Since I bought the ST for my son to ride with me, and he has 29-inch inseams and it's his first bike, I lowered it. I used Jaxon's 1 inch lowering links and followed the directions I found on this forum. I also raise the forks 1/2 inch, which is about 12.5 mm, again following the advice I found on this forum. I absolutely hated how far over the bike angled on the stand before I lowered it. Now, it's perfect. It stands fine, but not so angled that it makes me worry when I get off using the left foot peg. I lowered the stock seat using the shorter little rubber bumpers I ordered, again following the directions I learned on this forum. Those two mods gave it two more inches of leg reach. I also lowered the rear brake pedal a bit to make it easier to rest my foot over it with the thicker boots. It is almost a little too low for me now, even though I only have a 30-inch inseam. I do have thick soled boots, though. I added a 1/4 inch midsole and a vibram lug sole to my Gaerne shorties, which I now think are the perfect daily boot for me. A installed the Altrider crash bars a while back. Next, and probably the last major addition, will be the ADV Rider bash plate. I am actually thinking of lowering the forks to about 11 mm. It seems to want to drop into turns a little faster than it did stock. I like it. But, for a new rider, it might be a little too much. But, it holds the line well in turns for me as it is now. I am not a great mechanic. I change my own oil and do a few things. I don't have a shop full of tools. But, all this was pretty darn easy and didn't take very long. I am glad I did it myself. The ST is a totally different ride than my 2012 Concours, kind of like comparing a Toyota 4x4 pick up to a Corvette. But, they're both a lot of fun. I have some H&B Gobis coming in a few days. After I save a little more, I'll buy the racks and install them. At that point, I think my son will be able to go on long rides with his old man on a bike that is very forgiving, easy to ride, plenty powerful enough for what he needs, and cool looking to boot. I may have to slow down for him once in awhile, but the pleasure of riding with him will make it well worth it. I know that lowering it reduced ground clearance, and the bash plate will reduce it some also. But, I don't plan on serious off-roading, just dirt roads and easy trails. Also, I do plan to do the mod to get rid that incredibly annoying cut in power coming out of first gear. I have to look that up, on this forum. Hands down, the dumbest "safety feature" i've every experienced on any vehicle. I have to say, the ST is a very smooth, forgiving, nimble, yet powerful motorcycle. Maybe it's because I'm used to the 750 pound Councours, but to me the ST seems to ride like a much lighter bike. I think it's the perfect first ride for a young adult in good shape like my son. Having tried the "start small and work up" route when I learned to ride, I will not put my son through the experience of being bored with his bike 3 months after he starts riding it. I think it's better to start with a decent sized bike and learn to ride correctly on a bike that can be enjoyed for years. So, I made the right bike a little smaller for him. After he gets more proficient, I can raise it again. Besides, when he's not on it, I can take into the local desert mountains and camp to my heart's content on a bike that I also enjoy. By the way, changing the links and raising the forks took a sort of non-mechanic like me about an hour and was downright easy. Just remember to support the rear tire with something adjustable to get the holes for the links to line up more easily. I used a 2x4 wedged against another one at an angle.