Topic: Considering the world of SOHC...

[Valhad]

Hi all!
I'm a fairly new rider - just really started riding this season.  I've currently got a 75 Kawasaki 400, and an '82 KZ250 my wife rides.  The KZ has been fine for her to learn on, but she'd like something a little more substantial before we go on any longer rides.

I found a fantastic local deal on a pair of 72 CB500's, which I really, really, want to pick up for my wife and I to ride.  However, she's a bit short for them in stock configuration.  I need to move on these pretty quick, I think, if I'm going to snag them.  But first I need to know (and convince her) that I'll be able to modify one of them to accommodate her.  I'm thinking a slightly lower/narrower seat, and maybe lower the bike overall by an inch or two.

Help!  Is this something I should pursue, or should I just look for a smaller bike to start with, for her?

[calj737]

Definitely pursue. You could reduce the wheel size front and rear, this lowering the bike a little bit while maintaining the geometry. Or, a custom seat foam that is narrower in the "hips" and shorter in the "privates". That's fairly easy to accommodate.

As long as her footing is solid, it needn't be fully flat, she will be fine. Newer riders want their feet on the ground, which is more comfort than necessity.

Good luck!

Ps: stock wheels are 19" front and 18" rear. Easy enough to swap to 18"&17" with new rims and spokes and change tires.

[goldarrow]

agree with calj, foot flat on ground is not needed.  tiptoeing is all you need.  shave down seat, rear shocks lowering blocks, low rise handlebar then add bars extensions and should be able to lower front end an inch or two.  if these are not enough, then i would deal with the smaller wheels.  but none the less, get the bikes if they are cheap

[dusterdude]

Short shocks,bought mine on ebay

[Valhad]

Thanks for the encouragement and ideas, guys.  Hopefully they're still around when I get the cash together and sell something to make space.    I'm at 7 road-going vehicles for two people as it is... This is getting out of hand

Anybody have any tips for loading two bikes into the back of one full-size pickup?  Or should I just make two trips?

[Valhad]

Piece of cake. 

[goldarrow]

That worked. I have a pair of shorty shocks for sale in the classified section if you're looking

[Valhad]

Thanks, Goldarrow.  I got them cheap without titles, so I'm going to start by getting titles, then making sure I can get them running, then I'll start figuring/trying out mods to get one low enough for her to ride.  If you haven't sold them by then, I'll come looking for you.