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Seat height

Submitted by david_henshaw on Tue, 13/09/2011
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Commando

How feasible or practical is it to reduce the seat height of the Commando? I ask because I'm not very tall, my current every day machine is a Hinckley Bonneville which at 30.5 inches is just about right for me. I've heard of removing some of the seat padding, shortening the forks and rear shocks as well as reducing the rear wheel diameter can reduce seat height by about 2" from standard.

Does anyone have any view on this?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 13/09/2011

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Norman Hyde used to offer the reduced height Commando seat [see image below] but this is no longer listed. Does anyone else out there still make something like it?

I found it helped a lot, including stopping you from sliding backwards all the time.

Attachments hyde_seat.jpg

Submitted by david_henshaw on Thu, 15/09/2011

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I emailed Norvil about this and here's Les' reply ...

"Hi,

It is not a very good way to do it because,

It alters both the rake and trail angles.

That is why we sell a 2âlower frame kit

Regards

Les Malone"

I've no idea what a lower frame kit is as it's not mentioned as part of their catalogue but needless to say it exists and my problem may not be one after all.

Submitted by allan_walker on Thu, 15/09/2011

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If the forks were shortened and shorter rear units fitted, how can rake and trail be affected? Many people have fitted 18" wheel rims for a wider choice of tyres, and I've not heard reports of dire consequences.

Perhaps 18" wheels and a re-upholstered seat with less padding(lots of firms out there who can do this) might provide the reduction in seat height that you're looking for.

A 2" lower frame kit sounds like the most expensive of all options!

(I must confess to a theoretical approach on this one, because I have a 36" inside leg.....)

Submitted by neil_hudson on Fri, 16/09/2011

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Previously wrote:

How feasible or practical is it to reduce the seat height of the Commando? I ask because I'm not very tall, my current every day machine is a Hinckley Bonneville which at 30.5 inches is just about right for me. I've heard of removing some of the seat padding, shortening the forks and rear shocks as well as reducing the rear wheel diameter can reduce seat height by about 2" from standard.

Does anyone have any view on this?

I AM ONLY AROUND 5FT 6 SO HAD LEIGHTON SEAT RENOVATIONS TOMAKE ORIG SEAT 1.5 TO 2 INCHES SMALLER , WHICH I WOULD RECOMEND,ALSO I HAVE A CORBIN SEAT WHICH IS ALSO LOWER,SO IDEAL FOR SHORT RIDERS. LEIGHTONS ORIGINAL SEAT IS A.LOT CHEAPER. IF YOUR IN THE READING AREA YOUR WELCOM TO COME AND TRY MY BIKE FO SIZE. CALL ON 07870191866

Submitted by david_henshaw on Fri, 16/09/2011

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Thanks for the offer Neil but I'm in Bangor. I'll have a look at the seats you mentioned as that may be enough to get over the problem - thanks.

Submitted by richard_payne on Fri, 16/09/2011

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It might sound an obvious point but the seat height is less noticeable with a Roadster tank than an Interstate.

I run an 18" front wheel with a 110/90V18 tyre on and it does drop the front a little.

 


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