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New Guy--Short Guy Help

D

Drummer

Just got it firing!
Joined
Feb 28, 2015
Messages
5
Location
North, GA
Hello,
This is my first post, so hello to all.

I've been riding for about sixteen years; Honda and Suzuki naked twins.
However, I have really gotten impressed with the V-7 and just returned from my Guzzi store in Dahlonega, GA USA.

My issue is being vertically challenged...downright short. I'm 5'5" but with a 28" inseam. In the past I have had to lower all my bikes in some way, shocks, seat, forks, etc. Even then, the best I could ever do was being on the balls of my feet...at most. The V7 has me on the very tips of my toes. OK to ride, not OK in parking lot situations, side of the road, etc.

The V7 is fairly light but at a 31.7 height not really short. I've been told that even the optional lowering kit will only give me a half inch at most. The seat doesn't look like a likely place to take a lot of padding out of and besides...the frame and body of the bike are not particularly narrow either, which forces my legs out instead of straight down.

So, has anyone had good success in dropping the bike at LEAST an inch without messing up the handling? An inch would get me on the balls of my feet, so even a bit more would be welcome.
 
Welcome in advance to the Guzzi fold. A handful of shorter riders have resorted to re-shaped seats, shorter shocks and lowering the front forks in the triple trees (and/or mechanically lowering the forks and internals) -- I can be of help on all. This combo will not only drop you an inch or more, but will also give you a MUCH better ride over stock. Post again or feel free to reach me direct email for more help. Todd at GuzziTech.com
 
You tall people complaining kill me. :) I am 1" shorter, same inseam. You will probably want to upgrade the suspension after you buy it anyway so converse with Todd, and he'll direct you on a suspension manufacturer of choice and see if they have lowered them before. Todd knows the Guzzi's so you should get a good initial setup from him. I also think the V7 is a mite bit tall and I'll be watching to see how this plays out. When I finally decide to sell my Honda PC800 (Works shocks, stock height) I may replace it with a V7. Looking at the forks I believe you can slide them up in the trees an inch and I am sure you can buy shorter shocks. THe question would be if anything is going to drag on turns and how much clearance Todd's deeper sump will have on it. I have full intention one of those goes on first oil change.

I currently ride an 2014 California 1400 Tour with standard height that I think was purchased in the same shop in GA originally by a gent in Kentucky. I purchased upgraded suspension that I have yet to ride on (Ohio winter). I was offered to lower it but the floorboards already drag on occasion so I passed. I also have a Suzuki 650 V-Strom that I have lowered about 3/4" with no problems. I owned a lowered BMW R1200GS (they don't get much taller) and I disliked it but the lowering was not the problem other than maybe not low enough. The whole bike is designed for tall people.
 
Thanks all for your help and suggestions. Todd, I'll be checking in with you.

I'm not really a cruiser guy,standards and naked sport bikes are more my style. The V7 has gotten my attention.
 
Hey Todd, anybody verified actual stock suspension travel.
Breva 750 had 75mm advertised rear wheel travel. V7R has same basic frame and geometry layout but they advertise 118mm travel.

I only ask because my Bellagio was supposed to have had 120mm rear travel, but when I finally managed to pull it all apart and accurately measure it, I was only getting 92mm, and that was after the bump stop rubber had collapsed.

Gee, if the V7R only had 75mm, and you reduced it for "shorty", can't imagine a smooth ride.
Looking to learn more .........................

Ps, got a short arsed mate and me bro-in-law.
 
Drummer, you've gotten some good feedback, my 2 cents is that you might want to consider holding off for a V7II, that new model will cut another 1/2 inch off seat height. I agree that you will most likely be doing suspension mods because if you're short your most likely under 175lbs, and even heavier riders have issues with the stock suspension. For the record, I'm 5 4" 30" inseam and 135lbs. I'm in the midst of suspension mods to address ride and handling not so much ride height.
 
ghezzi said:
Hey Todd, anybody verified actual stock suspension travel.
Click to expand...
I have not... But I can say with any of the stock shocks fitted, travel while seated as a heavier rider is minimal. If I can make some time, I will measure as I have both the Ollé & BiTubos on the shelf.
 
Thanks all for your suggestions and expertise. At 134 lbs I don't compress stock suspensions all that much, so if I change out shocks to reduce height, I'll also look at spring rates. However, buying a new bike and then dropping another grand on seat and shock mods is a bit of challenge to my checkbook. I'm heading down to Bike Week tomorrow and plan to demo a V7....but leaving my credit card back at the motel. :)
 
Drummer said:
At 134 lbs I don't compress stock suspensions all that much, so if I change out shocks to reduce height, I'll also look at spring rates. However, buying a new bike and then dropping another grand on seat and shock mods is a bit of challenge to my checkbook.
Click to expand...
Understood. Take the time to measure what the sag #'s are and post them here.
 
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