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[KawaCraig]

Noob here, saying hello and wishing to ask a quick question.

I am thinking of purchasing a ZX 10R, currently I have a Triumph sprint RS and as I'm getting older I find the weight of the bike is now a concern. I sat on a ZX 10R in my local dealers last year, think it was an 06 model and was amazed at how small and light it was compared to the Triumph.

I am only 5'5 and don't weigh a great deal and remember sitting on the bike and it being a far better fit than the Triumph, however according to stats the seat height is 32.5 inch which is higher than the Triumph.

Two questions, are all model years the same seat height?
Are there any forum members around my height and build and how do you find the bike for us shortarses?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I am hoping to find a bike locally at a dealers to have a sit on, as I mentioned I was amazed last year at how small and light it was but just wanted to check it was not a specific variant.

[davemfox]

Welcome mate 

Dave

[bacon]

5ft 6" here mate, 11 1/2 stone, and only a 29" inside leg (qualified short arse), I have an 05 zx10r and have not had a problem.  It's a one foot down at a time jobbie, but being a similar height to me you must be already used to that!

[KawaCraig]

Thanks for the replies, my triumph is now sold, just need to put an MOT on it today..
Is it ok to post links to ads for second opinions on prices etc? I'm in Scotland but looking at buying from down south as better choice and prices.

[Jak]

Welcome 

I'm not far off your size and ideally would be more confident with a lower seat height, but I feel it might upset the handling too much if I lower it. I had the 05 before changing for this 2010 model and they feel about the same. I can get my feet down, but not flat footed. The seat narrows towards the tank and this helps, you just need to be a bit careful not to get caught out by the road camber sometimes 

They are quite easy to lower by changing the shock spacer or by fitting lowering links if you did want to gain an extra 25mm or so. I think you have the right idea, I would go for light weight every time, make the switch, you wont regret it 

They are fantastic bikes btw 

[KawaCraig]

Thanks, think I will be biting the bullet and going for it. Will look at lowering if needs be. Shook hands on my Triumph with a mate last night so its sold. Put it through MOT today and the short ride reminded me why I want to change, horrendous winds up here and was not fun. I've ridden for over 30 years and nowadays I'm happy just to ride that bit slower, I have never claimed to be that fast anyway 

[Jak]

I've ridden for over 30 years and nowadays I'm happy just to ride that bit slower, I have never claimed to be that fast anyway 

Hmmm, somehow I think that's about to irrevocably change 

[KawaCraig]

Possibly Jak, lol.
For me though this bike is about finding a good "fit" as much as anything else. I would probably be fine with a 600 tbh, but find they are physically bigger and heavier. I had a ZZR600 years ago which is the only decent sized bike I was getting both feet flat on the ground on, however when I sat on the ZX 10 R it made the ZZZR600 feel heavy and bulky.
I will have a look in the for sale section on here, not quite sure how confident I am buying privately though.

[KawaCraig]

Well I have just came back from a local dealers that had an 11 plate in. Sat on it and either I've shrunk or different models very different ride heights. I was on tiptoes and not comfortable. Pretty sure the one I sat on before was the underseat exhaust variant, does anyone know if there was a difference?
Also wondering if the bike I originally sat on was lowered. Has anyone done this and did it make a noticeable difference?
Sorry for all the questions.

[Jak]

You should find everything you need to know here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_ZX-10R

scroll down for seat heights

The newer models have the lowest seat height, reckon the other one you sat on was lowered 

[KawaCraig]

Thanks Jak, looks like it, just seemed so low.
Theres a bike specialists near me in Glasgow, going to email them and ask about lowering and any cons attached to doing so.

[Jak]

Glasgow's my home town 

[KawaCraig]

Well bike is now bought, having lowering links fitted at the dealers which will drop it about 25mm. Will post pics when i get it, needs to be prepared and delivered.