Is there a 5ft tall F650GS rider out there?

[JoanM]

I am considering purchasing a used 2003 F650 CS that is located in another state. It is not currently lowered. I am 5ft tall, hem my slacks to 27" and know the bike will need adjustments. I've done a lot of web search on this subject, and although many are happy with their lowered GS's, I haven't seen any posts from someone matching my height. Is there a very short rider like me out there who has found the lowering options low enough for successful riding?

If you're out there, please let me know, and many thanks for your help!

(Currently I'm riding my first bike, a Honda Rebel 250, and ready to move up to more bike. I want to be able to ride the gravel roads I encounter around the county in my real estate work.)

Thanks, again, I hope to hear from you.

[Ted Shred]

I think you would be fine on a low version of the GS. There is not a factory lowered version of the CS nor have I ever seen an after market option to lower that bike.

[JoanM]

Thanks, Ted, for a quick reply. Do you know any short riders you can refer me to? I'd like to talk to them about what they did to the bike, if they had to shift weight to one side at stops, or if they managed to flat foot the bike. I'm going to have to make this puchasing decision wthout sitting on the bike, so I'm being cautious.

If there is no way to lower the CS... I'll wait for a GS to come along.

Thanks so much, Joan

[Ted Shred]

Thanks, Ted, for a quick reply. Do you know any short riders you can refer me to? I'd like to talk to them about what they did to the bike, if they had to shift weight to one side at stops, or if they managed to flat foot the bike. I'm going to have to make this puchasing decision wthout sitting on the bike, so I'm being cautious.

If there is no way to lower the CS... I'll wait for a GS to come along.

Thanks so much, Joan

I doubt you'll flat foot the bike, but that really isn't as important as people want to make it. I can't flat foot my 12GS with the tall seat and shocks I have on it.

You'll quickly learn to slightly shift your weight get one foot down. Good luck and ride safe:)

[MotoGirl]

Joan,
I'm 5ft with a 26" inseam. I test road the 650 3 times with no problem. The bike I test road had the low seat and lower frame. I was on balls of my feet.
With your extra inch you will be very close to flat footen it. Talk to Randy Prade, his wife has one and Michele is just a little taller than you.

[JoanM]

Gail: Thanks for your comments and encouragement. Last night I found a faq.650 site that had reports of 5ft tall riders who were very successful.

[niobium]

Sorry about posting so late...my wife is 5'2" with a 28" inseam. She is riding a 2007 F650GS low seat, lowered with the one-inch Koubalinks installed and the forks slid up one inch in the triple clamps.

She is firmly on the balls of her feet, and nearly flatfooted. The Koubalinks can be ordered in a lower set that can lower the bike 1.5 inches, but the website says that you have to be careful with the load with the 1.5 inch Koubalinks due to wheel clearance on big bumps. I have ridden the 650 with the one-inch links setup and the handling seems unaffected.

[JoanM]

Thanks so much for the post. Your description is very encouraging that this bike will work for me. I finally saw a lowered 650 up close. It was parked in front of Denny's and I pulled in to meet the owner. She and here husband were on a trip from Texas to Maine and stopped in VA for lunch. I could see that the height of the bike would work for me and now I'm searching to purchase one. Just missed a used one in MD but there will be others. Take care and happy riding.

[pkpr1998]

I am considering purchasing a used 2003 F650 CS that is located in another state. It is not currently lowered. I am 5ft tall, hem my slacks to 27" and know the bike will need adjustments. I've done a lot of web search on this subject, and although many are happy with their lowered GS's, I haven't seen any posts from someone matching my height. Is there a very short rider like me out there who has found the lowering options low enough for successful riding?

If you're out there, please let me know, and many thanks for your help!

(Currently I'm riding my first bike, a Honda Rebel 250, and ready to move up to more bike. I want to be able to ride the gravel roads I encounter around the county in my real estate work.)

Thanks, again, I hope to hear from you.

tmg's wife is no more than 5' and she rides an 1200GS that has been lowered.

[MOSLEYDS]

Check Out The Chaingang.com Anna On There Is Under 5'. All You Ever Wanted To Know About The F650gs Is There. http://f650.com/phpbb3/index.php

[JoanM]

Happy to report that this week I purchased a 2005 F650GS, factory lowered and stock seat, and have ridden over 200 miles already. I am quickly getting used to the height and expect this bike to be a real pleasure. The balls of my feet reach the ground, but I can not put both heels all the way down. As other riders have reported, this isn't a problem with the actual physical riding requirements. It's all a matter of confidence. Today, I put in an hour of practise riding on twisties and then came home and gave the bike a good washing. Thanks, every one for your comments and encouragement.