I am trying to convince a friend to get a Strom. Problem is, he's 5'4" short. He says his inseam is 29-30 inches. How low can the lowering kits bring the bike?

We're planning an AK trip for next summer and he needs a bike.

Anyone? If you've lowered your 2012 model, how is it? How tall are you? Inseam?

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2012 Vstrom 650

5'5" 29 inseam. It's fine after its lowered. Here is my video.

2012 Suzuki Vstrom 650 - YouTube

I am 5' 3" with about a 30" inseam
I bought a 2012 weeStrom after only having tried the previous models.
I quickly bought the KoubaLink lowering links 'V-Strom 2' which lower the rear 1 1/8". The forks are also dropped through the tripleclamps about 3/8".
The bike is now really comfortable to foot around when parking and I'm more confident when stopping, to know I can get good ground contact even with both feet.

I put Soupy's Performance adjustable lowering links on my 2012 and they work well for someone who isn't certain how much lowering they need. These links allow lowering from 0 to 4 inches. They seem to be adequately sturdy - I've used them over some quite rough off-pavement terrain with no problems. Soupy's also sells an adjustable side stand which takes care of the need for a shorter side stand if a bike is significantly lowered.

These might be a good choice for your friend.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net

Earlier models had a maximum of 1-1/8" allowable lowering in the rear before the tire could start tearing up the inner fender under the seat. The longer shock with a little more travel on the Glee probably would be about the same. The front travel seems unchanged. In that case, a little over 3/4" would be the maximum.

The front to rear relationship now seems right on. I would want to keep that relationship and lower both ends the same amount. I have done that and lowered both ends 3/4" or 19mm. I don't ride off pavement or go crazy in the twisties so don't need the extra ground clearance. The lower c/g is nice and my 67 year old joints appreciate the ease of getting a leg over the seat and backing up no longer makes my knees protest.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Lowered 3/4" front and back, like GW. Rides great, and I can get both feet firmly down now, plus paddle the bike to reverse. I have a 30" inseam. Might also want to consider the factory low seat or taking off some seat pan bumpers to tighten up the seat-peg-bar relationship at that size.

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2012 DL650 Shiro Nakama #27
Ride Report: In The Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

29/30 inch inseam the bike doesnt need to be lowered.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2008 CONCOURS 1400 "Dearly departed 2005 DL1000"

Strictly pavement riding doesn't need as much suspension travel as the bike comes with. Wait until you are my age.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

But it just looks so goofy when lowered.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2008 CONCOURS 1400 "Dearly departed 2005 DL1000"

It looks great to me.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s