Seat Height

[greenstreak]

I have a 2003 KX500 and I can't touch the ground with both feet.  I am 5'9" and this is the first bike I have ridden that I am too short for.  I have 2 seats so I could practice on one.  Does anyone have a good solution for this vertically challenged problem?  I am considering cutting the seat down or putting lowering links on the bike. 

[Friar-Tuck]

 Hey Green,
 There are different heights of seat foam available, or you could pull the staples and maybe cut a stepped seat.
The best way to cut the foam is with a "Hot Knife"  The ones I remember seeing were like a heated wire that makes a clean smooth cut in the foam.   You can use a razor or saw but they do leave the surface rough.

This link should open up a window at service honda,  if you scroll down there are the part #'s for the oem seats
http://www.servicehonda.com/look-up-parts/03

here is what the step looks like: http://www.gutsracing.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=1491

Or here is a new low seat : http://www.ceetracing.com/FK005.htm

 Ceet Racing :     http://www.ceetracing.com/KawasakiBikes.htm#KawasakiSeatFoam

  Tuck \o/

[greenstreak]

Thanks for the info.  It's funny I have riding dirt bikes for 40 years and never had one I could not touch both feet on the ground until now!  I have 2 seats, so I think I will try the hot wire first.  Thanks again for the help.

[ktmdude]

I'm a 5'-7" midget (32" endseem on a good day) and ride a ktm 300 with a 38.5" seat height. I can only touch the ground if I am off to one side, and of coarse it is only with one foot. You get use to it. My girlfriend (rides a full size bored out 250f, fast) says that you have more horse power than foot power. She can't touch ether. On my first bike I removed the seat cover and used a bread knife to cut out about an inch and a half than recovered it. Like Tuck said it was a bit lumpy but it helped my confidence being closer to the ground. I still could only touch with one foot. I have sense added fome to put it back to stock. Like I said it was my first bike and with all your experience I would try to get used to it. If you really don't like it, get or make a lowered seat, I would not mess with suspension height. I like to have the most travel I can get. Good luck.

[cutting torch]

I am a runt at 5'4". All I need to say to the "short" guys is that you need to master the side-saddle manuever for planting a foot.

It does not always work, but when it doesn't, not too many people will give you grief if you can right your bike and keep riding.

torch

[ktmdude]

A men!

[dirtjunkie85]

you can also oval out the lower sub-frame bolt holes and bring it down a few millimeters

[greenstreak]

I cut the seat down a bunch and it is easier to touch the ground.  I also bought a 1987 KX500 that is lower to the ground.  I still like the 2003 better, the old bike's suspension sucks.

[Hillclimb#42]

You can raise the front tubes in the clamps. Bar risers would give you more room to go up which would lower the front. Down side is that you are shortening the wheel base. They have lowering links, but I think someone, on here, pointed out that you can make them easy enough. A good suspension tech can lower your ride height in the shock and keep most of your travel and revalving would compensate, so you wouldn't bottom out, if thats the concern. You can check your sag measurements too. Its possible that your spring pre load is too stiff, which would wind up helping you touch. If that doesn't work, maybe KTM Dude's gf can give us some pointers... just kidding, couldn't resist.
  I am lucky enough to have a 36" inseam, so I can reach anywhere on flat ground, but I still manage to find places that I can't dab. Its like the origin of Trials, when you try to ride without any dabs. Crashin is part of the fun... 

[ktmdude]

I'm sure she would have plenty to say. You mite need ear plugs. Lol