How to lower seat for short-legged "freeks"

C

Crossfire_imp

First service completed
Thread starter
Just got this 2014 CB1100. I am 5'4" ,I can ride it, but wished the seat height was an 1" lower. I've had three 750K's at different times in the seventies and eighties and had no problems riding them; I think I shrank, LOL.
Can anyone direct me to a thread which may help; I am new to the forum.
Thanks
Crossfire
 
Ah Houtman, if only that were true. Everything is stiff except what I want to be stiff and everything shrinks except what I want to shrink. My waist line is about ten inches bigger than it was 20 years ago and doesn't seem to have any intention of shrinking. Fingers, ankles and back all seem to get stiffer and stiffer.
Now, it occurs to me that smaller wheels could lower the bike considerably, and help with some things like finding tires more easily. I am not an engineer and might be way off base on this. A good upholsterer might also help in cutting down the seat, but that doesn't seem like it would get us very much closer to the ground.
Good luck with getting the road closer to your feet.
 
Nachodaddy_imp said:
Ah Houtman, if only that were true. Everything is stiff except what I want to be stiff and everything shrinks except what I want to shrink. My waist line is about ten inches bigger than it was 20 years ago and doesn't seem to have any intention of shrinking. Fingers, ankles and back all seem to get stiffer and stiffer.
Now, it occurs to me that smaller wheels could lower the bike considerably, and help with some things like finding tires more easily. I am not an engineer and might be way off base on this. A good upholsterer might also help in cutting down the seat, but that doesn't seem like it would get us very much closer to the ground.
Good luck with getting the road closer to your feet.
Click to expand...
If only they were 17” wheels. I think that’s one thing everyone with a CB1100 could agree on.
 
yep, easiest way would be to find some shocks that are shorter than the 14.25 in shocks on the CB. The front is super simple by sliding the forks up in the triples a bit.
Read that ears and nose never stop growing....
 
Thread starter
Nachodaddy_imp said:
Ah Houtman, if only that were true. Everything is stiff except what I want to be stiff and everything shrinks except what I want to shrink. My waist line is about ten inches bigger than it was 20 years ago and doesn't seem to have any intention of shrinking. Fingers, ankles and back all seem to get stiffer and stiffer.
Now, it occurs to me that smaller wheels could lower the bike considerably, and help with some things like finding tires more easily. I am not an engineer and might be way off base on this. A good upholsterer might also help in cutting down the seat, but that doesn't seem like it would get us very much closer to the ground.
Good luck with getting the road closer to your feet.
Click to expand...
Thanks Houtman!
 
Or order the OEM low seat from Japan. Samurider is a good source for it.
 
As a stop gap try reducing the front and rear preload to the minimum settings, that will give you a little more sag and hopefully it will still handle well enough for you.
 
I know someone with a KTM who wanted it lowering about an inch and went through the various options but settled on buying thick soled boots which also helped him on other bikes. I think there is a website for these taller boots for vertically challenged riders.
 
Mixagon_imp said:
I know someone with a KTM who wanted it lowering about an inch and went through the various options but settled on buying thick soled boots which also helped him on other bikes. I think there is a website for these taller boots for vertically challenged riders.
Click to expand...
 
Actually, Crossfire, if you are in the L.A. area, I would let you try a pair of 13.5" Bonnie shocks to see if they help.

But remember, lowering suspension or shorter shocks may make the centerstand useless, and the sidestand tipsy.
 
GoldOxide_imp said:
Mixagon_imp said:
I know someone with a KTM who wanted it lowering about an inch and went through the various options but settled on buying thick soled boots which also helped him on other bikes. I think there is a website for these taller boots for vertically challenged riders.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Was thinking more like this, surely it has to be better than changing the geometry and handling of a good bike?

Motorcycle Boots For Short Riders | 10 Best Shoes For Men & Women
 
Because I am short, on my FJR I started using Vibram type thicker soles often found on military, swat or logger type boots. I've grown a real fondness for them compared to my dedicated motorcycle style boots with the flat soles. So much so, that the tall FJR is gone, but I still like wearing them on the lower CB and NC.
 
As we age...everything gets bigger, hairier, and closer to the ground. That goes for men and women equally I'm afraid. :P
 
I wouldn't touch the suspension geometry by shortening dampers or moving the fork on the triple clamp.

Lower preload can lower static ride-height a bit. But it also changes handling, so be aware...

What I've done in mine is take it to an upholstery: they've removed some foam from the top/front and a bit on the sides: so now, with a lower and narrower seat, it's easier to reach the ground.

Gel Moto | Xtrim Tapiceria De Asientos De Motos | Barcelona
 
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