Category: Fit/Sizing
Modifying my motorcycle to fit me?
A listener from the Pace Podcast emailed me recently, asking me how I’ve modified my SV650 to fit me. My answer is probably not what you’d expect from a shorty like me…
“I’ve been listening to you on the Pace podcast and want to thank you for doing what you’re doing! I love the fact that you break down in detail you review of products instead of the typical simplistic responses of “Great” or “Lame”. Anyhow my question is not about gear, but about your SV. I love the look and V-twin sound of the SV. I’m not so crazy about the seat height, I’m only around 5’4″ w/appox 28″ inseam. I used to ride a 93VFR – which I could flat foot a single foot and was *OK* doing so. Do you have any mods on your SV to lower the seat height? If so, what do you find works best? Do you have bar risers? I’d like to use a bike like this to commute. The 2012 Ninja 650 is on my short list as well but it lacks the “coolness”/vibe of a V-twin – but the ergos are much closer to what works for me.”
Answer:
I also have a 28″ inseam.
I’ve never modified my bike, ever (or any of my previous bikes). My best friend has been my Daytona boots as well as my riding experiences since I started on a scooter back in 2003. For me, spending time on a ninja 250 for a couple years after that, and then a ginormous z750s made me appreciate the nimble and lightweight abilities of the SV650s. I never even thought about modifying it.
Are you wearing protective footwear? If so, the traction on them will give you extra leverage and help compensate for the lack of height. If you aren’t, something like these will give you an extra inch, easy: http://motonation.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=6326
I also wear Sidi Fusions, and they offer absolutely no additional height. Actually, they took away a good inch from me. I really had to modify my riding technique (focus on smoother breaking) to adapt to them and be comfortable with just relying on my left foot.
Even in my daytonas, I still can’t flat foot both feet in those, even with the additional 2 inches. I’m flat on my left, and that’s all I’ve ever needed on that bike (or any bike for that matter). It has such a low center of gravity and is so light that I’ve gotten used to the weight distribution and just using one foot. Being a twin certainly makes things a lot skinnier between um, your legs. 
I guess I’m a bad person to ask about this, because I’ve actually lost vertical height but haven’t done anything to my bike to compensate for it…. I’ve just modified myself!
I can only recommend checking out www.SVrider.com to see what others may have done to modify/lower their bikes.
Oil Change Class & Gear Seminar
Learn how to change your own oil!
Then, spend an hour with me, trying on gear and figuring out what fits, what doesn’t and were to buy it.
On Sunday, March 4, 2012 from 1pm-3pm, my friend Aleks will be teaching a girls only oil change class at the Moto Shop in South San Francisco. Changing your own oil takes maybe 30 minutes and is soooo easy. It’s so satisfying knowing how to fix something on your own motorcycle. It’s yours, why not figure out how it works?
Afterwards, we’ll move over to the couch and my friends at Scuderia West in San Francisco will be sponsoring this class by providing samples of jackets, pants, boots and gloves for you to try on. As this class is limited to 5 people, Aleks and I are going to give you some real one on one time in this class.
As of this post, there are only 3 spots left. Ack! Sign up before someone else takes your spot. 
See you then!
The Pace Podcast, Episode 99
Episode 99; Shopping with the GearChic
I give the guys my fitment tips on how to shop for your gear. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to know the differences between motorcycle gear shopping and casual gear shopping.
Give it a listen here.
Shopping Tips
I’ve created a 6×9 full color version of my shopping tips.
I created these to help not only women, but men as well. We have similar challenges when it comes to buying gear. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if it fits right, or we’re not sure what to look for in a certain piece of gear.
Download them here (or right click and save on the pics) and share them with everyone you know. Happy Shopping!
GearChic’s Guide to Shopping
Just in time for the San Mateo IMS this weekend. I’ve put together a quick handout that will help anyone (men AND women) go out and shop for protective motorcycle gear. Most importantly, I’ve included the 5 GearChic Rules that MUST be followed at all times:
- RULE #1
ALWAYS judge proper fit ON a motorcycle, or in riding position. - RULE #2
If it’s too comfortable, it’s probably too big. -
RULE #3
Fit then Budget -
RULE #4
Try on Everything until you find the right shape -
RULE #5
Leather should always start out snug so it can stretch and break in comfortably.
My list includes everything you should be wearing when on your motorcycle: Full face helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots. It’s like having me right in your back pocket! I’ve also included a few tips for each type of item to help you make your decisions. Whether it’s at the show or on your own at your local shop, I hope this will help you make a well informed decision on what to buy and how to shop for it.
CLICK HERE to Download the Handout!
(You’ll need a PDF reader to view the attachment)
I’ll be at the IMS this weekend, mostly hanging out at the Women’s Center booth giving gear seminars. I’ll be tweeting my whereabouts, if you would like to know where I am! If you still need discount tickets, use Christina Shook’s promo code “COB” online through the IMS website. Thanks Christina!!
And finally, don’t forget to tune in tomorrow, Tuesday November 17th at 4pm Pacific to listen to a special local edition of SideStandUp with me and Carla co-hosting the show with local Bay Area guests!
Hope to see you there.