Tires that lower height of bike

[chazs_peanut]

I know this might seem like a strange question but I'm looking for a set of tires which might lower the height of the bike. I've just upgraded to an ST1300 from a PC800 and I'm only 5'6" so I definitely don't flatfoot (either bike). When I moved from Dunlops to ME880's on the PC, it lowered the bike about 3/4" (and stuck MUCH better in the turns!). My ST has Dunlops on it and I'm wondering if I would get the same adjustment with a different set of tires. Any ideas? (And thanks for helping a newbie! I did search the forums but I couldn't find an answer to this.)

Mary
NC
04 ST1300

[Bones]

Welcome aboard.

I migrated from a PC to an ST. I'm 5' 7" and could just flat-foot the PC. I had OEM Dunlops on the PC which I replaced with ME880s. They sure stuck better but I don't recall getting the lowering effect you're decribing.

One thing that helped me flat foot the ST was proper riding boots (I usually rode the PC wearing high top leather sneakers). I am older and wiser now and wear Oxtars which have a thicker sole and, therefore, place the bottoms of my feet that much closer to the ground. There are boots with thicker soles than the Oxtars, too.

That said, I realize the ST is a large, heavy bike and I'm a bony 135 pounds, so I practice slow speed maneuvers and plan ahead so I can get both feet on the ground.

[chazs_peanut]

Thanks, Bones. I do ride with real boots (with steel toes!) and had to on the PC as well since I didn't quite flat foot it. However, I found the problem. My ST had a Corbin seat on it when I bought it, although the previous owner gave me the stock seat as well. I read all the posts indicating the Corbins mount with the seat position on the lowest setting and mistakenly thought that meant it was as low as the stock seat in the lowest setting. Long story short, it's not (both taller and wider) and when I swapped it out for the stock seat I gained a good 2 inches and nearly flat-foot the bike now. I'm sooooooo disappointed as the Corbin is MUCH more comfortable on my back than the stock seat, but my control of the bike is 3 times better with the stock seat. So now it's Control vs. Comfort. *Sigh* why is life so full of difficult decisions? :confused: I may be selling a Corbin (a very comfortable Corbin) soon....

Mary
NC
'04 ST1300

[Highrider]

Mary

If you need to stick with the stock seat, here is a previous post that shows a fairly simple modification that will improve the comfort factor.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11664&highlight=stock+seat

PM me if you need details.

[Pred8tor]

Hi Mary - there are a couple of things you can try with the stock seat that may help in the comfort department. A few experiments may help you out.

I like mine as low as possible too, but I manage with my stock seat in the middle position, and then "force" the rear of the front seat into the lowest position using the slots in the back of the seat. It actually helps level the seat and makes a difference in seat comfort. It takes a little effort to get the back of the seat right, but it's worth it.

I also have a sheepskin pad I use, and that helps also.

Where are you in NC? There are a lot of us around here and maybe someone could show you some of the tricks.

[chazs_peanut]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I was just going to try and find out about modifying the stock seat to be more of a "seat" like the corbin is. Jeff,
I'm in Walnut Cove (right above Winston-Salem) so not very far from you at all. I would love to see what you have done. It sounds like that might be an easy viable solution. Send me an email or PM to let me know. And again, thanks!