Another New TMEC 200

[weaseltraps]

Wilsoncat,

Can you please tell me the real world seat height (your inseam, height if you care to share) of the 17" street tire version? I've been thinking about ordering one but I am only 5'6".

Thanks in advance,
WT

[SpudRider]

Welcome to these forums; we are glad you joined us, WT.

[weaseltraps]

Thanks Spud!

Been lurking a long time. I've been torn between a Grom and larger Dual Sport. I'd like at least 150cc to get around legally on the highway here in OR.

Just not a lot of options for a shorter person who wants a low seat height in the DS/SuperMoto world (KLX250sf, XT225/250, TW200).

I don't ride a ton but want something to just kick around town with the concessional unpaved road and perhaps very light overnight touring.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by weaseltraps

Thanks Spud!

Been lurking a long time. I've been torn between a Grom and larger Dual Sport. I'd like at least 150cc to get around legally on the highway here in OR.

Just not a lot of options for a shorter person who wants a low seat height in the DS/SuperMoto world (KLX250sf, XT225/250, TW200).

I don't ride a ton but want something to just kick around town with the concessional unpaved road and perhaps very light overnight touring.

If you want a lower saddle, you should also consider the Suzuki DR200SE. The Chinese dual sport bikes are generally pretty tall. However, all street bikes are much shorter that dual sport bikes. If you are only going to travel an occasional dirt road, you can greatly enlarge your options by considering the street bikes.

[culcune]

I measured my bike the other week for someone and I think it was 33.5" at the lowest point on the seat. I wear boots on my commute and change into work shoes at work, and vice versa on the way home, and I am 5'7". I can stand on both balls of my feet at stops with boots on. My boots are steel-tipped cheapies from Big 5, so if you get slightly taller boots or proper riding boots, you should have no issues (I have the 17" street tires/wheel set-up).

[weaseltraps]

Thanks for the response. I asked Wade the same question and he said around 34". With seat compression he said he's about 1/2 footed on both sides at around my height (5-6", 30" inseam) and flat-foot by leaning over.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by weaseltraps

Thanks for the response. I asked Wade the same question and he said around 34". With seat compression he said he's about 1/2 footed on both sides at around my height (5-6", 30" inseam) and flat-foot by leaning over.

That's good news. Depending on tire selection, you might be able to lower the saddle height a little more. For example, if the bike is fitted with knobby tires, switching to a rear tire with a less aggressive tire tread, or switching to a rear tire with a lower aspect ratio can effectively reduce the saddle height.

[culcune]

Okay, quickly measured the bike from the lowest point in the seat and it was 33.5"

As a side note, I can state with confidence the street tires are work great in the rain! Last November, when I rode in a downpour with my old bike, I didn't get to fully see how well it would ride in the rain since the chain broke after a few miles of getting stuck in the storm.

However, during yesterday's sudden downpour, preceded by a massive dust storm (that is how our storms often start out in AZ--lots of wind and sand, then rain to wash it down!) I rode about 4 miles, and it felt solid. No white knuckles, or ultra low speeds needed, just followed the cars ahead at traffic speed, and it felt sure-footed.

This contrasts with 'mmprestine' mentioning his knobbies were no good in the rain on his TMEC thread.

[SpudRider]

Actually, knobby tires should perform better in heavy rain than street tires. However, one always needs to brake cautiously on wet pavement.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Actually, knobby tires should perform better in heavy rain than street tires. However, one always needs to brake cautiously on wet pavement.

I guess I should clarify with him. I just thought I remember him saying his knobbies did not perform well in rain.

[footer]

yeah i remember, i think mmpristine, saying the knobby tires are bad on wet pavement.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Actually, knobby tires should perform better in heavy rain than street tires. However, one always needs to brake cautiously on wet pavement.

I defer to your considerable experience. I will say that your comments are exactly the opposite of what I presumed, since a street tire would theoretically have more contact area with the road, vs. the block to block transition of knobbies. Interesting.

[SpudRider]

Please notice, I said knobby tires should perform better in heavy rain. The extra space between tread blocks helps to prevent hydroplaning.

[culcune]

It could be the brand of knobby tire TMEC uses. Or, from what I remember when I lived in L.A., the first rain after months of no rain in the summer, the roads got fairly slippery due to all the residual oil that had built up for months being lifted up by the water; wherever mmpristine lives, could be the same phenomenon.

Here in Yuma, we have had a few rains during the summer, including a July 4th downpour, so maybe all the oil was washed away already. I have never ridden on knobbies in the wet.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Please notice, I said knobby tires should perform better in heavy rain. The extra space between tread blocks helps to prevent hydroplaning.

I did notice that, but hadn't really thought about it. By the standards of folks who don't live near coastal BC, all we have is heavy rain.