[Stitch]

Found this on RideApart. Ken, the gentleman riding, stands at 5'8". Body type is apparently short, old, and stocky with a beer belly.

This is not the way I observe him, but the way they described him!

 

[roadhawk]

riding position in that first picture looks good to me, upright enough and not too relaxed which for someone at 5'11 that's just about ideal. too bad these didn't show what standing up was like but for most bikes im able to be flat footed.

 

[Stitch]

He doesn't seem like he'll be able to fully flat foot it. But someone 5'11" should be good

 

[Cowasaki]

He should be able to balance fine on the balls of his feet if he slides a bit closer to the tank. Not the most comfortable, but doable.

 

[roadhawk]

That last picture makes imagining this rider being flat footed being impossible but its due to angle of the picture. First and second picture tell it all.

 

[Stitch]

The last picture, he's going into a turn so theres more of an angle and more distance between his foot and the ground.

 

[roadhawk]

hence all the side profile representations of ergonomics that are out there of bikes in general. angles like that last one just don't cut it.
at least with shows coming up across the nation there will be some opportunity for people to check this out for themselves.

 

[Stitch]

Will you be checking out any shows in your area anytime soon ??

 

[Patluys]

I'm 5' 10" (177cm) and I'm able to plant my feet flat on the ground, without any problem. The riding position is good, a bit of a lean forward, legs not cramped.

 

[roadhawk]

Being a bike in a vital segment that fits a medium between what most people want i'm surprised they didn't do a tour or anything that helps to reach out to potential owners an to build awareness around this new product. That would have been a great opportunity to see one outside of the shows.

Shows can be limiting.

 

[Stitch]

Don't think that they really need to. Once the word gets out, it'll get the attention. Social media theoretically is all they need considering the huge following Kawi has.

 

[Cowasaki]

Being able to balance isn't really a problem, it's the forward leaning position that's tiring. That would require switching out the handlebar for something a bit taller.

If seat height is a concern, there are aftermarket seats or you can shave it down a bit and add an insert for comfort. There are lowering kits but that's really the last ditch effort and the change in how it rides may not be worth it.

 

[addyboots]

I'm 5'3 and can touch the balls of my feet down pretty comfortably. I can't flat foot, but the bike is light enough that I feel like I have control of it. The riding position is pretty comfortable and I don't feel stretched out on it.

I'm used to clip-ons, but the handlebars didn't bother me any on my first short ride. I'll have to take it out for a longer, more spirited ride to be able to better gauge how fatigued I may get though.

 

[roadhawk]

I'm 5'3 and can touch the balls of my feet down pretty comfortably. I can't flat foot, but the bike is light enough that I feel like I have control of it. The riding position is pretty comfortable and I don't feel stretched out on it.

I'm used to clip-ons, but the handlebars didn't bother me any on my first short ride. I'll have to take it out for a longer, more spirited ride to be able to better gauge how fatigued I may get though.

That's what I realized from this guy as well, that even riders 5'3 or around will be fine. He has a 29-30 inseam too.

Glad to see more styles of bikes like this are coming to market, helps the shorter riders.

 

[Stitch]

Finally got to sit on one, but being 5'4ish I was able to get more than half of my foot down, essentially I was able to hold it no problem at all confidently. Soo I'm quite content.

 

[roadhawk]

Not bad at all, if you really see a need for it then investing into a lowering kit could do you some good. However I know a lot of shorter riders that are even content with just the balls of their feet touching the ground.

Oh... and these Z's look great lowered Have you seen lowered Z1000's ??

 

[Stitch]

Lowering bikes always seemed like a good idea but once I started researching it and looking at the cautions and people saying not to do it, it started to deter me. There's not really much seat to cut down either!

 

[Geno Horri]

5'7" (171cm) here with 30" inseam and I can flat foot both feet no prob. Riding position is released enough for a 4 hour ride at highway speeds. I'm short enough that it's fairly comfortable to tuck into a more aggresive position, but probably not for anyone taller than 5'10" (my face is about 3 inches from the dash cluster).

 

[Stitch]

How do you find the seat comfort for so long??

 

[Geno Horri]

How do you find the seat comfort for so long??

Not bad. I didn't notice any hot-spots or unusual discomfort. I've got a lot of adventure bike experience so this is something that I paid attention to on the first few rides. The seat feels roomy if that makes sense. Theres a natural sit spot for city riding and room to scoot back when you don't have to drop a foot for a while. I may dish out part of the seat just to naturally plant my narrow ass back a bit further for daily riding.