Couple of quickies

[Tryvelcro]

I've been riding on & off for a couple of years.  I'm taking the course next month to get a license, since I've been on a permit for the last 2 seasons (yes, I know, I did that backwards).

I have a '91 Nighthawk that I nearly stole (12k-ish miles when I paid $1,300 for it, got it from a guy whose pregnant wife went ballistic after a slow speed dump).  I love it.  BUT... it's just a wee bit too high (I'm a gigantic 5'7").  I can't flatfoot it.  I know I can have the seat shaved, but my bum doesn't want me to give up too much comfort.  I've been kind of curious if I can get it any lower with a suspension change?  I think that means rear shocks plus fork coils, right?  Also, someone had mentioned that I might try a lower profile tire, but will that change the feel of the ride much?

Thanks for any info, I'd like to get any changes done to it before the weather gets good here in Cali.

Also, any ideas where I can find a center stand and a tach surround?  :)

[happycommuter]

 
Once you have confidence and skill, you don't need to flatfoot it.  I'm 5'5" and I certainly can't.  Really skilled people can get around fine without being able to sit with both feet touching the ground.

Low speed maneuvering (takes practice - MSF helps) and not choosing perilous parking spots are the two biggies.  The bike should move itself forward, and you only need little kicks to back up on level ground.  Furthermore, you can dismount and walk the bike for parking.

Lowering links and serious suspension modifications alter the steering geometry for the worse.  Use them as a last resort only.

Anyhow, great FAQ on technique here.

[Bumblebee]

You only have to touch the ground while stopped, once you're moving, reach to the ground is not important. You do not need to flat foot anything. All you need is to be able to touch the ground just a little and keep the motorcycle stable. It's all about balance and control, not how much of your feet contact the surface. Less than 1/2lb of force is required to keep a bike upright if you're balanced.

I'm 5'7" and just my toes are on the ground. Good enough, haven't dumped it yet. A few years ago I ran across a lady that was 5'4" that had absolutely no trouble riding a R1200GSA (which if you don't know is NOT a low seat bike in the least) and I'm sure she couldn't flat foot that thing even with a step stool on both sides - she was tippy toes on one side only.

[Brittles]

Buddy of mine that rides a NH 550 put on some 1" shorter than stock Progressive shocks and raised his forks up into the trees an inch.

John

[detdrbuzzard]

if you lower the bike too much  the center stand will be too long to work properly

[Tryvelcro]

You only have to touch the ground while stopped, once you're moving, reach to the ground is not important. You do not need to flat foot anything. All you need is to be able to touch the ground just a little and keep the motorcycle stable. It's all about balance and control, not how much of your feet contact the surface. Less than 1/2lb of force is required to keep a bike upright if you're balanced.

I'm 5'7" and just my toes are on the ground. Good enough, haven't dumped it yet. A few years ago I ran across a lady that was 5'4" that had absolutely no trouble riding a R1200GSA (which if you don't know is NOT a low seat bike in the least) and I'm sure she couldn't flat foot that thing even with a step stool on both sides - she was tippy toes on one side only.

I'm pretty comfortable on the Hawk.  I did an 1100 mile weekend last year without incident (other than a little knee soreness towards the end of the last day).  I can get my left foot down, but I can't plant both firmly.  I do as someone else said, I occasionally have to get off to muscle the bike backwards.

It's got the original suspension on it, and I doubt the fork oil has ever been changed.  Since I've got to get the fork oil changed, and the suspension could probably stand to be replaced, the thought had crossed my mind that maybe I could get it a bit lower while I was at it.

My BF just brought his '08 BMW K1200S home yesterday.  We have very different riding styles (he likes the twisties, so far I'm more of a cruiser), but I'm looking forward to getting out again this year.

Thanks for the welcome.  I'm sure I'll be around here more now that I've found this forum, and once the bike is out of it's winter slumber I'll post up some pics.

[Brittles]

if you lower the bike too much  the center stand will be too long to work properly

Yeah, forgot that. His kickstand is a little long as well. He has to be careful where he parks it.

John

[Brittles]

Also, any ideas where I can find a center stand and a tach surround?  :)

ebay is a good place to find used parts.

You could do some research on what year stuff fits other years and not be stuck looking for parts from one particular year.

John