Safe to lower?

Safe to lower?

by Sara
(PA)

I'm just starting to ride. I'm taking the riders course soon, and bought a used Ninja 250. The problem is I'm only 5' tall and was told I need to lower the bike 4" in order to sit flat footed. Friends of mine say this isn't safe to lower it so much because of the way it will change the factory configuration of the bike...things will start hitting the road on turns, etc. Now I'm wondering if I made a mistake buying this bike.

Comments for
Safe to lower?

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Nov 21, 2011

DONT DO IT!!!
by: Anonymous

I have a cbr 1000rr and Im 5Ft 4inch ,,,I just lowered it two Inch and now I feel like if it going to go under me or something ,,I dont like the feeling at all. Someone told me that i would get use to it but , I not feeling it. SO what Im going to do is add an inch and see if it feel's better..

Apr 22, 2010

Lowering a Ninja
by: Anonymous

Good Advice fron Anita

I had a Ninja 250. I had the seat cut down a little. Also a good pair of boots with a good non-slip sole helps. This bike is lite enough it should not give you any trouble to stand on one foot at stops, if you need to. Everything becomes easier with practice and you will become accustom to the weight.

Go ahead, it's a fun little bike, great to start out one and get the feel of riding.

Apr 20, 2010

Go Ahead
by: Anita

I don't know if I would lower it 4", but you can probably get away with 2" by changing the dog bone link. I ride a lowered BMW F650GS, am 5'3", and cannot sit with both feet flat on the ground; however, I am solidly (and steady) on the balls of my feet and can flat foot one foot when at stops. The Ninja is a pretty light weight bike which will allow you to get away with not needing to flat foot (definitely not recommended on a Harley). But it is important that you can flat foot with at least one foot without tipping the bike much at stops. Check around the forums for more info and don't be discouraged. This is going to sound strange, but you can also try getting a pair of boots 1/2 to 1 size larger and inserting a thick insole with a heel support - this will give you about 1/2" to 1" of additional height.

Good luck!

Apr 17, 2010

YEP!!!
by: veronica

My gal pal has a Ninja 250 and at 4'10'', she had no choice but to lower her bike; however, she is still on her tippee toes when she mounts the bike. The mechanic said that they could not lower her bike anymore so she is thinking of trading it. She never complained about the handling of the bike though...so go ahead! As long as you can flat foot when you are at a stop, I say safe riding!

Veronica

Apr 14, 2010

Get Yourself a Harley!
by: Sassy2731

I'm only 5'2" and my husband lowered my Harley's to where I can ride with no problem. My fatboy was the easiest to lower which is an excellent bike for women. It is the same as a deluxe or heritage, so any of these 3 are great bikes for women. I now ride a roadking classic with leather bags and the hubby has finally figured out how to lower it for me. You definitely need to be able to be flat footed on your bike to be able to stop and handle the bike once stopped. I still have a bit of a time with the roadking but I only ride it when my hubby is along for the ride to help me out when I get in a bind. My fatboy I could handle it anywhere by myself.

Apr 14, 2010

Safe to Lower
by: Anonymous

YES!!!!!!

It will change the handling of the bike so much it will feel strange in turns and slow riding.

Sorry but this is fact I tried it.

X import owner!!

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