked your bike and another blue one, as it had all the stuff i wanted on it but its not LAMS.
     
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  20. IronZulu
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    IronZulu New Member

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    I threw my leg over a fella's VSTROM couple weeks ago, and I think my left hip made an audible popping sound. The dude tried to hold back his laughter, but yea. He was 6" + and I think the bike was actually setup higher than stock, not sure. Once I was on, my 110KG made the bike lower down enough so I could tippy toe both sides.Regardless... I really liked that bike a lot. He was asking same price as a new one at CMC, but his was had all the stuff I wanted on it.
     
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