Lowering an ST3?

[dandrewk]

As I totaled my Multistrada (long story), I am in the market for a new bike. I am a confirmed Ducati addict, I admit it! Once you have one, there's no going back.

I'm looking for a more comfortable ride, something with better forks/shocks. Adjustability is nice, but not critical. The MS620's biggest failing was a suspension that felt every tiny bump. I love doing distances, but at the same time I don't want some fat, heavy thing that can't corner worth %*#@.

So... the ST3 looks great here, and I will soon be test riding one. The other candidate is a Monster, probably the 1k for the better suspension. Two different bikes, I know, and I have read with great interest the thread here comparing the two.

The biggest draw for the Monster for me is the riding height. I am 5'10" and can two foot the taller MS's fine, but I would like something my wife could ride. She is 5'4" and would be uncomfortable if she couldn't plant both feet. I'm pretty sure she can two foot the Monsters.

Looking at the stats, the ST3 is lower than the MS, but still taller than the Monsters. An inch or two makes a big difference. Can the ST3 be lowered with shock/fork adjustments, and how much? Maybe lowering the seat or getting an aftermarket? Would doing such a thing significantly alter the handling?

Thanks for any info!

[860GT]

Suspension adjustments aimed at lowering the bike will adversely affect handling. In my opinion, the best thing a short person could do would be to learn how to ride the bike putting one leg down at a stop. I'm short. I can't quite reach to put both feet down when the bike is cold. After I have ridden it for a while, the shocks seem to warm up and the bike settles down a little lower.

When I first got the bike, I practiced a lot of low-speed maneuvering - riding through city parks at 15-20 mph until I got familiar with the thing. Now the bike and I are a pretty effective team. I often put the right leg down at a stop light and leave the left one at the shift lever.

[ducsbill]

Lowering an ST3 might not be a good option. You would lose clearance for the center stand, making it more difficult to use and the angle or length of the side stand would need to be looked at as well.

I'm only 5'8" with a really short inseam and I was a bit uncomfortable with the ST3 in the beginning, but I have gotten used to it. I still can't get both feet flat even when wearing my riding boots. I do find the bike is balanced well enough that it hasn't been an issue.
Good luck, Bill W.

[dandrewk]

Thanks. I pretty much thought that any sort of artificial lowering wouldn't be advisable. I'm hoping the softer seat on the ST3 will allow her to be more comfortable, even with the suspension set at its lowest setting.