Looking for recommendations for a bike for a short lass

**sonicnz** · 7th July 2013, 19:01

I'm new to motorcycling and have just signed up to do a beginners course, but I've also been looking around at motorcycles in the meantime. I'm quite short and light, 5'3" & 50kgs. I've sat on a few bikes - Honda CBR250, Suzuki GW250 Inazuma, Suzuki Intruder 250LC, Hyosung 250 - and only put both feet flat on the ground with the cruiser (Intruder). I'm a little unsure whether I want a cruiser long term (I actually prefer the sports bike riding position), but wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of being on tippy toes when stationary either. I realise when I become more confident on the bikes the tippy toes thing will be less of a big deal too.

Are there any learner-approved sports bikes that suit smaller frames? I have heard that the Kawasaki Ninja might be a little smaller, but I haven't had a chance to try one out yet.

Thanks in advance

**Drew** · 7th July 2013, 19:05

A low one.

You're welcome.

**paturoa** · 7th July 2013, 19:16

Welcome!

The following link takes you to a web site where you enter your stats, height, inner leg etc and it shows you how you'll fit on most bikes out there. Unfortunately it doesn't do a reverse search on seat height. Not sure why they've never added that search.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

**BigAl** · 7th July 2013, 19:22

Welcome, have a look at this link

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ow+seat+height

**sonicnz** · 7th July 2013, 19:44

Originally Posted by paturoa

Welcome!

The following link takes you to a web site where you enter your stats, height, inner leg etc and it shows you how you'll fit on most bikes out there. Unfortunately it doesn't do a reverse search on seat height. Not sure why they've never added that search.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

Hey, that site's really cool. Thanks!

Originally Posted by BigAl

Welcome, have a look at this link

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ow+seat+height

Thanks, I was sure I wasn't the only short person out there. Seems the overwhelming answer is to get a cruiser-style bike, at least at first. I guess that can't hurt.

**Berg** · 7th July 2013, 19:53

Lol, no you're not the only one out there who got short changed in the leg department. My boss is short and has just stepped off a GPZ250 Kawasaki onto a lowered Suzuki Gladius. I'm not over whelming in the legs so also have to be careful with seat heights and widths. Last bike was a Kawasaki ER6n (have now updated to a ZR750) and it was great for me and my short legs.

**jellywrestler** · 7th July 2013, 20:15

honda bros 400 v twin means a narrow overall bike so has a narrower seat

**Drew** · 7th July 2013, 20:15

Originally Posted by jellywrestler

honda bros 400 v twin means a narrow overall bike so has a narrower seat

You selling the missus one yet?

**Drew** · 8th July 2013, 05:54

Originally Posted by cassina

The only alternative I see to a cruiser is a scooter for low seat height. Some bikes can be modified to have their seats/suspension lowered which could be an option. I ride a bike that I can only put 1 foot fully on the ground with the other tip toe but for a learner 2 feet fully on the ground would be the way to go as so many places you stop could have gravel when you put your foot down.

Seat height is not always the issue.

As Jellywrestler says, a narrow seat gives the rider the ability to have their legs straigter. So their arse can be higher if ya get what I mean.

**russd7** · 8th July 2013, 16:40

yup, best not to get a goldwing yet then, the seats on them are bloody wide, but as has already been suggested, seat width has as much to do with it as seat height, so best bet is keep doin what ya doin and go round sittin on bikes, hmm probably best ya ask the owners first tho, some people like me are a little anal about strangers walking up and throwing their leg over

**Mushu** · 8th July 2013, 17:33

You learn pretty quick how to deal with a bike that has a high seat, I'm quite short but have no problem riding bigger bikes, you just kind of slide your ass to the side as you stop.

But it is worth looking into the ninja, I had one, the seat is quite low and the riding position is very relaxed, very good for getting used to being on the bike.

**jellywrestler** · 8th July 2013, 17:46

Originally Posted by Mushu

You learn pretty quick how to deal with a bike that has a high seat, I'm quite short but have no problem riding bigger bikes, you just kind of slide your ass to the side as you stop.

But it is worth looking into the ninja, I had one, the seat is quite low and the riding position is very relaxed, very good for getting used to being on the bike.

that's the sort of advice that gets people into trouble, let her learn with a bike she's comfortable on and then she can make a desicion if she's got enough experience to cope with an extra issue like this. You've only got one life don't waste it on buying a bike you can't cope with