Is the V7i or the ii/iii better for a 6'1 rider?

[mr_pacman]

I've done a lot of reading online about the ergonomic changes between the 2015 V7 and then the changes on the ii and iii models with regards to what is better for a taller rider.

I'm in Canada and referring to North American models.  Some websites suggest the the older 2013-2015 V7 had a higher seat which is better for taller riders. Others suggest the current model had some design changes such as lowering the seat, tilting the engine forward slightly which is better for taller riders. However, various reports suggest that the newer models with the revised geometry is great for shorter riders.

Has anyone had both bikes and is around 6"1 with a true 34 inch inseam that can compare? I wouldn't be going on long rides and this would be limited to short rides most of the time.

Thanks
james

[Kev m]

I've done a lot of reading online about the ergonomic changes between the 2015 V7 and then the changes on the ii and iii models with regards to what is better for a taller rider.

I'm in Canada and referring to North American models.  Some websites suggest the the older 2013-2015 V7 had a higher seat which is better for taller riders. Others suggest the current model had some design changes such as lowering the seat, tilting the engine forward slightly which is better for taller riders. However, various reports suggest that the newer models with the revised geometry is great for shorter riders.

Has anyone had both bikes and is around 6"1 with a true 34 inch inseam that can compare? I wouldn't be going on long rides and this would be limited to short rides most of the time.

Thanks
james

Seat height numbers are deceptive because they measure to the ground and not to the peg which is the real indicator of that portion of the rider triangle. IIRC I think the MK III frame rail physically sits are little closer to the ground so that would account for a portion of the seat height measurement.

My 2013 MKI Stone had a tighter rider triangle (seat-to-peg distance) stock than our V7III. The III's pegs were something like 1.5" lower when measured as distance from the seat.

THAT SAID, the III still feels a little cramped to me (5'10" 32" inseam). Not badly, just a little tight. Though maybe part of that problem is that I've now put 1.5" drop pegs on my Mk I.

BOTTOM LINE - I SUSPECT that you would do about as well with a V7 I PLUS both a 1" thicker/taller seat and 1-1.5" drop pegs (that would open up rider triangle a good 2-2.5") or a V7 III with JUST a thicker seat.

I'm not positive where the MK II's fit into this.

[Chethro]

I removed the rubber toppers on the factory foot pegs for about 3/4" drop and added a seat that is 2.25" taller in the front that is wider too. I really like the seat, but it doesn't look as good as the stock seat. I have a 32" inseam and can still flat foot when I sit towards the front. I'm near 60 and can do 3 hours straight. I typically do 4-6 hour day trips.

Sorry, I can't compare to prior models, but thought you might want to see what a taller seat looks like on a III.