![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jul 2006
|
![wonky's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15504_2.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Posts: 100
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossies
Thanks very much for the reply Wonky. Good idea/referral. I think I'll get in contact with those guys and see what ideas they can come up with.
My Funduro is at about 840 and my parters toes are 5" off the ground when she sits on it...thanks for the offer though. Enjoy the trip.
Norm Kouba got back to me (nice bloke) and said the DR350 might just be the thing but he would prefer the DRZ400. Due to budget constraints the 400 is out so we are now aiming for the DR350SE. There appears to be loads of inches of ground clearance so lots of room for dropping the suspension (possibly new shorter forks and monoshock) and following on your point; we are going on a RTW trip not aiming to be MX champions. So as long as the bike is comfortable and tough that's all that matters.
|
Dr350 probably a better bike for job and lighter for sure.
No need for new shorter forks and monoshock, the suspension guys will modify your originals, loads cheaper and reversible as well. I didn't understand how this would be possible until i started doing the research.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
|
|
Lois
you might just be onto something ;-). The TTR250 is quoted at 28bhp and the DR350 at 35bhp...so with the additional weight of the DR there's not much in it.
The DR is not in production anymore although the same engine is used in the Beta Alp 4 but the TTR is still in production and sold from dealers in the "sensible" southern hemisphere. Both are very scarse though as 2nd hand here in the UK.
ponder ponder ponder...
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jul 2006
|
![yuma simon's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar141.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
|
|
See if you can find a Zongshen Sierra 200 (that is what it's called in the US). I am fairly sure they are available there and have a seat height of only 28." Engine size is limiting, though, at 200cc's. Read this article:
http://www.danielmontejo.com/Picture...themachine.htm
It might be an o.k. bike for your purposes.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
just maybe...
try looking here
http://www.royal-enfield.com/low_seat_option.htm
the new lean burn engine model has a 720mm seat height option., without touching anything else. these bikes are very different animals from the older enfields, even though they look very similar. claimed weight is 160kg. the company has open days on 22/23 rd july where you can try out the bikes. may not be a wste of time.
glad you had good trip, I stuck to the n240 and 260 mostly because that was as far south as my map of France went
regards Larry,, from Le Frene... of course I am not biased any
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Jul 2006
|
![beddhist's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar13552_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
|
|
Dr350
Just to confuse things further:
There are several different models of DR350, sporting kick or electric start. The SHC has an upside-down fork and suspension height front and rear can be changed with a knob on the bars while riding. Just so you don't try one model and then buy another...
The height of the seat off the ground is not the sole criterium, as the suspension sags when bum hits seat and the width of the seat in the front makes a difference, too, whether or not she can reach the ground.
There are lots of custom bikes (choppers) that are fairly low.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
|
|
Thanks Beddhist
Just to clarify. My partners Funduro unladen seat height is 730mm. There is very little sag in the suspension as the bike is as low as it can go so the seat height will be minimum 700mm with her on it. With a lighter bike with a narrower seat the laden seat height must therefore be less than about 720mm.
Larry....I'm an tempted. We might just go up for the open day...but the prices new are a bit very steep and you can't get an electric start 2nd hand anywhere.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossies
Thanks Beddhist
Larry....I'm an tempted. We might just go up for the open day...but the prices new are a bit very steep and you can't get an electric start 2nd hand anywhere.
|
Yes, they have been producing the electra (make sure this model, not the older one) since 2002, and I haven't seen one for sale for a long time. Think this is an indication of rider satisfaction. some peeps with 60's and modern triumphs seeking to p/e for them in real-classic.co.uk Used to be lots of hardly used enfields for sale. But if you try it an dont like it, then you know, vice versa if you do.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Jul 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
|
|
Dr 650 Se
The DR 650 Se is 830 mm with the lower suspension setting. Might sound a lot but you have to keep in mind that the seat and tank are lots narrower and allow short people to get their feet down a lot easier than on the 650 BMW's. I know that the low DR feels a lot lower than the standard BMW F650 GS which is 780mm as far as I remember.
A 50 kg driver compresses the DR's seat height down to about 780mm. More weight or luggage does not get the bike a lot lower as you run into the progression of the suspension. I don't think it's a good idea to significantly reduce the preload on the rear shock as the loss of performance of the suspension might be prohibitive (too little positive travel, shock tends to bottom out. Can cause serious damage on shock, wheel and frame). My wife is 5'5" and she's perfectly fine with the DR650SE although she does not stand feet flat. But both feet safely down. I had customers on the low DR's as short as 5'1" and took them up to the Kunene (admit they were experienced riders)
Anyway I think the BIG plus of the DR is the much lower weight compared to the BMW (which in comparsion feels like an Army tank also due to different geometry). Also: The DR is tough: Drop it and you might as worst case scenario break a clutch lever or brake lever, both cheap and easy to fix. The DR has an excellently working suspension system no matter if set high or low. This does not seem to be the case with the BMW.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
|
|
Does anyone based in the UK know of a supplier of after market suspension linkages for the 250 Serow that will have the effect of lowering the seat height please?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
|
|
The DR650SE in the low setting is approx. 780 to 800mm depending on preload / sag of the rear.
Higher than the BMW F 650 (770mm) but in direct comparsion the DR actually feels a lot lower as it is much lighter and also much narrower whilst the BMW forces you into an "ironed over a barrel" statue.
The DR only looses very little of her off road capability when you drop the suspensions.
Get the DR650SE and learn to shift (stop with one leg down & hanging off the seat). Forget all the lowering link crap. It will leave you with punctures, torn spokes, cracked and dented rims and collapsed wheels or worse.
The DR350 gives very little advantage over the DR650SE (SP46A after 1996) being nearly identical in weight and height but loosing out badly as soon as it comes to reliability of the engine.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 Aug 2007
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
Morning Hayastani,
I don't know of anyone that does a lowering kit for the XT250 Serow anywhere, never mind in the UK.
I own one myself and, only being a little chappie, find it perfect for my needs.
I weighed it on our scales at work and find, with a tank brimmed to the top and with a rear rack fitted, she comes in at 129kg.
So far I've covered 46,000kms in 22 months and love it!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
|
|
Thank you for the info Cameraman. A possible alternative I have come across is the AJP PR4 200 which can be supplied with a lower seat height. If only platform soles were still fashionable!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Aug 2007
|
![Nomadic1's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar095.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 103
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossies
I am trying to get info on an appropriate bike for a person (woman in this case) shorter than 5'3". There are a number of postings that refer to shorter (5'6") but those precious 3" make a big difference.
Can anyone give me an idea of which bike would do the job and any indication of by how much any lowering kit made a difference to which ever make.
I understand that the F650 can be lowered quite significantly. Any owners of the Lowered version of this bike out there with comments.
|
My wife is 5'2 and copes without issue on a factory lowered 650GS with low seat option.
A friend who is 4'9 is having custom made hagon shocks, and a scultped low seat to cope. This is costing about £750 to make the necessary changes.
I seriously rate the bikes too - and a doddle to maintain.
__________________
Visit my space here
See my photos here
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
18 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 22
|
|
My dad lowered a DL650 so much that I have to lean it to the right to put the kick stand up, he's about 5'5" but he's got short legs. He then moved the bars back an inch, which helped a bit too. We (me and my dad) purchased our lowering links from ebay for around $30ish a set. The guy who sells them is a machinist and could probably be talked into making other lowering devices for other bikes.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|