Short legs, bike upgrade

[Garandman]

I don't mind the wind riding for hours on the highway as long as I'm not going over 80, so I wouldn't shy away from naked SV's or the like just because they're more exposed.

I mind the boredom sometimes, but you can't help that no matter what bike you're on.

I rode all over NNE with this guy. He put a windshield and bags on an SV and rode it for 2-3 hours at a whack. Some of them are even removable with clips.

The DL650 handguards fit the SV650 as well so all-season commuters often add those and heated grips. It's really a remarkably versatile bike.

[kbroderick]

The F650GS Low (single model, before the F650GS became an 800cc twin) or a G650GS low (same thing, now under a different name) should fit the bill. My girlfriend has a 2002 F650GS low that does great on dirt roads and I think would have enough power for the highway (top speed is definitely well in excess of anything legal, might just need to use the top of the RPM range to get there), and the hard luggage options make it a pretty good commuting or traveling bike. The "low" model has a slight reduction in seat foam but also has a significantly lowered suspension (and possibly frame adjustments, I've seen different discussions on that); the lack of ground clearance is a significant issue if you start getting into less road-like roads, but it does have a good skid plate.

With that said, I've seen folks in that size range handle bigger bikes by applying better technique (particularly to include the ability to get on the bike from the side while taking off from a stop and always committing to one side or the other when coming to a stop). I don't know that I'd want to be that committed on a daily riding basis—with a 29" inseam and an R1150GS that's at or above GS-Adventure height, I have to keep an eye out for off-camber stops and need to find a rut to ride into if I want to load or unload a passenger, and those concerns go away if I borrow my girlfriend's bike.

[ZX-12R]

How is the little man doing these days? I haven't heard from him in a while. Around the April/May time frame, my company is moving from Newburyport to Ayer so I'll be bombing around closer to your area more often.

[TheIglu]

How is the little man doing these days? I haven't heard from him in a while. Around the April/May time frame, my company is moving from Newburyport to Ayer so I'll be bombing around closer to your area more often.

Compact-J is doing alright. Got rid of the Rubicon for a tricked out Mini-S. Thing is a blast to rip around.

Working for Kurig now, spends half his time in VT at the production facilities, other half in Reading.

[ThisBitch]

Wait... a guy that's 5'2 got a Mini? That's funny. Much better than when I see them in jacked-up Dodge Rams that they have to have 2 side steps to get into.

[Puppet]

I just skimmed through and saw the single mentioned, but I'd suggest the BMW F650GS TWIN with the low seat height.

I've heard great reviews for the bike and the twin will give him a little "more" for long range travel so he doesn't have to wind the single out. You know, you have a KLR!

[fjrrider RI]

I still have the lowerd ninja 650r that a 4'11" can ride. Lowered seat and frame lowered.