Adjusting the bike so my wife can ride.

[Bryan D]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1981 GS750E for a fair price. Bike is immaculate. Problem is the bike is quite a bit too tall for my wife.

I realize I can slide the fork tubes up through the triple trees to lower the front end, but I'm having a hard time finding some lower rear suspension (in fact I'm not sure what stock height suspension is???).

If you have a suggestion on what manufacturers to check, or if you can point me to the lowest suspension available for my model, I would appreciate the help.

Most likely I would need to shave the seat down in addition to altering the front and rear suspension. I'm not sure how much all of this will really lower the bike in the end. It may be that this bike just is not for her, which is a shame because it's a very cool bike... but we'll find something sooner or later so no worries.

Anyway thanks for your help in advance.

[chef1366]

Look for some rear shocks that are eye to clevis in the eleven inch range.

[Dave8338]

Bryan, welcome to the fourm!

As far as lowering the bike, the things that you've mentioned will drop it about 2" (not counting the seat shave) and there are several shock setups that should drop the rear, as well. Basscliff will be along shortly and he will have a multitude of links to help out with the project.

[Griffin]

The '80-'82 GS750E models had one of the taller/broader seats in the GS line. Unless your wife is at least 5'8" and has long legs for her height, it will be difficult to get the bike set up so that she feels comfortable straddling it.

As was mentioned, shorter rear shocks and sliding the front forks up a bit will help. Probably the biggest help will be in cutting down the seat and installing high density foam in place of the stock set up. Also, contouring the foam so that the edges are lower than the middle will help tremendously.

I used to have an '81 750E. I'm 5'9", and that bike had me on my toes when straddling it. It didn't bother me, in fact my 1000G has me doing the same deal, but that situation is kind of intimidating to a newer rider, or one who isn't the physically strongest person in the world.

Good luck.

[terrylee]

I'm short and lowered my 850 enough that I'm almost flat footed (could still be if I worked at it). MDI has some shocks at 11 center to center, although you may have to redo the bushings(some come with different size bushings.) cutting seat can make quite a difference. Also you can shorten fork springs (couple nice articles about that in search.) terrylee

[Big T]

Unless your wife has a lot of riding experience, get her a lower bike.

That GS is a big sled and touching the ground may be the least of your worries

My wife used to ride the GPZ 550, even tho she can get both feet on the ground from any bike seat.

[Bryan D]

Thank you all for responding.

She is a new rider, and given that she is 5'4" with a fairly short inseam, I agree it's going to be difficult to get this bike to feel comfortable.

It's probably a good idea to consider some other rides. Thanks for all of your opinions and suggestions.

Sooo... if anyone lives in the central Wisconsin area and you're looking for an excellent condition GS750E... check out Wausau Craigslist!

[nert]

Buy the 750 if its imaculate.....
Buy the wife a Honda Rebel.

[bwringer]

How much riding experience does she have?

Flat footing is important to n00bs, but it's not essential once you have the skills.

But that bike would probably still be a pretty bad choice for someone 5'4" no matter how skilled they are.

[almarconi]

IMHO the GS 750 is too large and heavy for a beginner, especially someone who is short. Something in the 250-550cc range would be ideal. Your wife should sit on several bikes to see what fits her and what she is comfortable on. Its hard enough for a beginning rider to negotiate traffic,etc without having to wrestle with the bike. If she has never ridden before, I highly recommend the MSF riding course.

[Bryan D]

Yeah, I happen to agree... after much thought and pining over this I've decided to let this deal move on down the road. I'm going to call the owner, Larry, tomorrow and let him know I'm no longer interested.

It really is a shame. I'm looking for a bike for my wife -- her first bike no less -- so I'm looking in the $0-$2000 range. I'm looking for something she can tip over a few times and learn on with out too much loss on our end.

So I find an immaculate bike for a great price and it doesn't fit. Darn the luck.

When looking in this price range you don't expect to find a mint condition 2010 model bike... the best you can hope is to find a bike that the owner took great care of; someone that was meticulous and respectful of their property. I found that but can't take advantage of it.

Oh well... my time here at thegsresource.com will be short, but I do appreciate everyone's time and advice. Would have been a great community to be a part of.

Take care.

[almarconi]

There are plenty of smaller, older GS's around. The 550's are plentiful. You may be able to even find a 250 or 450. Another bike to consider is the 80's vintage Kawasaki KZ440 or KZ550. Honda makes some nice small 250cc bikes that are ideal for a beginner. If you don't mind doing some wrenching, I don't see why you can't find a nice starter bike for $500-$1000. If you want a newer bike a ninja 250, nighthawk 250, honda rebel or virago 250 would be good choices. In the 500cc class, the Buell Blast,Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki GS500E or Yamaha Virago 535 comes to mind. Take your wife over to a used bike dealer and sit on some bikes.

[chef1366]

Where are you at? I know where there is an 80 Honda CM200 for sale.