V-Strom Center of Gravity

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by stp1971

I tell ya,, one of the things I was talking to"J" about this last weekend that while alot of of BS around here. There is still ALOT of good info provided when you need it.

On the trip to Gatlinburg I asked Rickster if he knew what the maximum amount the rear preload would adjust and would it drop off after so many turns. I have checked all in the manual and nothing about the rear preload adjustment range.

He then told me it stops after so many turns and that with the stock shocks and the front forks setup for stock that I ought to try adjusting the preload all the way up. Especially with a passenger on the bike. I ended up cranking it up 11 more notches and then it stopped.

The Wee handled 120% better than before and I was impressed with her on the twisties and the irregular pavement we hit. Little more harsh on large bumps but it was great.

He told me that with the stock setup the maximum preload setting is really where it should be set for a solo rider. That if I installed a new rear shock and changed the valving and a little heavier oil in the front forks then the bikes preload could be cranked down for a solo rider and then when a passenger rode with me I could crank it up and make the bike where it would handle just as well as a solo rider does now.

So try the preload and if you are not happy with it maybe changing to an aftermarket rear shock and changing the front fork valving and oil.

I also installed a front fork brace which really tightened up the front end and made it alot more stable across rough terrain and handles better in the twisties.

Not being a smartass....

You really didn't know that stuff?

[stp1971]

Nope. I wasn't sure where the adjustment maxed out at. Didn't want to bust anything. Better safe than sorry.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by stp1971

Nope. I wasn't sure where the adjustment maxed out at. Didn't want to bust anything. Better safe than sorry.

Let me get this straight now........

Mr. "I Iron My Blue Jeans and T-Shirts".......didn't RTFM??????



Wow!!!

[stp1971]

I'm telling you the manual doesn't say anything but to increase or decrease the pre-load turn the knob. Nothing about how much pressure it will take or how many turns it will go up or down.

And besides,,, no one should ever walk around with wrinkled jeans,, Who does that nowadays????

[sansgogs]

My partner and I are going to look at a 650 v-strom tomorrow. We both love the bike, but are worried that, at 5'5", he will be too short to ride. We have been told the bike can be lowered a couple of inches. Any shorter riders out there with success on the v-strom?

Thanks,
sansgogs

[Clint]

The 'Strom is a tall bike because of its long suspension travel. It's going to be pretty hard to get it to a 5-5 usability height. Have you considered the SV? It's the same motor in a more compact chassis, and lends itself to lowering better.

[stp1971]

Agreed Rowdy. There are a couple of lowering kits out there for the V-Strom but you are still looking at a 30" seat height though.

The naked SV on could get the risers so it moves the handlebars further back for a more upright riding position.

[Rickster]

Rowdy, and STP are right, but, don't you love it, how there's always a but with me. The but in this case, is, what are you riding now? I ask that because I know of more than a few short riders that are riding bikes that I would consider to tall for them, but they have addaped a riding style that works for them. Sure they would be safer, and more in control if they could reach the ground better,but god made them to short, so if they are to have any options at all in what bike they can ride, they addapt. If you (sansgogs) have addapted, than maybe you can handle a Strom. Only you can answer that. Try and find a used one that you can test ride.
I have a friend that is your height, and his dirt bike has a 34 inch seat height, and he rides the snot out of that thing. It all depends on what your willing to put up with.
All that being said, like STP said, you would be better off on an SV 650. Put some dual sport tires on it, and it will even work OK on dirt roads, sure you will be giving up some suspension travel to the longer legged V Strom, but if you have to lower the Strom to make it work for you, than you have already lost that any ways.

[stp1971]

+10!!!!

Still like the travel though. Not as many butt puckering, Susan Somers bun squeezing exercises this ear on the Gatlinburg trip.