Welcome to XT660.com Dave

Sorry, but when someone mentions being a short arse, I can never resist posting this image...



Seriously though, there are plenty of riders on this forum who are of your stature and get on fine with the Tenere in standard trim. Maybe get one, ride it for a while (as it comes), then make a judgement on the height and if you feel the need to lower it, then do it. Yes, you may have to adapt your mounting, riding and dismounting style, but it shouldn't be a big problem and you never know until you try?

Lowering shouldn't have too much of a detrimental effect on handling if done properly at both ends (and if you don't go too extreme), an inch will be fine. Other than reducing ground clearance, the other side issues of lowering are the increased possibility of swingarm wear when/if fully laden and the longer linkage bones will make an already soft shock feel even softer.

Anyhow, in my totally unbiased opinion, a Tenere is a great choice of bike!

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