Flatfooting a motorcycle is an American misconception. Europeans never mention it or worry about it. Thats why European bikes are tall, no one over there complains. I'm 5'7" and my Savage is the only bike I've owned in the last 20 years I could flatfoot. I had a 96 Triumph Daytona 1200, A 2000 Triumph 1200 Trophy, and a 2000 Triumph Thunderbird. I put over 50,000 miles on the three Triumphs combined and I never came close to dropping them. I'm small and I rode a Gold Wing for two years, no problem. Dont worry about putting your feet flat on the ground, just ride. The balls of your feet are strong enough to hold any bike up. It doesnt matter one bit your heels are not touching. One thing is for sure, lowerering a bike will SEVERELY screw up the handling.

The misconception is that flat footing while stopping is a necessity or even a virtue.   Many folks like to just tap a toe after slowing down never quite stopping if possible (which is my favorite as you are always in gear ready to accelerate out of harms way)>

Congrats on the new Bonnie! BTW, the new SE version (cast wheels, 2-tone paint job) is already lowered somewhat compared to the standard Bonneville ... a friend of mine has one and though I am only 5'-4 1/2" short, I've no problem flat-footing it.

BTW, being able to flat-foot a Bike greatly aids in being able to back it up comfortably and safely while seated ...

As I said, I couldnt flat foot the Guzzi. I topped in a parking lot that was just gravel & my foot slid sideways. I nearly went down, doing what I call
"The POwer Splits",, where the unintended gymnast performs the splits against his wishes, because of the power of gravity, It IS safer to have feet flat on the ground.. OHH yea..

Well I'll have it here tomorrow, assuming I don't wreck and die on the way home.