Lower Honda Nighthawk?

I just purchased a Honda NightHawk 450 1986. There is a problem with the fuel line but I am taking bike to a Honda mechanic. My question is this: Can this bike be lowered at all. I can stand on my tip toes but mechanic said you can ride with putting one foot down and one on rest on side. Is this safe? My husband is saying if I can't put both feet down it won't be worth fixing. Any thoughts? The bike was only $300 with 25,374 k miles. Seems in fair shape for a first bike once fixed. Found it on a good will lot with a Goldwing. Older couple brought in there. Husband was riding the Goldwing and wife drove Honda in a truck. They left small white piece that is used in fuel line.