Too short for vf 700 interceptor?

[burns24]

I am looking at an 85 interceptor vf700, I am only 5'3. My last bike was a ninja 250 which I had no problem with. I currently have a cb450sc nighthawk which if I'm wearing my boots I can handle. Am I too short for this bike? Would I have to lower it? Also the bike has 17,000 miles on, leaking forks, needs a tune up, and has a small valve cover leak. I'm looking at getting this for $650. Is this a good deal?

[hondabill]

sounds like a pretty good deal to me. lowering it is not to bad to do. i just did (2 in drop)an 83 this past winter for my wife she is only 5'5

[Fizz]

Member VFRShorty (her name doesn't lie) is 5'2" and she rides a 700 with no complaints. I believe all she did was remove some foam element from the seat.

I'm 5'8" and my 500 still felt a bit tall, so I just started wearing boots I stole from my brother in the Marine Corps on my bike, makes me almost 1 1/2 inches taller. Which, doesn't sound like much but makes a WORLD of difference when you come to a stop on a sloped road and go to put your foot down.

[tgreene5]

Hi,

I'm only 5'5" and have a 2002 VFR. I can reach the ground on both sides, only on the very balls of my feet. I think I've been psyched out on this bike as I've dropped it 3 times, once while on a steep downhill slope at a stop sign. So I've ordered a Sargent's seat and they are going to modify it so I sit down an extra 1". That should take care of it. I had thought about buying a lowering kit, but it may affect the cornering, and I think I just need to ride the darn thing and just get over it.

My 2 cents!

Theresa

[tgreene5]

Update - I just got my new Sargent's seat. It did drop me down a good 1-1/2"!! Already saved me from dropping it!

Seat looks very nice! Red trim. Very happy with it. Went for day long ride, and was super-comfortable. At one point, I felt the bike starting to go over (I was preparing to stop the bike) too far, and if I had not had the seat I would not have been able to catch it in time to keep it from falling all the way down. It's as if it reaches a certain point, and I can't stop it or reef it back up. Just not strong enough. Anyway, it went past that point, and as I could use my legs now, I was able to stop it, and lift it back up!!! Hoorah!!! Just what I wanted!! Do not think I'll need to mess with shortening the bike! I was hoping this would do the trick! Not only has it brought me closer to the ground, but it looks beautiful, and takes care of my bum very nicely on long rides!!!

Very happy camper!

[VFRShorty]

Originally Posted by Viff

Member VFRShorty (her name doesn't lie) is 5'2" and she rides a 700 with no complaints. I believe all she did was remove some foam element from the seat.

Yup, I am 5'2 on a good day and I ride my 700 pretty well. I removed all the foam from the main rider area and replaced it with 1/2 inch of really squishy stuff made for dining room chairs. I also did not replace the foam that normally pads the insides of the legs, which helps. It is still a little tall for me, but then again my boots are very flat. I'd do it again in a heartbeat if needed!


*Edit*
While I find my seat to be more comfortable than it was stock, people weighing a little more than myself find it to be a little harsh on the tushy. For reference I weigh 130 with all my gear on.

[VFRShorty]

Originally Posted by tgreene5

Update - I just got my new Sargent's seat. It did drop me down a good 1-1/2"!! Already saved me from dropping it!

Seat looks very nice! Red trim. Very happy with it. Went for day long ride, and was super-comfortable. At one point, I felt the bike starting to go over (I was preparing to stop the bike) too far, and if I had not had the seat I would not have been able to catch it in time to keep it from falling all the way down. It's as if it reaches a certain point, and I can't stop it or reef it back up. Just not strong enough. Anyway, it went past that point, and as I could use my legs now, I was able to stop it, and lift it back up!!! Hoorah!!! Just what I wanted!! Do not think I'll need to mess with shortening the bike! I was hoping this would do the trick! Not only has it brought me closer to the ground, but it looks beautiful, and takes care of my bum very nicely on long rides!!!

Very happy camper!

Glad to hear your seat worked out so well Theresa!