Tips for a shorter rider? - Ducati.ms

smartbomb · Jul 31st, 2009, 3:43 pm

I am pretty short, 5'8" with a 30" inseam. I have a hard time reaching the ground. I already have the DP seat.

I have an S model with the adjustable shock link. Does anyone have any experiance dropping the bike with the link and sliding the forks a little lower in the triple clamps? How low can you go before it starts to mess up the handling? Any other tips for short guys?

asado · Jul 31st, 2009, 4:35 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartbomb

I am pretty short, 5'8" with a 30" inseam. I have a hard time reaching the ground. I already have the DP seat.

I have an S model with the adjustable shock link. Does anyone have any experiance dropping the bike with the link and sliding the forks a little lower in the triple clamps? How low can you go before it starts to mess up the handling? Any other tips for short guys?

You're 1 inch taller than me and my inseam is roughly the same. I can only touch the ground with one foot/tippy toe and butt cheek slightly off the seat (either side). I'm pretty comfortable controlling the hyper (stop, go etc), the only problem for me is backing up on difficult angles and space. What I usually do is just walk the hyper back and go from there.

My suggestion would be to keep practicing and get comfortable handling the hyper first before messing with the suspension. Leave your self enough space when you're following a vehicle to avoid emergency stops and/or buy a pair of boots with thick soles. FYI, I have the racing seat and it seems to be the same height as the stock.

Good luck

smartbomb · Jul 31st, 2009, 4:37 pm

I especialy hate backing up. I can deal with the height but I don't like it. I want to be more comfortable.

Ducsbk · Jul 31st, 2009, 6:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartbomb

I especialy hate backing up. I can deal with the height but I don't like it. I want to be more comfortable.

Shave the seat! You can take at least an inch off.

Caidly · Jul 31st, 2009, 6:35 pm

http://men.style.com/details/feature...d=content_6838

(Actually, Paul Simon did a skit on SNL about this. I tried to find it, but couldn't, so I posted that link instead.)

ducatichick · Jul 31st, 2009, 8:50 pm

I'm 5'4" with 29" inseam. Bought the seat - didn't make much difference. I don't have the S so I bought the rear adjusting link separately and installed it. Lowered the back and front end approximately equally - top of triple clamp is 25 mm below the top of the fork cap. If anything I lowered the front more than the rear. Handles great, especially on the track!

And, I can get both sides tip-toes if pavement is flat. Backing up requires downhill or getting off the bike but I've been doing that for 15 years so same old ....

jcasella · Jul 31st, 2009, 10:23 pm

Short rider unite, "we will find a way"...your tall, 5'3" and have a SC1000, where there is a will there is a way.. Story of my life.
Read stories about Danny Chandler, it will inspire you

**vduc** · Jul 31st, 2009, 10:23 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartbomb

I am pretty short, 5'8" with a 30" inseam. I have a hard time reaching the ground.

What are you gaints complaining about, I'm 5' 6"...

I'm still waiting on my DP comfort seat which is lower than stock to come. If it doesn't come soon I'll be doing some surgery on the stock (don't like the shape of the stock one anyway). I'm going to order an adjustable rear link and try dropping the bike about 10-15 mm max., don't want to go too low and start scraping the pegs.

Backing up is pain, typically I just get off the bike and push it. The height of the bike otherwise isn't an issue.

BTW smartbomb, you have great taste in bikes, I've had all the ones in your signature. My RS250 was the Challenge Cup race version, my was RZ350 a yellow and black Kenny Roberts replica (only bike I truly regret selling), and a `76 RD400 was my first bike.

disgo duc · Jul 31st, 2009, 10:57 pm

im 5.7 didnt have to much of a problem since i ride dirtbikes almost everyday but i am getn it lowered as we speak but am changing springs and valving wouldnt attempt lowering unless you are having someone that knows setups on street bikes/race bikes.another thing i did is had a custom seat made by sargent out of my stock seat.took it as low as i could go without sacrificing comfort.

leopard · Jul 31st, 2009, 11:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducatichick

I'm 5'4" with 29" inseam. Bought the seat - didn't make much difference. I don't have the S so I bought the rear adjusting link separately and installed it. Lowered the back and front end approximately equally - top of triple clamp is 25 mm below the top of the fork cap. If anything I lowered the front more than the rear. Handles great, especially on the track!

And, I can get both sides tip-toes if pavement is flat. Backing up requires downhill or getting off the bike but I've been doing that for 15 years so same old ....

Anna, is that you?