having nearly dropped my 848 a couple of times I am now got it in my head that every time I start off or come to a stop i'm going to drop my bike this doesn't help having short legs either, do I man up or I have been considering swapping to a streetfighter! Richie
Being the same as you with a deficiency in the leg department; I dropped my 1000 RX about five times before I changed to a Harley............. It didn't take long before I got rid of that and got a ZX10 for a short while and then a ZZR1100 as soon as they appeared..........
How long ya been riding rich? Went through three years of this way back when...All good now, just something I got over with time and a gradual confidence boost.
About 14 years and had this one for 18months just feel all my weight is on the front of the bike which makes it hard to react moving at slow speed
Hmmmm. Being of the hobbit family myself I don't have that problem. All I know is that when I had the height dropped to a more manageable height (for me) and that my feet are almost flat on the floor when I'm at a standstill, it made more sense.
I know how you feel Rich. I'm on my 2nd 1098s now, but for a time nearly didn't get too far on my 1st one. I'm 5ft 4in with very short legs, and felt very unstable whenever i came to a stop, especially on uneven ground in car parks. Even now, i can only touch the ground on tiptoe. But i am used to it and it really is not a problem any more. I do know that an 848 has a much higher ride height than a 1098s, so if this becomes a very big problem, having it lowered is a sensible thing to do. You would need to buy a ride height adjuster though, because the 848 has a fixed one at the back i think.
Try having 27 inside leg and chunky thighs and stopping on a multi... Lol Its all in the planning, and use of clutch and rear brake. On my 848 I would never u turn, would get off and push it, and would not set off until I knew I could keep going
Yeah alright Snow White! I'm not blessed in the vertical dept and always feel a bit of a cock getting off and wheeling the 848 back...rather that than drop it though. If it's slow speed stuff, try and relax. Find somewhere quiet and just get used to stopping and starting. Rear brake only for the last part of braking and counter steer to positively lean the bike to one side. If you can use your core to support your weight rather than your arms it'll be a doddle. Don't worry it'll get easier. Always hardest after a Winter off riding
the funniest thing I've seen on the inter web tonight is an ad under PC Andy's post for 'lollipopsecurity.co.uk'. Apt?
I'm 5'8" with a 30" leg and I'm finding bikes are definitely getting taller, about an 810 mm seat height is fine for me. One problem with sports bike is the steering geometry and lack of steering lock, I agree with using the rear brake it can be your best friend in heavy traffic, stops the forks diving and gives much smoother progress. I would suggest leaving the ride height alone and look at raising the clip ons a couple of inches to improve the riding position. By the sound of it you feel that you are leaning too far forwards.
If its a serious worry and is making you think of selling the bike, and the only reason, go do a CBT type thing to remind yourself of the skills Or catch the fairy godmother and hope for a wish... Lol
and i so resisted posting a link for Android to your bungled explanation of rake and trail..where does loyalty get you...:Headphone::Stop:
I feel for you Richie! I'm of the short (but perfectly formed) leg variety myself. Not sure how tall the 848 is? But one of the reasons my 998 suits me so well is that I can touch the floor on it with both feet - and it's thin!...and, of course, it's a Ducati, but that's another story... When I bought my Speed Triple three years ago, the first thing I did was get it lowered. I used a lowering link made by Soupey's. Not sure if you they do one for an 848? Anyway, just remember - if you are lowering the rear, remember to drop the front in equal amounts otherwise you'll bugger up the geometry - or has someone said that already?...sorry, it's been a long day
