Hello!

I'm planning a 3-4 week trip throughout Mexico and would greatly appreciate a bit of advice:

From my preliminary research I believe taking a DR650 or a KLR650 would suit my trip through canyons, dirt/gravel roads, beach paths ect, however at my height of 5'4 I found the DR650 to be a little too high up for me (have yet to sit on a KLR650).

Any advice to create a more comfortable ride? Or perhaps another model that I can use for this trip and also keep as a commuter bike in Los Angeles?

Thank you!

Suzuki allows the DR650 to be lowered both front and rear, built to do this at the factory. But it gives you only an inch lower. It helps but if you need more, buy lowering links. This will lower bike another two inches if needed.

Go to DR Riders forum and join up. Ask about lowering links. Someone can point you where to find them ... links are not expensive, very easy to install.

To lower the bike using Suzuki's method you only need move a pin in shock linkage to lower rear. But to lower front, forks must come apart. No big deal really. (internal spacers needs to be reversed) You can also raise up fork tubes up within triple clamps.

I'm 5'6" and do OK on my DR650. Not lowered at all and has a wide Corbin seat, but still OK for me.

You can learn loads about the DR650 on the DR Riders Forum.

www.DRRiders.com

Great choice for Mexico!

Tricycle

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My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon

Loads of info here as well for alternatives - sounds like a great journey!

The Shortypants Thread: We are short women and this is what we ride | Adventure Rider

If you are looking to ride Copper Canyon dirt and goat paths, get a 250cc moto. I'm serious. I'm 5-7 with a 29" inseam. I have a KL250 Super Sherpa and it's a blast. Light, easy to pick up, easy to navigate the bumpy gullies and washouts in the canyons, less intimidating on any river crossings, and faster than a big cc moto on sketchy roads. When traveling on the blacktop, ride on the far right, where all the other Mexican riders are.


If you're set on a 650 moto, look at the BMW F650GS single cylinder with a 19" front wheel. It's lower than either the KLR or the DR.


Use soft luggage, with no racks, for the weight savings. If you're worried about security, get some wire mesh from Pacsafe Pacsafe Collection | Pacsafe


Ride comfort: Good aftermarket saddle, or else a sheepskin on the stock saddle helps a bad saddle. I like a wind screen even with a more dirt oriented 250cc moto. Wind management and your butt are important comfort items.


Enjoy your trip/Buen viaje!

I agree with that ! I am a bit less than 5 7 (170 cm) and those 650 are way too high. I bought a Honda CRF250L and still find it a bit high in bad condition

I don't think the OP mentioned Copper Canyon, but it's certainly a worth while site!

There are a few rough roads in the area but most are passable even on a big bike. Thousands have done it on GS's, Vstroms and such. I've been 5 times going back to 1973. Latest visit last November.

But NO QUESTION a Super Sherpa or CRF250L would be more fun and easier in the rough sections. But may not be the best for riding highway. I find my DR650 a pretty good compromise between weight vs. agility. Also consider load carrying ability, crash survival and a few other things.
The DR is as LOW as a Funduro or F650 BMW if factory lowering is used ... and it is LOWER than the BMW with a $40 Lowering link installed. But the MAIN advantage of the DR650 Suzuki over the BMW F650 is that it's 60 lbs. lighter weight, far more reliable and much easier maintenance.
On the DR650 going rackless can be tough unless you use a Giant Loop type bag. Without a small rack you're likely to BURN UP your panniers. Don't ask me how I know about this! Lightweight racks are best on the DR ... I've tried all kinds.

Pack Safe seem like a good system !
On the DR650 an aftermarket saddle is pretty much a MUST HAVE. Wind screens are tough to get quiet. I go with NO shield at all. Nice and quiet ... but in super cold weather a shield is nice if you can get it quiet.