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I'm tip-toeing on my bike!

15413 Views 20 Replies 13 Participants Last post by trenttheuncatchable, Sep 28, 2007

62959

Discussion Starter · Sep 26, 2007

Alrighty, here goes...

I just started riding. I took the MSF course, got my license, and I have a bike. It's a Buell xb12r. And I'm a 5'4" 115 lb female. The problem I'm having is that I'm tip-toeing on the bike. Otherwise, the bike fits me fine (I can reach the handle bars comfortably, I can turn easily...ect). When I sit on the bike the heel of my foot doesn't touch. To a somewhat experienced rider, I guess you could get by with that. I could probably get by, but it makes me a little nervous (mainly when I come to a stop). I've already dropped it once, and my hubby is gonna have a cow if I drop it again. Thankfully I was already completly stopped at a stop sign; boy was that embarrassing. Ended up with only a broken footpeg and a scratch on the turn signal.

We've talked with the guys up at the Harley dealership about getting the bike lowered. Problem is that they've never lowered a Buell and they aren't sure it can even be done. I've talked with some guys here at work, and they say it can be done but it will screw with how the bike handles. We have a friend who has a friend who works as a tech for Buell and he said if I give him my height and pant inseam he will try and build me a custom suspension. The only other thing I can think of is to wear some really thick-soled boots, but that's going to screw with the shifter. And the only thick-soled ones I can find are thoes gothic-looking ones at Hot Topic.

So I guess what I'm asking is for anyone's advice on what I should do. Or if they've had this problem, and what they did about it. Or if they've ever lowered a Buell before, and how it turned out.

Thanks!

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1 - 20 of 21 Posts

BrowningBAR

· #2 · Sep 26, 2007

Probably why a 95hp, 10 grand bike isn't a good choice for a first bike. If you had more confidence in riding "tip-toeing" wouldn't be an issue. You chose poorly for a first bike and you should have sat on more bikes and ridden more before purchasing this bike. You should also prepare yourself now for the heartache after dropping the bike and denting/cracking the tank and quarter fairing.

I don't know who told you this was a good first bike choice, but they really pointed you in the wrong direction.

If you have any extra cash, by a small bike that fits you better. Learn on that and than transition to the Buell. Buy a used bike on craigslist for 1500 and go from there.

Buzglyd

· #3 · Sep 26, 2007

Find another dealer that knows what they're doing Buell sells an XB12cg which is a lowered version of the standard XB12.

I'm sure those parts are available. In the meantime you can bring it over to my house and I'll ride it around for you. ;-)

ejis

· #4 · Sep 26, 2007

If you have the money for a custom suspension to lower the XB, you can afford to park it for a while and buy a much better learner bike. Better to get one of those, learn to ride on it, not worry so much about dropping it, and then get the XB back out when you're ready. When you're finished with the learner bike, sell it for what you bought it for.

Or you can just take a bunch of air out of the tires to lower the whole thing. Make sure you do both front and rear though, otherwise it'll handle funny.

trenttheuncatchable

· #5 · Sep 26, 2007

You want to be able to have both feet flat on the ground, whether you're experienced or not. Don't worry about the bike's handling changing because you've lowered the bike, get it lowered. Just make sure that it's lowered the same for both front and rear. You might have to get the kickstand shortened also. I'm not going to ask how much your friend is going to charge you for that custom suspension; you'll have to decide whether he's taking you to the cleaners or not.

The previous suggestions for learning on a different bike before riding the 1200cc Buell are good ones. Get a Kawasaki Ninja 250. The new 2008 model is what I'd like to suggest, because it's way cool. But, of course, you really should get a used bike, so an older model is what makes sense.

Buzglyd

· #6 · Sep 26, 2007

trenttheuncatchable said:
You want to be able to have both feet flat on the ground, whether you're experienced or not. Don't worry about the bike's handling changing because you've lowered the bike, get it lowered. Just make sure that it's lowered the same for both front and rear. You might have to get the kickstand shortened also. I'm not going to ask how much your friend is going to charge you for that custom suspension; you'll have to decide whether he's taking you to the cleaners or not.

The previous suggestions for learning on a different bike before riding the 1200cc Buell are good ones. Get a Kawasaki Ninja 250. The new 2008 model is what I'd like to suggest, because it's way cool. But, of course, you really should get a used bike, so an older model is what makes sense.

There is no need to have both feet flat on the ground. My GT1000 is pretty high (I'm 5-10) and my feet aren't flat on the ground and I'm fine. The Hypermotard is even higher and I had no concerns while riding it in city traffic.

For a beginner I'd say yes. If you're experienced, it would be impossible on a lot of bikes unless you're 6-4.

seruzawa

· #7 · Sep 26, 2007 (Edited)

+1 on lowering it and not worrying about the handling. Only a pro rider on a track might tell the difference.

BTW. You have been given a valuable clue. Many dealers and mechanics don't have the slightest idea what they are talking about and just make stuff up as they go along.

Buzglyd

· #8 · Sep 27, 2007

seruzawa said:
+1 on lowering it and not worrying about the handling. Only a pro rider on a track might tell the difference.

BTW. You have been given a valuable clue. Many dealers and mechanics don't have the slightest idea what they are talking about and just make stuff up as they go along.

That's why my wrench friend calls them "parts changers."

Dr_Sprocket

· #9 · Sep 27, 2007

I second the XB12Scg. Is that the model you have... or the standard model? The dealership should have pointed you in the direction of the Scg. It has a lowered suspension (which means it can be done) and a lowered seat. Perhaps a speed shop or suspension shop might be able to help a little more.

longride

· #10 · Sep 27, 2007

I think you should go with the platform Goth lookin' shoes. It will work and I bet they look smokin'.

pplassm

· #11 · Sep 27, 2007

Huh? Where did this come from? I can't touch both feet on the ground on any of my dirt bikes, and I've been riding for a lonnnnnnng time.

trenttheuncatchable said:
You want to be able to have both feet flat on the ground, whether you're experienced or not.

Kenneth_Moore

· #12 · Sep 27, 2007

This Internet Thing Could Be Big Someday

I Googled Buell Suspension Lowering and got a bunch of relevant hits ranging from HD OEM products to third party solutions.

Somebody else pointed out in a similar thread that getting a custom seat can effectively "lower" the bike quickly and easily.

Gooooooooooooo MAYANS!

pplassm

· #13 · Sep 27, 2007

A competent suspension shop can reduce the travel at both ends. It won't be cheap, though.

Funny, I actually had to get a taller seat for my XB9S.

sarnali2

· #14 · Sep 27, 2007

longride said:
I think you should go with the platform Goth lookin' shoes. It will work and I bet they look smokin'.

Oh yeah, get the boots. Goth chics are hot

Kenneth_Moore

· #15 · Sep 27, 2007

This thread keeps bringing this to mind:

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57335

· #16 · Sep 27, 2007

How do you buy a bike (dropping some serious cash I might add) before making sure it fits you. Styling and performance aside, you really need to make sure a bike fits you and and an XB12r is probably way more moto than you need to start on.

Get a Kawi Ninja 250r or 650r, etc.

Kenneth_Moore

· #17 · Sep 27, 2007

Gritboy said:
How do you buy a bike (dropping some serious cash I might add) before making sure it fits you.

Step 1: Proceed to nearby HD dealer.
Step 2: Allow yourself to be accosted by greed-crazed saleshole who gets a big commission bonus for moving stale product.
Step 3: Sit on the bike while the saleshole holds the front wheel and handlebars for you, while filling your head with images of two-wheel glory.
Step 4: Proceed to Finance Mangler's office to consumate the disaster.
Step 5: Log on to handy m/c website for tips and ridicule.

mscuddy

· #18 · Sep 27, 2007

I second that!

longride said:
I think you should go with the platform Goth lookin' shoes. It will work and I bet they look smokin'.

Get some platforms like Ace Freely wore in KISS. You'll be able to stand up with acres 'tween your butt, and the seat. Also, you can nail metal taps on 'em, so you can shoot sparks when you put your feet down.

BrowningBAR

· #19 · Sep 27, 2007

"you can nail metal taps on 'em, so you can shoot sparks when you put your feet down."
--Hmm, I might do that just for sh!ts and giggles.

57335

· #20 · Sep 28, 2007

Kenneth_Moore said:
Step 1: Proceed to nearby HD dealer.
Step 2: Allow yourself to be accosted by greed-crazed saleshole who gets a big commission bonus for moving stale product.
Step 3: Sit on the bike while the saleshole holds the front wheel and handlebars for you, while filling your head with images of two-wheel glory.
Step 4: Proceed to Finance Mangler's office to consumate the disaster.
Step 5: Log on to handy m/c website for tips and ridicule.

So true... now if only I could figure out which m/c site you're referring to.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

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