Author Topic: Can "short people" own a Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT (2020) ? (Read 3956 times)

Descolada · « **on:** July 18, 2020, 15:06:56 »

Hello Everyone, it's been a while.

I have a question about new Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT (2020) and specifically about whether high challenged people can ride it. I've looked at a number of reviews and many talk about the height of the bike and none of these reviews have been done by someone of a a shorter stature.

I'm only 5.7" with an inside leg of 30 inches and my current V-Strom 650 AK9 I had to add short link bars to before I could ride her comfortably. From what I am seeing in these reviews it seems that I would have serious difficulties if I purchased the V-Strom 1050XT (2020).

Does anyone have any feedback on this subject please?

Tusker · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2020, 15:21:58 »

I suggest you would be better going and sitting on one, rather than asking opinions.. Everybody is different..

kwackboy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2020, 15:46:57 »

I don't ride a Vstrom and can't really comment about the latest model but I ride a 2015 BMW F800GS Adventure and the seat height would probably be similar, maybe higher..?

I'm 5'8 with a 29inch inside leg and I've had the seat re-shaped and raised the forks (this makes the front lower) by 10mm.

I can touch the floor with the front third of my feet both sides but this can change depending on what boots and gear I'm wearing though.

However, as I'm a shorty, I've got used to riding bikes that are slightly tall for me so I'm comfortable with this but, I know some prefer to be flat footed.

Steve T · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2020, 17:56:13 »

My 2014 1K Strom posed no probelms for me at 5'6" with a 29" inside leg measurement, so assuming that the incoming machines seat height is similar to the outgoing model, I wouldn't expect a problem. But then again, I also ride a BM F800GS which has a way taller seat height than the Strom and I manage fine on that, even when thrapping around off-road.

But as has been said, YOU need to go try one for size and then YOU need to decide whether its right for YOU.

Steve T

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2020, 21:45:06 »

Getting both feet firmly planted on the deck is not absolutely necessary. Some may feel more comfortable that way, or feel safer. But think about it this way: you are perfectly happy to park on the side stand 99.9% of the time. It doesn't have to be on the centre stand. The bike does not need to be completely vertical. If you come to a rolling halt and find the camber or a pothole means one foot is not reaching the ground comfortably, try the other one. Or use your toes. The full weight of the bike is not going to inflict itself on your leg until it is leaning quite substantially.

user650 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2020, 22:41:49 »

It just so happens that this short arse (29in leg ish) was sat on one two days ago, the seat was at standard height, it can be lowered by about 20mm with tools, but I was able to touch down both balls of my feet wearing boots, so as they say go sit on one you will be surprised.

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2020, 22:46:25 »

Well, if you can get your balls on the tarmac it must've been a warm day.

user650 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2020, 22:54:04 »

I'm a talented Yorkshire man Rusty

bonne · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2020, 23:33:38 »

My friend was trying to climb my 650 (I would say very similar to the 1050). It was hard for him, and he really couldn't control it. I don't really know his height but he is short.

He was simply afraid of it and looking at a 300 cc instead

But yes. You have to try it yourself

Gert · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2020, 07:59:36 »

With a 30" inseam /inside leg, lower the front end by raising the fork tubes by about 1/2" in the yoke / triple tree. Don't raise too much as it will cause other problems. Have a look at https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=36477.0 and https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=20227.0

Marky mark · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2020, 18:06:51 »

I went to Robinson of Rochdale to try one out I'm 5.foot 8
31 inch leg could not touch the floor so I'm sticking with my 2017 with the lower seat they said they don't have a lower seat yet the xt was adjusted to lower setting but still too tall shame 🤔🤔

Hugo Magnus · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2020, 19:50:48 »

Ask Josh

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2020, 19:54:42 »

MartinW · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2020, 20:58:43 »

Hugo

aderio · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2020, 14:44:22 »

5' 7" 28" inside leg, with original seat on DL1000 2015. Struggled a bit to begin with particularly 2 up with panniers and top box but have perfected technique so I hop on from right side using stand. Use one foot solid planted when stationary. 2 up Pillion mounts the same and slides back then assists while iI mount from left. But do stretching beforehand.

Rogi · « **Reply #15 on:** September 26, 2020, 20:54:18 »

I am a 5.7 person whom rides a 1050xt. Rear lowering brackets, lowered front 15mm. Happy days.

hill100 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 27, 2020, 14:13:06 »

The 1050XT can not be lowered from the standard seat height , it can only be raised. However Rogi posted that he has lowered it by what I assume is a rear suspension lowering kit.

Rogi · « **Reply #17 on:** September 27, 2020, 15:16:57 »

that's correct. This reduces the lean angle when on side stand (unless there’s a shorter stand available). Also, if you have a centre stand you need an elephant to apply enough downward pressure to get onto said stand.

hill100 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 27, 2020, 16:47:09 »

I struggle to get the bike on the centre stand. But if you place a piece of wood about 1/2 inch thick behind the rear wheel and roll the bike back onto the wood , the bike pops up on the centre stand with little effort.

infidel · « **Reply #19 on:** September 30, 2020, 16:22:57 »

my 'suits you' is only 31" on a 17 1K, lower seat option sorted this no boffer.