Hey, just got a sv650 and having some troubles. This is my first bike and I’ve passed the safety course with endorsement but it still feels awkward. I’m pretty small, 5’4” and about 105. I’m alright while riding, just a little heavy at stops and take-offs. Unfortunately it has been dropped a few times. Do I just need more experience or what?

yes..first off get some FRAME SLIDERS! hehe second dont let ur size full you..my riding instructor was shorter than you, about the same weight im guessing and he rode the shit out of his BMW 1100s and that is a big bitch...just get more practice, maybe lower the bike or the seat if u really need to, otherwise get used to leaning to one side at stops...but nothing beats the good ol fashion practicing, no other way to get experience right

Do not lower the bike!!! It will screw up the handling. It's fairly easy to shave the seat, making it lower. Just remove the seat, take out the staples on the bottom and remove the cover, cut the foam with a sharp knife and reattach the cover with new staples. Easy http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

And practice helps too http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gifThankfully I had sliders put on before I even attempted riding. GREAT INVESTMENT! I’m trying to stay away from lowering the bike but I did get a new lowered seat for it. Thx for the positive feedback.

i wouldn't lower the bike either. try something with the seat first, shave it, get a new one, etc...

check this site out http://www.bluepoof.com she is a shorter svs rider as well and i think there is a bit of info on that subject scattered about.

Correct me if I'm wrong guys, but would lowerig the bike really make that big of a difference for a new rider? Sure the handling will suffer, but for a new rider would it really make that big of difference? I mean its not like he will being trackdays or attacking the twisties agressively anytime soon...at least I wouldn't think so.

midge said:
Correct me if I'm wrong guys, but would lowerig the bike really make that big of a difference for a new rider?



Yes, especially if the rear is lowered. And at 5'4" there's no reason to. Can be done with seat, practice and maybe some thicker-soled boots... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif No need to mess with the bike's geometry.

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

thx, i was actually thinking of lowering but got a lowered seat instead (which is a major improvement). practice seems to be the best solution and it's working out well! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

thankfully u didnt get the sv1000...that shit is freaking HIGH! i can barely tiptoe! haha