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View Full Version : New here / Tall people on SVs?


bear308
Wed 2/1/06, 11:44PM
Hey everyone, I'm new here and have been doing a lot of looking around for info on the SVs. I'm looking to buy my first street bike in the next three months or so, and I've really started leaning towards the SV hopefully an S. The one thing I'd like to know is how many tall guys are out there riding SVs. I'm 6'4" and wonder if that's just too damn big for one these bikes.

Out of all of the "Street" bikes I've sat on the one that seemed to fit me the best was my manager's RC51 but there is no way I'm going to pick up something that quick until my skills are up to par (no I don't golf, I saw the wallpaper:D).

P.S.: You guys and gals are one funny lot.:D

Ordnance
Thu 2/2/06, 12:35AM
hey I am 6'5" and I have an 02 svs. the only thing I can think of that you might want to do if you get the svs or sv, is put in a set of new springs and emutators in the forks that can handle your weight, plus also put in a new shock. I put in a GSXR750 shock into mine. If you need anyhelp doing this talk to robert aka raceteach.

seftonbass
Thu 2/2/06, 5:43AM
i'm 6' 3" and i ride an '03 sv1000s. it seems taller than other bikes and i have said in the past, "it is good for tall riders". if you are a big dude you might want to go with a 1000. the only thing that i would improve is moving the footpegs back a little. it's not a big deal and i heard there is a mod for that. good luck!

grayx
Thu 2/2/06, 6:20AM
I'm 6'3" also and it's not to big of a deal. Make sure to keep your wieght off your wrists though. You'll know when your not from the sharp pain in you palms and wrists, but once you learn how to sit correctly it isn't bad. Although I'm still a noob and finishing the MSF today so what do I know. Good luck, I'm pretty sure you love the bike.

centerline
Thu 2/2/06, 7:45AM
I am 6'-1", 200 lb. Bike fits perfect (2003 SV650S).

SVNerd
Thu 2/2/06, 8:29AM
Funny - I was gonna suggest asking seftonbass (you're all over it 'bro).

The best way to determine if a SV650 suits you, is to try one out !

I think it depends on factors like how long-legged you are. There all kinds of things you can do at the handlebars WRT reach, etc. You're more limited on what you can do at the rearsets. Some aftermarket "adjustable" solutions, but none that will give a significant improvement if you're long legged. You could always put SV650 'sets on the SV650S, which will give a little more leg room.

Seat modifications (to a dregree) can be implemented also.

I'm a little over 6', not long-legged, and ride a standard - at times I find it cramped. Not bad, just not super-comfortable.

While very different bikes, the SV1000S isn't that much less powerful than RC51 - NOT a starter bike.

I know there are some taller riders amongst us, but most of the tall ones I know, seem to have SV1000s...

agirls
Thu 2/2/06, 9:01AM
Couldn't you also upgrade the suspension so the bike stands taller? I had the link on my bike that connects the shock to the frame changed out to an adjustable one. 2" shorter, stock, and 2" taller. I am sure you could raise the front too with different forks. Of course, this will only improve how you look on the bike when you are stopped. The bike won't look so tiny then. You will still be cramped while riding. And I am sure some of the experts out there will jump in saying how changing the height is going to make the bike handle worse, blah blah blah. If you are a beginner, then you are not anywhere near pushing the bike to it's limit. I get tired of everyone telling me I need to raise my bike back to stock. When I take it to the track, I'll change it back. On the street, I want my feet on the ground.

SVNerd
Thu 2/2/06, 11:25AM
As far as comfort is concerned, I can't see how high the bike stands would make any difference when you're riding it ... which I assume, is most of the time.

When I changed my rear shock/spring out it lifted the rear appreciably, and I dropped the front (raised the tubes in the triples) about 7 mm - amongst other front-end mods.

It handles WAY better, if not a bit "twitchier" (responsive). Now I think I could use a steering damper ... but that's another matter.

agirls
Thu 2/2/06, 11:31AM
Originally posted by SVNerd
As far as comfort is concerned, I can't see how high the bike stands would make any difference when you're riding it ... which I assume, is most of the time.

Hence my saying...

Originally posted by agirls
Of course, this will only improve how you look on the bike when you are stopped. The bike won't look so tiny then. You will still be cramped while riding.

SVSRyder
Thu 2/2/06, 11:44AM
my brother is 6'6" (my little brother, but im only 5'10", bastard!) and doesnt have a problem really, on my 02 SVS.

bear308
Thu 2/2/06, 12:05PM
thanks for the info, I have a friend with a SV1000 (Thudd). How diferent are the two on ergos?

Kyoseki
Thu 2/2/06, 12:11PM
I'm 6'2" I have an 05 SV 1k S, the only thing you need to worry about is that the footpegs on the 03 are higher than on the 04+

The 03's subframe is also higher, so I'm not sure that the seat to footpeg distance is any different.

These changes only apply to the S model btw, from 04 onwards both the naked and faired versions use the same subframe and rearsets.

I find the bike perfectly comfortable although as stated you need to watch the amount of weight you put through your wrists.

In a tuck though my elbows do hit my knees, but it's not really a problem in the majority of road riding.

If you're over 220 lbs you'll probably need to stiffen up the suspension, I'm 250+ gear and running a 600 lb/in shock in the rear instead of the stock 425 lb/in, I'm also using 1.05 kg/mm straight rate springs up front instead of the stock progressives (which are dreadfully soggy).

diulei
Thu 2/2/06, 2:01PM
Originally posted by SVSRyder
my brother is 6'6" (my little brother, but im only 5'10", bastard!)

Yea...I dunno if I'd wanna be 6'6". Though I wouldn't mind being a little taller :D

Thudds
Thu 2/2/06, 7:49PM
HAY don't admit to Knowing me!!!! Now your doomed! Don't blame me when everyone stops talking to you! And it's an S by the way, the bike and the name! I'm 5'6" and I fit fine so you just need to shrink. I know they can do surgery to make you taller. I'll bring a hack saw on Friday and we can solve the problem. Make the rider fit the bike.
The 1K is a very smooth bike but not as forgiving as the 650. Hell I've already crashed twice since I got it. But I'm a moron so take that in to account. You may be able to handle a 1k and you would not be the first person to start out on a big bike. I say this because we have talked and you are very mature, but your a guy and at some point the testosterone will that hold and who knows what will happen. Bigger bike = bigger trouble! Plus if you buy a cheap 650 and crash it so what that's what a first bike is for. If you ride you crash. May not be your fault but at some point you will come to know the pavement. I like to push a little every now and then. That is when shit will happen but I'm a big boy and will do the time for the crime. You have already made a great choice by taking the time to do the research before buying a bike. I already know you plan on buying gear and taking the MSF so you will do fine on what ever you get.
Remember Friday hack saw, I'm so there!

NukleoN
Thu 2/2/06, 8:05PM
Ah well let me tell you all about my experiences with this...oh wait...I'm lost! GAAAAHHHHHH...wrong thread...I have no business here..move along...move along...:sad:

bear308
Thu 2/2/06, 10:45PM
I was doomed long before I admitted knowing you, hell I was doomed before I knew you.8-}

hey check out the other Cali based forum we look at, might be some really god news tonight/tommarow.

Yeah I think I'll stop working with Jim before I buy a liter bike@-)

racinteach
Thu 2/2/06, 10:55PM
long legged here...had to have the seat filled some more for some lift...legs were feeling cramped...other wise nice to be able to stand up and not hit the seat

HoolieB
Fri 2/3/06, 9:22AM
Originally posted by NukleoN
Ah well let me tell you all about my experiences with this...oh wait...I'm lost! GAAAAHHHHHH...wrong thread...I have no business here..move along...move along...:sad:

:lol:

:hug:

J.Moto
Fri 2/3/06, 9:33AM
I think it could be cool to completely and comfortably flat-foot the ground while seated on the bike. I can get both feet flat, but just barely, and it's nothing close to comfortable...