To small for the GS ??

[Tralala]

Hi there !

I am currently taking some driving practice on a GS500e. But i cannot reach the ground with a flat foot. I can only flatten my toes to the ground. Several times in very low speed and turn the bike whas tilting to the side, and i have to jump off to save my leg  :x . The bike whas now on the ground and to heavy to get up again. Is it to big for me (1.63 cm), or will it be better when i can handle the clouch and throttle firmly ?
The GS i lowered a inch or so.

Tralala

[pantablo]

you'll get better with practice. Picking up the bike is more a matter of leverage than of actual strength. There's a technique to use that makes it easier to lift back up.

Try this:
http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html

[Frost]

I can't flat foot my GS either...but it's just a matter of practice and confidence...don't rely on your feet to keep your bike up...or else the ankle will surely feel some pain....

[gsJack]

Hi there !

I am currently taking some driving practice on a GS500e. But i cannot reach the ground with a flat foot. I can only flatten my toes to the ground. Several times in very low speed and turn the bike whas tilting to the side, and i have to jump off to save my leg  :x . The bike whas now on the ground and to heavy to get up again. Is it to big for me (1.63 cm), or will it be better when i can handle the clouch and throttle firmly ?
The GS i lowered a inch or so.

Tralala

If 1.63 cm means you are 163 cm tall, that would be about 5'4".

Well, the SBL lists the GS500 as suitable for beginners 5'4" and up.

http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl

I agree with Pablo on this one, keep practicing and be careful.

[The Buddha]

A lot of riders... especially beginers feel very insecure when they cant flat foot and carry the weight of the bike. The key is practice and that builds confidence and the ability to maximise your body for the desired effect... and of course some strength training can help. Having said that... on my cruisers I have done some stoopid things which I got out of crashing only due to the fact I can flat foot them. I have also done that to the GS... but presumably someone who's skilled at rear wheel slides and front wheel lockups can use body english to do the same things.... not sure.... I flat foot dragged and literally burnt through my left shoe sole when I though I was siure to have low sided to keep me from going down..
Cool.
Srinath.

[Von Vester]

Riding a GS will not only increase your confidence but make you taller and more handsome as well.

[Tralala]

Great, i will keep up the training and go for the GS, somehow i love this bike (sounds strange ? ) And yes i am 163 cm high. I have done other manourvre on the traning course, souch as slalom, fast breaking and so on, and when i make these i feel great on the GS.

What a nice website this is  

Tralala

[sanityfree]

i guess that'll never be a problem for me. if i recall correctly, i can flat foot a honda 650 dirt thing, the one with the 17 foot seat height. i can flat foot my bike sitting on the gas tank. i'm 6'1", with a 35ish inch inseam. THAT'S why i like the gixxers.

[ladybrid]

I'm about 5'4" too, you might want to get some harness/Harley style boots, with a little bit of stacked sole on them to help with reach, I have a pair of Joe Rockets and they probably add 3/4".  Not too much, because you want to be able to use the brake and clutch, but a little bit. Then do weight training! lol, I've discovered lifting my kids helps with hauling the bike around.  Just stick with it!

[Blueknyt]

Some Thick SOLED boots would help abit with the footing, maybe changing the Dogbones on the rear shock to lower the overall seat height about 1 inch.