Just upgraded my little ninjas for a track bike, a 2004 ninja 636. After the new tires, Pirelli DRC's, the bike is at a crazy height and I can just tip toe it. How do you other gals handle it. Seat shaving isn't an option, its already thin. Probably going to have to lower an inch. Any specific boots anyone can recommend for height? Whats the proper way to lower it and not lose the natural steering geometry, suspension??
Not a gal but I can only touch tip toe on my RC51. One thing that might make your life easier if you have no kickstand is a Baxley Chock. I ride in and ease into the Baxley, then with the bike in that get off and take off some gear before pulling it out and putting it on the PitBulls with warmers. That way I don't have to climb off it tired. Of course if someone is there to stand you there is no need.
First of all congrats on the 636, hopefully you got the fastest color (orange). I would caution against lowering an 04 636 for the track. I have one, its my baby, its lowered 2", and I road it at the track for 2 years before buying a track bike. With it being lowered, I was dragging footpegs and fairings, even with good body position. My fairing on the right, where the bubble is for clearance to the exhaust mid pipe was ground almost clean thru. When that starts happening its just a matter of time before something doesnt give, but grabs and then you're on the ground. I'm 4'11" so I can relate to not being able to touch. My suggestion is to shave the seat, even a little bit would help, remember you're not on your track bike the enite day, just 20min at a time. Another thing is get used to sliding your butt off the seat and getting one foot down on the ground. No need for 2 feet. When i'm waiting at pit out, my hamstring is on the seat, butt is not. FWIW, I've got an 07 ZX6, stock height as a track bike now, which has a higher seat height than the 04 636.
dont lower dont lower the bike, will screw up the geometry and the way it was set up to be ridden on track. for the street no problem, but not on the track. I am way too tall for this sport but I see folks tip toe it often and its not an issue. the speed chock idea is a good one.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll give it a try without lowering. Once I'm moving it's fine, but it gives new meaning to planning your stops. I also plan on getting the suspension set up during the Barber track day in a few weeks. Any advice on getting used to a supersport on track as a novice? Much more fun problem to have...
+1 To getting the suspension set up, that is a really good plan, it will definitely help the bike fit you. (No you still won't be able to touch ) I really do hate not being able to comfortably touch, but it is one of those things you will become use to. I watch some people move around bikes with one hand barely touching them nonsense and think that I can never do that. However, by pushing my comfort zone I have learned to but my bike on a rear stand by myself! So maybe the lesson here is baby steps? As to everything, just take it slow and easy, work on the basics (body positions, your comfort level, lines, etc) and before you know it you will be having a blast!! Can't wait to see you at Barber!
I would agree with the above posters - get used to the bike without lowering it. To build your confidence I would suggest: Keep your eyes up. The more you look at the ground or worry about dropping the bike, the likelier it is to happen. Rather than avoiding them, practice the situations that make you nervous. Find a safe environment (big, flat, open parking lot with no traffic and minimal spectators ) and bring a friend or two. Specifically practice: 1. Coming to a safe stop and supporting the bike on tip toes or shifting to a single leg. 2. Smooth takeoffs from a single leg or tiptoes. 3. Getting on and off the bike 4. Moving the bike around when not on it (ex: if you find that you've parked in such a way that you can't move the bike when sitting on it). Practicing these types of skills will help you be prepared rather than anxious or nervous. Congrats on the new ride!!
My wife Peggy, who is an Instructor with STT Southern, rides a stock height '04 600RR, and she is 5' 2". She is basically tippy toe when she starts and when she stops the bike. One thing that you can do is to slide your butt off to the left side of the bike as you are coming to a stop, which will get your left foot down almost flat...if not totally flat. The thing to remember about doing this is that when you are coming to a stop, make SURE that you don't let the bike lean to the right at all. The same can be done for taking off from a stop. When you get on the bike, make sure that your butt is NOT centered on the seat, and is off to the left of center. This will allow you to keep your left foot down flat or almost flat. Obviously, if you use this method when riding on the street and you are coming to a stop that has you off camber and having to lean the bike to the right to keep it up (vertical), you would want your butt off the seat to the right side of the bike and will have to use your front brakes to bring the bike to a stop. Hope this helps and if you are going to be at Barber in two weeks, come talk to Peggy or I if you have any further questions. We will both, most likely, be coaching in the Novice group both days.
Thanks for all the advice. I will be at Barber in two weeks with the new bike so I'll make sure to pick all of your brains. Nervous about first time on this big of a bike, but looking forward to it!
Surprised no one mentioned boots. I added 2 gel in soles one complete and one heal only to add an extra inch to my height. There is also TCX Auras.
My '08 Gixxer 600 was lowered... for the streets it was fine, but for the track it didn't corner the way it should. Messing with the geometry like that makes a difference. I put my big girl panties on and raised it to stock height... and it rode a lot better and a lot easier. Sure I am may be on my tippy toes now, but I am more confident with the bike on the track.
Holy cow! I could have sworn I saw the year 2014 on those dates....Sorry! I read most of what everyone else said, and I'm just reiterating. My first bike was already lowered when I got it. My second bike is a stock height R6. I'm 5'2". I don't touch on either side when sitting square . It didn't take long to get very comfortable with leaning to the right side in a controlled manner to get my right foot down when stopping. Also, I know the R6 is very different than my first GSXR600, but I truly believe the height difference allows the R6 to handle astronomically better. It was like riding an athletic race horse versus a Clydesdale while barrel racing... Oh, and if you know someone who can shave your seat, every little bit helps...you may think it's too thin, but if it's still stock, it can be done! Both of my seats were shaved as much as possible, and I don't have problems with comfort. Good luck!