Wanna buy » Considering a MTS - concern about seat height?

[LBC MTS 2005 1000S DS (Red)]

Besides all the other comments above, I would not recommend the gel seat. The reasoning is that it is a bit wider and stickier at the front, making it more difficult to reach the ground for those with shorter inseams. I personnally have no problems with the stock seat. It is quite wide at the back and when not running in the twisties you can slide back and sit on the wide part.

[Rich D]

Hey Rich, I find myself at NPR a good bit, let me know and I'll let you take my Multi for a spin!

Don't think I'm heading up this weekend but I'll be in Athens for the Charity ride on Feb 24th.

I haven't heard about a charity ride through NPR on the 24th. Do you have any details?

[mcapurro 2004 1000 DS (Red)]

Ok, I'm 5'8 with a 30" inseam and about 170lbs. With the stock seat, I was just fine. It's not bad at all and I would concur that inclines have to be considered - just can't be caught off guard. Now for the big CAVEAT. I switched to a Corbin Saddle. It's beautiful and it's great. Problem is that it's wider then the standard saddle and has less give. With my 30" inseam, it's a stretch but I'm still ok to ride. I live in Denver and many rides are in the hills and involve inclines. Even with this stretch, I'm still fine. If I had to do over, I'd skip the Corbin seat but I'm $600 into this saddle and I just have to make it work. I might look into getting it lowered an inch but with the standard seat I wouldn't work at all. Keep in mind that a 'strada tends to carry weight a bit higher than other bikes. It might just feel higher due to center of balance being higher but that's only true when you're at a stop light or in the show room. On the road it's like butter.

[Dinola 2006 620 (Red)]

Keep in mind the height of a tail bag. With a 29"inseam on a 620!!! - I can't swing my leg over the tailbag to get on the bike.
I have to do a bizarre 'karate kick' followed by hop, hop, hump or easier - mount by stepping up on the right side peg. ( a bit hairy at first but no issue, try not to stress the side stand)
BTW thanks to all who suggested these techniques - much easier than bringing a hoist.

[Greg_C]

You guys are tall....I wish I had your height. I'm 5'4" 138 lbs (so I don't compress shock springs much and I have a 620. I have no problems or lowering hardware. I just have to be very careful when my girlfriend gets on the back. I usually do that with the side stand down just in case. I realize the 1100 is slightly taller but anyone over 5'6" should be fine. When your short like me ALL bikes are tall. I've grown up riding bikes and every single bike I've owned was tall. You just have to get use to balancing on your tippy toes. You also can slide your butt to the side at stop signs and lights and go flat footed on one foot. That's the easiest wayto feel comfortable when stopped. Good luck, Clem

[Koolio 2007 1100 (Red)]

Keep in mind the height of a tail bag. With a 29"inseam on a 620!!! - I can't swing my leg over the tailbag to get on the bike.
I have to do a bizarre 'karate kick' followed by hop, hop, hump or easier - mount by stepping up on the right side peg. ( a bit hairy at first but no issue, try not to stress the side stand)
BTW thanks to all who suggested these techniques - much easier than bringing a hoist.

LOL...that is hilarious...especially since I was wondering the same thing when the bike has a tailbag on it.