Is the VFR Too Big (little guy)

i believe inseam is more applicable than overall height; i have a 29" inseam. i've owned 4 vfrs. two 6th gen. my 2004 had the lowering kit on it; it was very very nice and could just about flat foot the bike; only thing it scrapped the pegs quite often in the curves (especially on the one trackday i did with the bike).
For my 2009 VFR, i got a sargent seat (supposed to lower about 1/2 inch) and rotated the little triangular thingys the reat shock attached to (see the how to section of this board); that lowered another 3/4 inch or so. then raised the front fork accordingly. although it is not as low as the prev bike it is very comfortable and it just kind of becomes second nature to lean off the bike a bit at the stop lights. not much issue of unintentionally scrapping pegs with this setup. wearing good riding boots with a bit of a heel helps also. i'm fine with my current setup but if i were a couple inches shorter i would definitely get the lowering kit. as others mentioned shaving the seat may help a bit also. Damn, why was i cursed with these short legs!!

gw

 

I'm a short stocky guy: 5'6", about a 28" inseam, and 185 lbs (but in shape, as I work for a living.)

I had no problems with my '98 VTR, but it has a somewhat narrower profile than the VFR.

One technique I learned way back as a kid, for tight manoeuvrings at low speed, is to rev the motor and slip the clutch. I don't mean make 'er scream, but 2500-3500 rpm. The gyroscopic effect of the rotating crank mass helps to stabilize the bike, and slipping the clutch gives you very fine control over the power input. You will notice trials and trick riders doing this constantly. Slightly dragging the rear brake makes this even more effective - this may not be the case with Linked Braking however.

 

I am 5'4" and have a 95 at stock height and can barley tippy toe both feet, so I keep one foot on the peg/brake and then ball of my other foot on the ground. backing up on flat areas i do the same right foot on peg left pushing backwards. If I have to back up on an incline i just walk it back before getting on. I have no issues balancing or noticing how heavy the bike is. It is not that hard to slide to one side of the seat a little to give one leg more reach. I thought about lowering it when I 1st got it but decided against it and have not thought about it since.

 

My dos centavos: I'm 5'6" 135# w/28" inseam and ride a '97 w a stock seat. (Anybody got a 4th GEN Sargant for sale?) I'm currently running a Bridgestone 021 which has a pretty low profile for a 170 tire. I moved the chain adjustment eccentric 180 out to lower the rear a bit. But what REALLY helps is the footwear. I wish somebody made motorcycle boots with more of a heel but until they do I will continue to wear 'logging' boots that have close to a 2" heel. I can flat foot the bike at stops and even stand up off the seat. I commute and the whole "just slide over and get one leg down" doesn't work for me in traffic. I think a combination of MODERATE lowering, a Sargant seat and appropriate footwear will allow you to enjoy any gen VFR.