Hi guys. I recently bought my 02 F4i. The bike is great except the 800mm+ stock seat height is way too much for me (I have short legs). I found out there are three methods to solve this problem:

1. Lowering link. This is too expensive and time consuming, so I gonna pass on it.

2. Lower seat. The only aftermarket seat I found is the corbin's. Have anyone tried it before, how it works? I would like to hear your opinions. Do you have better recommendations?

3. Thick soled boots. I thought it's easy to find some thick soled boots, but I'm wrong. All thick soled boots I found are designed for off-road or touring bike use, and they are not going to work on F4i because the peg is too short.

 

I have the same model/yr bike as you and I'm also somewhat vertically challenged.

1. A possibility, but you probably don't need it.

2. If you have the factory seat on your bike, you've got the "lowest" one to my knowledge. It's not really lower, but it is slightly narrower, which gives you better leg extension compared to other seats.

3. I'm using a pair of leather over the ankle hiking boots with a vibram like sole. Inexpensive, comfortable, good traction, and a little extra thickness.

There are others here that ride the F4i that are shorter then you and me without problems (yumoncbr who I think is 4-11). I have found that as I get more time on the bike, I'm more confortable with the reach/stops. Be patient, be careful, and you'll develop the confidence you're looking for.

 

Yumon is so short, she did do the lowering-link, I believe.

You can also drop the triple-tree down on the forks (A little, it does affect handling).
That might buy you the last 1/2" to 3/4" you need to hit the zone.

Ease the pre-load as well, front/rear. I'm assuming, part of your being short
is a smaller frame/weight, for that one to be effective.

A custom saddle with the foam shaved and re-covered, is with-in most people's
skill set, as well.

Just a few thoughts, Ern

 

Already some good recommendations.

I know a short girl that rides a gixxer 600. She had 1/2" soles added to her regular riding boots (Sidi's I think). They work well for her. She had them done at a regular shoe repair shop.

 

I'm fairly short too, I found a set of brackets that lower the bike using the stock link and they work great for me, think I found them on ebay for around $40