Thank You "It,s been a long time" and Tim Meaders for your input. Considering your input and having done further research I have decided to tippy toe into this lowering process. I did find that removing the seat allowed me to actually "walk" the bike. The width of the upper frame was the prominent hindrance. On the xs650d which I plan to ride this summer I have ordered gel and high density foam with which I will craft a super low and narrower seat and find a pair of boots or shoes with thicker soles and heels. I really do not want to lose the present geometry of the suspension. On my 1980 I saw a frame that had the upper frame tubes cut out and replaced with a lowered set of tubes welded in. Perfect! For anyone looking for misc. parts I presently have 4 xs650's: '75 B; '77D; '79 with alum. wheels (FO); and an '80 w/alum. wheels. I plan to sell the '80 (FO) if I ever get the CV's rebuilt and functioning properly. All engine #'s match their frames. This may be criminal but I have a hardtail for the '75b. It would have taken a fortune to restore it to factory. I'm just a retired non-com and my projects are seldom perfect. I answer only to myself regarding my projects. Thanks again for the input. I am confident of the path I plan to take.