Too short arse for a Bandit?

Supercell · 03-01-2015 4:40pm #1

I'm looking back on a bike as I'm finding commuting into town (Loughlinstown to DIT Kevin Street) a total nightmare in the evenings for college (doing a part time class).

I've a full class A license but haven't been on a bike since about 2008.
I called Carol Nash and they said they will insure me as if i have no, no claims bonus, which is fair enough.
I got a quote for a 400cc Burgman of about 500 euro comprehensive or about 300 third party which is more than my car but to be expected i suppose.

I'd rather get something a bit more interesting to ride though and a Bandit seems like its a reliable bike with a little poke.
However looking at wikipedia it lists the seat height is about 31" . My inside leg is about 30" that so sounds like I'd be on tippy toes when stopped, which doesn't seem like fun. I had an F650 before that was like that and while I loved the bike it was a little wobbly at traffic lights on a windy day!

I'm about 170cm tall with short legs so am wondering if I'd be better off with a cruiser or the likes of a burgman after all?

Anyone have any suggestions/advice?, thanks.

Richard tea · 03-01-2015 4:50pm

Seat height is perfect for you. Dont forget that when you sit on the seat the suspension will also drop. Im an 29'' inside leg and the bandit would be no problem

AD! · 03-01-2015 6:30pm

Bandit should be ok for your height. Best to call to a few bike shops and sit on a few different bikes to see what suits u best
Best of luck with the purchasing.

zubair · 03-01-2015 7:05pm

I've a 29 inch inside leg and the sv seat height is 31.5. I've no problems with it so you should be fine.

Richard tea · 04-01-2015 1:06am

zubair wrote: »

I've a 29 inch inside leg and the sv seat height is 31.5. I've no problems with it so you should be fine.

AHHH, My inside leg twin:eek: I have an idea:D

Supercell · 04-01-2015 8:05am

Cheers lads, will definitely have a go at one so.

Zascar · 04-01-2015 3:21pm

I'm probably a little shorter than you and I have a Fireblade with a 31.5" seat height. Basically the only time it's a problem is when I have to move the bike backwards. So i have to get off and push it lol. When you are riding its fine as long as you can hold it up ok you'll be fine.

Dexter Bip · 06-01-2015 1:47am

I've a 29" inside leg and I dropped the seat height by 45mm (you can buy a kit on eBay for about €20) which means I can get both feet on the ground when stopped. Makes for a lot more confidence at traffic lights / dismounting etc.

Taylor365 · 06-01-2015 10:46am

What about a 36" leg? :P

Too big?

galwaytt · 06-01-2015 4:30pm

I've no idea what my SO inside leg dim is...........ooooooeeerrrr............anyhoo, she's 5'3" - or less - and rides an SV650 which I dropped by ...20mm ? and it's easy peasy to ride now.

Adjustable 'dog bones' on the rear suspension cost me $89 and took 20 mins to fit.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 06-01-2015 10:09pm

If its only for commuting I'd go for the Bergman 400 over a Bandit any day.

The Bergman has huge storage, Bandit has none at all.. Its got far better weather protection, the bandit has minimal.. It'll be way cheaper on fuel, tires etc.

It won't rust like the Bandit does ~ they've terrible paintwork on the frames.

And the Bergman is no slouch either!. You'll have to ring the Bandits neck to get it moving.

And if you're leaving it outside the college in the evenings the Bergman is far less attractive to thieves that the Bandit is.

Too short arse for a Bandit?

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