Modding a bike for taller riders

[Ice Burger]

Hi I've got a new to me Suzuki Bandit 400. I'm 6ft 1 and would like to know how to easily make it more comfortable for me.

My first thought would be changing the bars and adding seat foam to sit higher off the pegs. I don't know how to change the bars, do I put them lower and further away? Any advice in the right direction would be appreciated. Cheers

[Zen Dog]

I'm 6'4 and I've ridden lots of tiny bikes (particularly upright ones) without issue. I look ridiculous obviously, but I've usually been comfortable, more or less. Instead of starting with "what can I change?" start with "what makes me uncomfortable on this bike?"

Do you have a numb bum?
Is the peg position tipping you forward and putting weight on your wrists?
Are the pegs too high and making your legs ache?
Are your knees hitting the bars when doing U-turns?
____________________
Current - '94 VFR750FR, '00 VFR800FI Previous - '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win (chinese copy of an old Honda design with a C90 engine)
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[MCN]

Dropping the pegs will mean you grind them in corners.
Simplest 'fix' would be a custom seat.
Next option is a custom seat pad.
The seat is subject to many loads so wear is a factor.
Home made may only be a temporary fix and if your not an upholstery gooroo it could detract significantly from OEM.
I ride BMW and have never had any issue with their seats.
Yamaha not as good.
Triumph shite (Even after I fitted the Triump Gel seat.)
My auld 1956 BSA had a double saddle that had been home-stuffed by previous owners. Dreadful.
My contribution to that era bike was fitting it with the MOD and Emergency Services Single Saddle with two eff-off Harley Davidson seat springs. I can sit on that hoowur all day long now.

Corbin make seats and I think pads too.
If it is worth the outlay forbyour comfort (which I think it is) then speak to them.
(Professional upholstery company who specialise in motorcycle seats.)

Or... MTFU and suffer until you get a bikebthat is a better fit forbyour frame.
____________________
Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Bhud]

There's nothing new to this, but since you ask, I'd like to chime in with what I know.
Changing/raising the bars has quite a marked effect on the bike. It seems like a minor thing to do, but the end result can make it feel like a completely different bike afterwards. Just got to bear in mind a few things: 1) control cable and electrical wiring length has to be sufficient; 2) you need to know how to angle your brake and clutch lever correctly so that your hands and wrists are straight (hard to explain - Youtube videos will help to understand this); 3) don't go extreme - keep the bar raise to 40mm-ish at most; 4) practise slow-speed maneuvres and tight turns in both directions when you think you're done with your adjustments; 5) 80+ mph takes some getting used to when you're bolt upright - don't underestimate this.

Don't be tempted to mess with the forks unless you're really confident you know what you're doing. Otherwise, with the bars, there you go.

I would also look at addressing any physical or medical issues you might have. I mean, really do a deep dive on your research, speak to specialists, etc. Inflammation, joint problems and being overweight don't help.

[P.]

[Ice Burger]

Hi thanks all for your feedback

In regards to the bandit 400, I was lucky enough to buy from a dealer who has been fixing it for me at no cost.

Short story is the bike kept cutting out 4 minutes into buying the bike. I wheeled the sucker back and it's had rectifier, alternator and carb floats replaced all paid for and fitted by the shop. Everything's balanced and cleaned in the meantime.

Albiet these bikes are not the most reliable, I have a 91 which doesn't have the variable valve control. Difference is that the ecu shouldn't self destruct.

[redeem ouzzer]

Gearbox output shaft splines and 2/3 gear can be problematic (same basic engine as my GK73A so there's fuck all anyone can tell me about these).
____________________
Be a REAL MAN!