Weight of bikes...

[Thani-B]

Looking for some advice about choosing bikes, this isnt going to be the kind of thread "What bike should I get?" where everyone just tells me to test ride, because I have gathered that from other threads. My question is about the weight of bikes.

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct? So as a small person (about 5'3" and roughly 45kgs) I think I'd be fairly limited to what I can ride according to that 'rule'. How important is that really? Do people generally try a bike to see how it handles without any regard to whether they can pick it up if it falls over or what?

Opinions and ideas?
Cheers

[Katman]

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct?

I have never heard that one before.

If you can sit and balance it comfortably when stationary then you can ride it.

Picking up a fallen bike is all to do with technique.

[javawocky]

If its a learner bike you are after, the Yamaha Scorpio :scooter: is about as light, low and easy to ride as you get.

Don't get a GN :bash:

EDIT* ROFL just saw your profile says GN

[Ixion]

Even a very small chick (or guy) can pick up quite a large bike if they use the correct technique. It's been covered several times, search should find it. Weight itself is not really the question, it's how high the weight is, what sort of riding you do (even a very heavy bike is not going to be a problem on long straight roads - round town, may be another matter); how long you ride at a time; and such like. I'm a short arse, but many years ago i decided that i would not let height or weight etc compromise my biking. Even if it DID mean carrying a small step ladder. there are ways to deal with it. Just depends on your priorities. I've heard those formulas, I don't think they mean a damn

[kunoichi]

i'v never heard of that rule, and i think that size of the engine is the biggest weight difference on a bike. So if u go for a 250cc rating, then u won't find one 250 much different weight than another. What i would advise is to have them put the bike on the lowest suspesion for u, and see how far off the ground u r, i found some bikes were taller than others.
Some people argue that you only need ur toes on the ground, but i felt alot better after my suspensions were lowered and i had the ball of my foot rooted nicely on the ground. Kuz reversing with only on ur tip toes is a bitch. The more of ur foot on the ground the better, i reckon.

[James Deuce]

I remember training a scrappy Scots woman around your weight to pick her bike up. She threw it over the other side using the correct technique. At least it was damaged evenly.

A Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Low is a piece of wees to move around. Get one of them. Practically self righting too. (You didn't mention your license status).

[Hitcher]

Nobody weighs 45kg. That's about the size of a decent lunch.

[Metalor]

So the bike is for yourself? Any 250 is gonna be fairly nimble due to how light they are. You may like to try a bandit, pretty big for a 250 and pick up quite nicely.

Those VTR's look like they have a pretty low seat height, may be good for you. Look like they'd be pretty fun to ride aswell.

Or maybe one of these:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-209487416.htm

[kunoichi]

Nobody weighs 45kg. That's about the size of a decent lunch.

Wrong. My mum is that weight and probably the same height, my sister would be pushing it at 50kg. There are some small woman out there! :p

[Crazy Steve]

Motorcycle road code makes a remark that you can ride a bike three times your own weight....

But ive seen a 48-50kg women not much bigger than you riding a Busa on The Taupo race track...And at 250kgs approx wet....Thats five times her weight...

So from what ive seen there is no limit....

Women can doooo Anything...

Crazy Steve...

[Thani-B]

I have never heard that one before...
Picking up a fallen bike is all to do with technique.

In the road code maybe.. Im sure Ive read it somewhere.

Anyone offering to teach me? lol


The more of ur foot on the ground the better, i reckon.

Yes, Id like to keep my feet on the ground if I can. Ive sat on a GSXR750 and could touch the ground, dont think both feet were flat though.


(You didn't mention your license status).

Sorry, should have said. Will be getting my full soon and then hopefully upgrading from my GN.

[kave]

I'm 5'5" and not very heavy, and I ride a bike that weighs around four times my weight. After three months on my full licence I had a bike that weighed almost five times my weight, and on top of that I would normally be carrying a pillion and luggage. As far as I am concerned the weight of the bike is not an issue. What is an issue is a combination of weight and height. If you can get both feet down flat, then a bike that weighs 400kg is rideable, but if you can only get one tip-toe down by hanging off the side of your bike then it becomes a lot more difficult to handle a heavy bike (not impossible but challenging to the point where it can interfere with your enjoyment of riding)

Once a bike is moving at speed, weight becomes almost irrelevent, but low speed manouvering (and balancing at lights while on an awkward camber road when the surface is greasy and you have cars on both sides of you) can be quite tricky.

The selling point for the GSX1200 that made me buy it instead of a CB1300, XJR1300 or a ZRX1200R was the low seat height (though price did play a part in the decision). If I was looking at lighter bikes then seat height would have been much less of an issue.

If when you are sitting on a bike while it is on a sidestand you find it no problem to stand it upright then you will probably have no trouble with the weight/size of the bike, if on the other hand you find it challenging to stand it upright I would't buy it.

If you want any information on the process I went through getting into sportbikes when a large percentage of them were completely unsuitable for people of below average height then feel free to send me a PM.

[Metalor]

In that case, Hornet 600 it is!

[Stirts]

Do people generally try a bike to see how it handles without any regard to whether they can pick it up if it falls over or what?


I am not exactly Miss Muscle so when I lay my bike down on my driveway, (with a dry weight of 174kgs), I was so angry that I picked it as if it weighed 10kgs.

Agree with everything Ixion said in his post.....
using the correct technique, how high the weight is, what sort of riding you do (even a very heavy bike is not going to be a problem on long straight roads - round town, may be another matter)

I too am a short-arse, I lowered my bike 25mm in the front, shorter shock, and custom lower seat so I could have the balls of my feet touch the ground. I did this purely to gain confidence while learning. I know that with my next bike I may not be able to change the height, as this can compromise handling. But by then I will be a more experienced rider and it won't be so much of an issue. I hope.

All it really comes down to is what YOU are comfortable with. This is paramount in the learning stages of riding!!

[vifferman]

People at either end of the Human Bell Curve for size/weight/limb length shouldn't ride bikes. Stick to scroters...

[Winston001]

Interesting question. Since you seem to already have an idea of the bikes you like, the best test is to try one. As suggested, lowered suspension may be all it takes for a good fit.

Weight is one of those illusory things. A BMW feels lighter than it is because the weight is low in the frame. Similarly wide handle-bars make a bike easier to control, particularly when stopped.

When it comes to motorcycles, the weight discussion is generally focused on how light an off-road bike is, or power-to-weight ratio for a sports bike. Which suggests most riders find a fit they are comfortable with and total weight isn't a significant issue.

[YellowDog]

I think you are asking the right kind of questions however as has already been stated, the weight is just one of many factors.

The most important consideration has to be your comfort. The only time a bike is heavy is when you have to pick it up or if it leans too far over. It is not realistic to expect to be able to recover from a stationary overlean situation so you need to focus on a bike that your weight and height can comfortably control.

A light weight bike with a high centre of gravity will feel heavier than a heavy bike with a low centre of gravity.

Best thing for you to do is not to rule out anything until you have sat on it. AND secondly - EAT PIES THREE TIMES A DAY !!!

[2wheeldrifter]

In the road code maybe.. Im sure Ive read it somewhere.

Anyone offering to teach me? lol



Yes can always teach, will need pic's of you bending over, keeping legs straight, fingers touching toes... this is good practice and technique, this is a good starting position for..... :Oops: wrong thread.... what am I talking about

[allycatz]

I had to sell bike I bought to learn on , too tall and just to uncomfortable for a shoulder thats had a 3 times torn rota cuff muscle.

[Mully]

In the road code maybe.. Im sure Ive read it somewhere.


Yep, it's in the Road Code (well, it was).

Their suggestion was that no more than about 3 times your weight. As already mentioned, it's more to do with how the weight is distributed and how comfortable you are with the bike.

Anyway, as a biker, you should know that the Road Code is a quaint list of suggestions (much like speed limits) rather than a hard and fast rule (again, like speed limits)

[crazyhorse]

Looking for some advice about choosing bikes, this isnt going to be the kind of thread "What bike should I get?" where everyone just tells me to test ride, because I have gathered that from other threads. My question is about the weight of bikes.

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct? So as a small person (about 5'3" and roughly 45kgs) I think I'd be fairly limited to what I can ride according to that 'rule'. How important is that really? Do people generally try a bike to see how it handles without any regard to whether they can pick it up if it falls over or what?

Opinions and ideas?
Cheers

Its not about weight - but about how you fit the bike. i.e not too tall that you cannot put your feet on the ground in order to stop the bike from tipping over.

I was always told that you shouldn't own a bike if you cannot pick it up yourself - and thankfully, I can do it - but yes, there is an art to it

[slofox]

Their suggestion was that no more than about 3 times your weight. A

Sooooo according to that I should be able to ride a 3000kg bike....:whistle:

[Str8 Jacket]

Nobody weighs 45kg. That's about the size of a decent lunch.

And when you are that light DONT buy a KR150 and think you can ride it comfortably around Wellington/Wairarapa without being blown around and/or over! :yes:

[Thani-B]

If when you are sitting on a bike while it is on a sidestand you find it no problem to stand it upright then you will probably have no trouble with the weight/size of the bike, if on the other hand you find it challenging to stand it upright I would't buy it.

Will try that, thanks.


People at either end of the Human Bell Curve for size/weight/limb length shouldn't ride bikes. Stick to scroters...

No thanks, just because I am small doesnt mean I should miss out.


AND secondly - EAT PIES THREE TIMES A DAY !!!

I eat plenty, just dont put on weight, ask monkeymsea..


Its not about weight - but about how you fit the bike. i.e not too tall that you cannot put your feet on the ground in order to stop the bike from tipping over.

I was always told that you shouldn't own a bike if you cannot pick it up yourself - and thankfully, I can do it - but yes, there is an art to it

Will have to try bikes to see if I can touch the ground on them, dont think I would be comfortable on one that I couldnt. And I dont see many places letting me put a bike down to see if I can pick it up :sweatdrop

Can anyone elaborate on 'the art' of picking up fallen bikes? lol

[monkeymsea]

Maybe some HTFU pills are in order.. lol..

Just ride my bike around thats pretty heavy to get use to the weight and riding postition you cant do any more damage to it then I have already done =P

[Gwinch]

Can anyone elaborate on 'the art' of picking up fallen bikes? lol

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[munterk6]

Wrong. My mum is that weight and probably the same height, my sister would be pushing it at 50kg. There are some small woman out there! :p

Yeah, but there's some bloody monsters out there as well :yes:

If you are short, for God's sake, stick to scooters...big bikes are for big people :yawn:

[Thani-B]

..

Cheers for that, will wait until monkeymsea drops his bike again (shouldnt be too long..) and then I'll try that.


Yeah, but there's some bloody monsters out there as well :yes:

If you are short, for God's sake, stick to scooters...big bikes are for big people :yawn:

Now what kind of attitude is that, hardly seems fair...

[Beemer]

I think the main thing to take into consideration is whether you can move it around without scaring yourself shitless when it's turned off! Some bikes are quite top-heavy - their weight is in the tank (when full) rather than low down. My BMW F650CS was the opposite - the tank was under the seat so it felt quite stable when being wheeled around under no power.

I think it's not so much a matter of your weight compared with the bike's weight as other things come into consideration too - like your height and the height of the bike. My husband has some big touring bikes and he's not very heavy himself but he has no trouble moving them. He's taller than me and I'd be petrified to even try moving some of his bikes as the weight, combined with the height of the bikes, would be too much for me.

One of the things we had to do in a motorcyclist of the year competition was wheel our bikes around on both the left and right sides of the bike - and that's quite difficult! One rider dropped her bike and she was a very experienced rider.

[MarkH]

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct? So as a small person (about 5'3" and roughly 45kgs) I think I'd be fairly limited to what I can ride according to that 'rule'. How important is that really?

That sounds more like a guide than a rule TBH. I think that as others have said the height is more important - if you can put your feet flat on the ground you have more leverage and can hold up more weight easier. The weight distribution also makes a noticeable difference - my scooter is 199kg dry, but it doesn't feel heavy because the weight is lower than on most bikes.

I think you should worry more about finding a bike that is comfortable for you than the weight of it. Once you are moving than it is balanced, it is only when you stop that you need to hold its weight.

[Mystic13]

Looking for some advice about choosing bikes, My question is about the weight of bikes.

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct? So as a small person (about 5'3" and roughly 45kgs) I think I'd be fairly limited to what I can ride according to that 'rule'. How important is that really? Do people generally try a bike to see how it handles without any regard to whether they can pick it up if it falls over or what?

Opinions and ideas?
Cheers

The rule is not important and a myth.

Your better getting a well balanced bike.

There is a lady on here about your size who rides a Hayabusa. She also assists coaching out at RRRS. She's a damned good rider. On the odd occasion she drops the bike she has no problems picking it up and discourages any outside help. She has been known to lift it up and tip it over the other way in anger and have to lift it again.

On that note I'd say you'd be okay for anything up to at least that size. So that would be 1300cc and about 240kg.

Your size has little to do with riding the bike well and fast. My wife is around your size and she just looks for bikes with lower seats.

[The Stranger]

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct?



Riding it is NOT the problem. Stops, starts, pushing it backward up an incline, very low speed stuff may very well be.
That time when your footing is not quite right on a light bike is not an issue, on a heavy bike it's an insurance claim.
It is down to technique, experience, competence and confidence i.e. you are the only one who can decide.
That said, if you have to ask, I would suggest you are better to err on the lighter side for this purchase.

[dpex]

Looking for some advice about choosing bikes, this isnt going to be the kind of thread "What bike should I get?" where everyone just tells me to test ride, because I have gathered that from other threads. My question is about the weight of bikes.

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you, correct? So as a small person (about 5'3" and roughly 45kgs) I think I'd be fairly limited to what I can ride according to that 'rule'. How important is that really? Do people generally try a bike to see how it handles without any regard to whether they can pick it up if it falls over or what?

Opinions and ideas?
Cheers

'It' normally falls over while traveling at some speed. In that case you'd be far more concerned with being able to pick yourself up. But, if it's a worry, then buy a Honda in pretty colours. That way you'll be sure some large truck-driver, with a secret agenda, will help you up with your bike.

[gatch]

I reckon that just like anything else in life, if it feels good, DO IT !

If you aren't comfortable while sitting on it pushing it/low speed etc, change something so it suits you or get something else.

No worries ow, good luck.

[Headbanger]

My bike weighs 300kg, I'd love to see the technique a 45kg person would use to put her back on her rubber.

I'm thinking that technique would involve a real sized person to lend a hand.

[2wheeldrifter]

As I said before.. get into this position, And you won't need to know HOW to pick up your bike, guys will come running up behind you to help... trust me :niceone:

[Motu]

Your better getting a well balanced bike.


I have a personal theory that only applies to me....it won't work for anyone else.I need to be balanced myself....by being balanced I can balance my bike.Leaning forward with weight on my arms or sitting with my feet forward puts me off balance....I don't like that.

By putting better bars on my bike that made me sit balanced,I am much more in control.And it is also much easier to get on and off,and manoeuvre around pushing.

[Gremlin]

the 3 times your weight is a guideline.

Best is to try moving any bike you are interested in, in a tricky situation. Perhaps sloping gravel (which you could have to do on the side of the road at some point?).

There are other things you have to be aware of, that taller people don't. You can't stop your bike with one wheel on each side of a deep gutter, because you won't be able to put a foot down, and so on.

[gatch]

My bike weighs 300kg, I'd love to see the technique a 45kg person would use to put her back on her rubber.

I'm thinking that technique would involve a real sized person to lend a hand.

Since the person is not actually lifting all 300kg it is doable, it would require a degree of strength probably not possessed by the average 45 kg person, but still doable.

[Thani-B]

As I said before.. get into this position, And you won't need to know HOW to pick up your bike, guys will come running up behind you to help... trust me :niceone:

Lol but that wont help me much when Im stranded in the middle of nowhere and there is no one else around.

And yea I will just have to shop around and try lots of bikes to see if I am able to manoeuver them around ok. And then just hope that I am able to pick it up if I drop it/if it falls, or that someone else is there that can help me.

[Little Miss Trouble]

And yea I will just have to shop around and try lots of bikes to see if I am able to manoeuver them around ok. And then just hope that I am able to pick it up if I drop it/if it falls, or that someone else is there that can help me.

Keep in mind that you don't have to always do said manoeuvering while seated on the bike. Sure, it doesn't look as cool to get off and push, but its still better than a slow motion drop coz your foot slipped on gravel or something.

Like others have said, its quite amazing the strength you find you have when your angry & embarrassed that you dropped the bitch in the first place!

[MarkH]

Lol but that wont help me much when Im stranded in the middle of nowhere and there is no one else around.

If you are going to be looking like that then the middle of nowhere is no problem - give me a call and I'll come out and help you pick up your bike!

Why don't you mention what sort of bike you are looking at - the other shorties here can probably give some good advice on various bikes.

[gwigs]

Im 5ft 6in and weigh 60kg soaking wet ..bike weighs 250kg..and yeah I can pick her up and I can chuck her up on the main stand.Basically I can and do ride her..... and I love riding... that all that counts :rolleyes:

[Thani-B]

If you are going to be looking like that then the middle of nowhere is no problem - give me a call and I'll come out and help you pick up your bike!

Why don't you mention what sort of bike you are looking at - the other shorties here can probably give some good advice on various bikes.

Lol I'll keep that in mind. And Im not exactly sure what bike I want yet. Like the look of the GSXR's and others that are kind of similar. But it depends on what I can find when my funds say I have enough to buy a new bike. Hoping for a win on Wednesday night...

[cambridgedan]

ive never head that one before, im not experienced so dont quote me but i dont think that weight would effect it at all, well maby a bit but unless you are a pro superbike rider or somthink you proberly wont notice it

[Metalor]

Shiiiiit, GSXR is a pretty big leap up from gn. If you were looking at something like that I'd be more inclined to suggest a Gladius (not that i'm any sort of an expert) as they've had EXCELLENT reviews and are regarded to be a good step up from a 250.

I reckon they look damn sexy too! Dunno why some people think they look 'feminine" .

[Thani-B]

Shiiiiit, GSXR is a pretty big leap up from gn. If you were looking at something like that I'd be more inclined to suggest a Gladius (not that i'm any sort of an expert) as they've had EXCELLENT reviews and are regarded to be a good step up from a 250.

I reckon they look damn sexy too! Dunno why some people think they look 'feminine" .

Lol wasnt going to go straight to a GSXR. Prob buy a CB400 or something and get used to that first. And then move up to something bigger. I quite like the look of a Gladius, havent actually seen one in real life yet though.

[James Deuce]

The Gladius is a damn sight sexier in Real Life (tm) than photos. It's tiny, it looks really well finished, and it is covered in little details that make the sort of difference that can result in Pride Of Ownership (tm).

IMNSHO of course.

[Thani-B]

The Gladius is a damn sight sexier in Real Life (tm) than photos. It's tiny, it looks really well finished, and it is covered in little details that make the sort of difference that can result in Pride Of Ownership (tm).

IMNSHO of course.

Yea Mr Motorcycles doesnt have one and isnt planning on getting one in anytime soon and I havent had time to go into any of the bike shops in town. Will do that sometime in the near future hopefully so I can check it out.

[klyong82]

Just go and test ride as many bikes to see which is suitable for you. I'm only a little taller than you and have had no problems tip toeing on all 4 of my CBR Fireblades.

[rosie631]

Don't think it matters. My bike is a heavy old mare and I can handle her ok.

[madbikeboy]

Okay, there is a mix of advice here.

First thing - the weight isn't the issue. Planning is. When you park a bike, or move a bike, or 180 turn, it's about chosing a course that helps you.

For example, when parking a bike, you can either ride into the park, and then have the frustration of trying to push it back out, or you can let gravity help you stick in the right place in the first place. Example - my driveway is downhill towards the garage - so I use the turnaround to allow me to point the back of the bike towards the garage - then I simply let gravity roll me back into the garage.

Forward planning beats muscle any day of the week.

So long as you can touch the ground, as others have pointed out, the bike will happily stand / roll / move so long as you balance correctly.

I can lift a GSXR off the deck, one handed with the correct technique.

Okay, since you bought up GSXR's - I reckon a GSXR is actually a good next step - it's a very forgiving bike, and if you ride with care, it's an excellent learning tool for 95% of situations. I have a GSXR1000 and a GSXR600 (track bike). GSXRTrace has a lot more experience on the road (she's been riding a while), but she's fine on her K7 GSXR600, she's your height, and she uses a lowering kit.

She is a very accomplished rider, recommend that you PM her and ask her thoughts.

You're more than welcome to have a go on the GSXR600 in a carpark, 99% of your fears are unfounded.

I've seen a chick your size ride a GullWing, complete with fridge, CB, mini bar, spa pool, and trailer. It's just technique.

[Mom]

I am only a short arse and dont weigh in excess of what I should. My own bike is heavy, but it has a low centre of gravity and it makes it easy for me to manage. I think it has been said in here anyway, it is not so much the weight of the bike, it is how the weight is distributed. For me the biggest problem I have finding a bike that fits is finding one that I can rest a reasonable portion of my feet on the ground. If I can do that then I need to be able to reach the handlebars with ease, and worst of all on one notable occassion while I could happily sit astride this bike, I could not reach the pegs :o

As far as picking heavy bikes up off the ground it is technique not pure muscle power that is the trick.

[Mom]

Okay, there is a mix of advice here.

First thing - the weight isn't the issue. Planning is. When you park a bike, or move a bike, or 180 turn, it's about chosing a course that helps you.

You very quickly get in the habit of surveying where to stop when you are vertically challenged. I got caught at one stop on what looked like level ground as far as the sidestand went. When I went to move backwards out of the place I had stopped I could not gain any backward momentum, there was a slight upwards slope. Luckily I am a girl and am sometimes happy to ask for some big manly bloke to turn my bike around for me :D

[PrincessBandit]

I too am a short arse and not overly developed in the muscle dept. which makes manhandling my bike a bit of a challenge. As others have said, it's not usually the riding that's the problem - it's the low speed, awkward shifting, loose gravel shit that creates the challenge. I seriously considered whether to get a lighter bike than the bandit ( 215 kg dry) but figured that if I still couldn't pick up a lighter bike then what was the point. May as well stick with the bike I have and love!

I have seen the "how to pick your bike up on your own" vid but have not tried it yet. I've always been lucky enough to have a kind man around to help me. And I don't fancy lying my bike over just to practice - too many sticky outy things to snap off. However there may well come a day when there is no one around to help me so I keep that vid uppermost in my mind whenever I'm out riding alone.

[Katman]

And I don't fancy lying my bike over just to practice - too many sticky outy things to snap off.

I will lay your bike down one day, very gentle-like, and give you the learnson.

[Thani-B]

Went and sat on a Gladius today. I loved it. Will go back when I have my full (hopefully next month) and then take it for a test ride.

madbikeboy - thanks for the advice and the offer, I might take you up on that sometime soon in the future.

[Metalor]

Awesome! I wants one :p

[Motu]

I've always been lucky enough to have a kind man around to help me.

Big guys are handy like that - I've had them step in and pick my bike up for me too.The trick is to look helpless,then they fall over themselves trying to help.

[AllanB]

I too am a short arse and not overly developed in the muscle dept. which makes manhandling my bike a bit of a challenge. As others have said, it's not usually the riding that's the problem - it's the low speed, awkward shifting, loose gravel shit that creates the challenge. I seriously considered whether to get a lighter bike than the bandit ( 215 kg dry) but figured that if I still couldn't pick up a lighter bike then what was the point. May as well stick with the bike I have and love!


This is some very good advice. In reality at your size if the bike is 170 or 220 kg you probably won't pick it up. Stuff it and ignore that as a purchasing consideration and buy what you like and just enjoy it. :niceone:

Treat it like a pair of womens shoes - you know those heels are a bit radical, but you just have to have them........(well that's how I buy womens shoes, bahhha haaaaaaaaaa).

[madbikeboy]

Went and sat on a Gladius today. I loved it. Will go back when I have my full (hopefully next month) and then take it for a test ride.

madbikeboy - thanks for the advice and the offer, I might take you up on that sometime soon in the future.

The Gladius is a neat looking bike. I have a friend who is going through the process of deciding what next (she's going to have a go on Scoot in a carpark soonish), and she's thinking Triumph 675 - long tangent here, but the 675 has a naked version, which is the Street Triple - and I think the Gladius is Suzuki's answer to the Street Triple...

It's a track bike, so it's going to spend some time in it's future on its side... Might as well have a go on it once it's 100% built.

[AllanB]

which is the Street Triple - and I think the Gladius is Suzuki's answer to the Street Triple....
:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

Ah - NO.

The Gladius is not and does not pretend to be a Street Triple - the Street is the little brother of the hooligan Speed Triple so in effect an adolescent version of the bigger bad boy.

By comparison the Gladius is the study nerd next door.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with the Suzuki, unfortunately I cannot stop thinking of it as a girls SV! Maybe it needs some carbon fiber bits to man it up a bit. It received a good review against the Kawa twin in Cycle World.

[one fast tl1ooo]

Weight is irrelevant, you need a bike you can touch the ground on and because you a petite person, would suggest a smaller bike such as a 500cc or 650cc.

[Thani-B]

This is some very good advice. In reality at your size if the bike is 170 or 220 kg you probably won't pick it up. Stuff it and ignore that as a purchasing consideration and buy what you like and just enjoy it. :niceone:

Yes that is what I think. Im just going to find the bike that I like and just make sure that I am able to ride it and be able to move it around in tricky situations that I may get into. And just hope I am somewhere where there is people if I drop it.


That's not to say there is anything wrong with the Suzuki, unfortunately I cannot stop thinking of it as a girls SV! Maybe it needs some carbon fiber bits to man it up a bit. It received a good review against the Kawa twin in Cycle World.

A girls SV... well that suits me fine seeing as I am one lol.


Weight is irrelevant, you need a bike you can touch the ground on and because you a petite person, would suggest a smaller bike such as a 500cc or 650cc.

And yes I don't think I would be that comfortable on a bike that I couldn't touch the ground on. I can touch the ground on the gladius, slightly more than toes on both sides but not flat foot which is alright, not the best but not too bad. Mum used to ride a 400 that she could only touch the ground with one foot when on the bike, so toes on both sides is better than that.

[MaxCannon]

The Gladius looks like a good bike. I like the styling on the older SV650 more but everyone likes different things.

Really your main concern for moving the bike around it thinking ahead.
On light bike with a low seat such as the GN you don't have to worry as much.
On a heavier bike where you might be stretching to get your feet down you need to plan you low speed movements so that the bike is always facing up hill.
Not many bikes (Goldwings perhaps ?) have a reverse gear so you can get stuck trying to push them backwards.

A Handy lesson I learnt was never get off the bike without the stand being down.
If you try and jump off the seat to move it and you havn't first put the bike on the stand properly it's quite easy to drop it and potential injure yourself.

[MarkH]

And yes I don't think I would be that comfortable on a bike that I couldn't touch the ground on. I can touch the ground on the gladius, slightly more than toes on both sides but not flat foot which is alright, not the best but not too bad.

Can it be lowered? If you can touch the ground with more than your toes on both feet at once then it sounds like it is pretty close to the right height already - maybe with a little lowering you could comfortably get both feet flat on the ground at once. I would recommend doing this if possible because it would improve your confidence with the bike in tricky situations, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

[Thani-B]

Can it be lowered? If you can touch the ground with more than your toes on both feet at once then it sounds like it is pretty close to the right height already - maybe with a little lowering you could comfortably get both feet flat on the ground at once. I would recommend doing this if possible because it would improve your confidence with the bike in tricky situations, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

I asked about having it lowered but the guy at Colemans doesnt think its a good idea. He thought maybe it could have a seat made that wasnt as high though. I might be better to invest in some boots that have really thick soles or a heel on them.

[Mom]

I asked about having it lowered but the guy at Colemans doesnt think its a good idea. He thought maybe it could have a seat made that wasnt as high though. I might be better to invest in some boots that have really thick soles or a heel on them.

If you are going to alter the seat you probably should look at the width of it as much as the height of it. Even reducing the width of the seat will make a huge difference in your ability to reach the ground. As far as raised boots go, be careful. You need to be able to get your foot under the gear lever to change gears, raise them too much and that wont be possible. High heels?

[madbikeboy]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

Ah - NO.

The Gladius is not and does not pretend to be a Street Triple - the Street is the little brother of the hooligan Speed Triple so in effect an adolescent version of the bigger bad boy.

By comparison the Gladius is the study nerd next door.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with the Suzuki, unfortunately I cannot stop thinking of it as a girls SV! Maybe it needs some carbon fiber bits to man it up a bit. It received a good review against the Kawa twin in Cycle World.

Dumb response.

The Street Triple:
Similar riding position
Both naked
2 vs 3
Similar power,
Similar feel to ride
Similar middleweight market segment

The Speed Triple is further apart from the Street than the Suzuki is - looks wise quite similar (family resemblance and styling), but riding the street is actually a different matter.

Ride all three and see. Then comment on my lack of understanding...

[awayatc]

Wrong. My mum is that weight and probably the same height, my sister would be pushing it at 50kg. There are some small woman out there! :p

Seems to me that it isn't as much the weight of the bike you should worry about .....
More a question of wether it should be equiped with seatbelts or not.....

You will fly like a kite if you ever forget to zip your jacket up on a moderately windy day.....:no:

[James Deuce]

Dumb response.

The Street Triple:
Similar riding position
Both naked
2 vs 3
Similar power,
Similar feel to ride
Similar middleweight market segment

The Speed Triple is further apart from the Street than the Suzuki is - looks wise quite similar (family resemblance and styling), but riding the street is actually a different matter.

Ride all three and see. Then comment on my lack of understanding...

I don't think you can compare a budget 650 V-Twin with a triple based on the best sports bike in the world.

The power and weight figures are wildly different between the Street Triple and the Gladius and the chassis components of the Triumph will ensure the Gladius is embarrassed in the twisties and at track days.

Street Triple: 97HP, 167KG.

Gladius: 67HP, 202KG

The Gladius' natural competitors are the ER6N, and Yamaha XJ6, bikes all made for a different purpose than the Street Triple. Even at 70HP and 167kg the SV650S isn't a direct competitor for the Street Triple.

AllanB wasn't comparing the Gladius to the Speed and Street Triple, merely pointing out the family lineage.

[Beemer]

If you are going to alter the seat you probably should look at the width of it as much as the height of it. Even reducing the width of the seat will make a huge difference in your ability to reach the ground. As far as raised boots go, be careful. You need to be able to get your foot under the gear lever to change gears, raise them too much and that wont be possible. High heels?

Agreed - I had some boots resoled with thicker soles and ended up selling them as I found them too awkward - waste of $100!

People neglect to mention bike/seat width too. My RG150 had a 780mm seat height but was really narrow and I could get both feet flat on the ground. My F650CS had a 750mm seat height but I could only just touch the ground with the balls of my feet as the seat was much wider than the RG.

[Thani-B]

Agreed - I had some boots resoled with thicker soles and ended up selling them as I found them too awkward - waste of $100!

People neglect to mention bike/seat width too. My RG150 had a 780mm seat height but was really narrow and I could get both feet flat on the ground. My F650CS had a 750mm seat height but I could only just touch the ground with the balls of my feet as the seat was much wider than the RG.

Ok so thick soles are a no no...

Where would you go to get the seat done? Is it possible on a bike like the Gladius?

[Winston001]

Where would you go to get the seat done? Is it possible on a bike like the Gladius?

Any auto upholsterer should be able to remove some of the foam and voila - lower and if you want, narrower seat.

[Starky307]

Ok so thick soles are a no no...

Where would you go to get the seat done? Is it possible on a bike like the Gladius?

PM Lula (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=10859), she had a Gladius for a while as a test bike, very dependable and reliable bike from what she said. Her profile pick even has a picture of her and it, the seat looks very thin already and not much room for trimming, maybe google lowering links for it.

Have you had any help with the picking up your bike technique yet?

[Thani-B]

PM Lula (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=10859), she had a Gladius for a while as a test bike, very dependable and reliable bike from what she said. Her profile pick even has a picture of her and it, the seat looks very thin already and not much room for trimming, maybe google lowering links for it.

Have you had any help with the picking up your bike technique yet?

Im not really into the idea of lowering it, mainly because thats not how it was manufactured and therefore not as safe as it was before it was modified. IMHO. But my views on that may change as time goes on.

And am waiting for monkeymsea to drop his bike so I can try the technique in that video but he seems to be getting better at riding (and moving it around) so it doesn't look like it will happen any time soon lol. No point me lying mine down to pick it up because I already know I can, his is heavier.

[Starky307]

Im not really into the idea of lowering it, mainly because thats not how it was manufactured and therefore not as safe as it was before it was modified. IMHO. But my views on that may change as time goes on.

And am waiting for monkeymsea to drop his bike so I can try the technique in that video but he seems to be getting better at riding (and moving it around) so it doesn't look like it will happen any time soon lol. No point me lying mine down to pick it up because I already know I can, his is heavier.

I wouldn't be worried about the mod affecting the handling of the bike by any real noticeable amount.

The two of you will be able to gracefully lay his bike down on the grass, then practice picking it up, no harm done.

[Thani-B]

The two of you will be able to gracefully lay his bike down on the grass, then practice picking it up, no harm done.

Thats if I can convince him to let me. Course I could always do it when he wasnt home. Might be hard to explain it if I cant pick it up by myself though.

[James Deuce]

I wouldn't be worried about the mod affecting the handling of the bike by any real noticeable amount.



It can turn a lovely bike into an evil handling bucket of crap. It changes rake and trail, and the rear linkage is really important in terms of how the rear shock works. We have a couple of people on this site who've had their bike "professionally lowered" by their retailer and have ended up ditching their bikes and having their confidence wrecked.

Mods front and rear need to be made in tandem with careful thought (and a bit of science) as to how they affect each other. Often bikes get lowered when all that is needed is to reshape the front of the seat to make it easier to get feet on the ground.

[Ixion]

If you are going to alter the seat you probably should look at the width of it as much as the height of it. Even reducing the width of the seat will make a huge difference in your ability to reach the ground. As far as raised boots go, be careful. You need to be able to get your foot under the gear lever to change gears, raise them too much and that wont be possible. High heels?

As one of natures short arses (bloody Igor, why can't he learn to keep the bits in matched sets ), I have given some consideration to all the "make me taller, bike shorter" options.

Boots don't really get very far. To make any significant difference you end up with something so cumbersome that it's impractical.

Some bikes can be lowered a bit, by manufacturers design. Even if the manufacturer designed the lowering kit, it will affect handling. That may be an issues, or may not. Depending on hall sorts of unpredictable factors.

Lowering a bike not designed to be lowered is more dodgy (probably technically illegal , too). The handling will be affected. Maybe badly. Might pay to ask around and see if anyone else has done it? Or find out if the operation is reversible?

Trimming seats, I done that. Can be very useful. Depends on how wide the front of the seat is, and how wide the other bike bits are. And how wide your bits are. For some incomprehensible reason manufacturers now seem to fit square seats. Which is stupid. Older bikes had them pointed at the front.

Turning the square into a point means your legs are less spread out , therefore the downward length is longer. PROVIDED that you don't end up having to splay them anyway to get past sticking out crankcases or cylinder blocks. Works better for guys than gals, because of the wider pelvic arch on females. Works best , obviously, on single cylinders.

Some bikes have lower seats available , others a seat upholsterer can remove an inch or so .

All in all, I've concluded the best solution is just to put up with it. So long as you can get one foot down tippy toe. And just accept an occasional stationary drop as part of life.

[Headbanger]

Let some air out of the tires.......

[disturbed]

Wrong. My mum is that weight and probably the same height, my sister would be pushing it at 50kg. There are some small woman out there! :p

my mum weighs about that too, and she used to ride a herritage softail springer (harley) if your worried about the weight of a bike then concentrate on the centre of gravity, a heavy bike with a low centre of gravity will be so solid on the road

[Hitcher]

Does a bike still have a dry weight when it's out in the rain?

[James Deuce]

Does a bike still have a dry weight when it's out in the rain?
Get a hobby!

[Thani-B]

It can turn a lovely bike into an evil handling bucket of crap. It changes rake and trail, and the rear linkage is really important in terms of how the rear shock works. We have a couple of people on this site who've had their bike "professionally lowered" by their retailer and have ended up ditching their bikes and having their confidence wrecked.

Mods front and rear need to be made in tandem with careful thought (and a bit of science) as to how they affect each other. Often bikes get lowered when all that is needed is to reshape the front of the seat to make it easier to get feet on the ground.


And that's why Id rather not get it lowered. Having the seat reshaped sounds like the best option.

Thanks Ixion - lots of good points.

[Hitcher]

How many roads must a bike ride down before you can call it a bike?

How much deeper would the ocean be if there were no sponges?

[MarkH]

And that's why Id rather not get it lowered. Having the seat reshaped sounds like the best option.

That would probably work well on the Gladius since you say that it is not far from the right height anyway. You would have a problem making a bike that is much too tall for you work - but a close one could probably be made to be 'just right'.

The important thing is to get the bike, get it right for you, ride it and enjoy it!

[pritch]

Lowering a bike not designed to be lowered is more dodgy (probably technically illegal , too).

Not sure about that latter bit. There was an item in the HRCNZ magazine a while back about somebody lowering dirt bikes for ladies. The Rider Seats website also refered to an item for lowering ride hight on sprot bikes.

I guess an idiot could make the bike unsafe but done properly it should be fine.

The OP's lack of height would be exaggerated by her weight being so much less than the standard 82kgs or whatever, causing the bike to sit higher than normal...

There was a website that listed bikes according to ride height, lowest to highest. It may be a bit out of date but it could be a place to start, the link was posted on KB previously.

Good bike salesmen should know which bikes will suit the vertically challenged. The really good ones even know about the opposition's models.

[Starky307]

It can turn a lovely bike into an evil handling bucket of crap. It changes rake and trail, and the rear linkage is really important in terms of how the rear shock works. We have a couple of people on this site who've had their bike "professionally lowered" by their retailer and have ended up ditching their bikes and having their confidence wrecked.

Mods front and rear need to be made in tandem with careful thought (and a bit of science) as to how they affect each other. Often bikes get lowered when all that is needed is to reshape the front of the seat to make it easier to get feet on the ground.

I agree with you completely about handling being altered dramatically if poor lowing is carried out, but when done properly it can also make a bike that was not an option fit like a glove. I did not want to get into specifics about all the in and outs of lowering bikes as I was planning to discuss it personally if I meet the OP at an upcoming SATNR (note to Thani-B, keep an eye out for a nice thursday night and come along so we can discuss this more if you wish).

Please note I also discussed the mods to the seat of the Gladius that was being spoken about and my thoughts from what I've seen is there isn't enough "meat" in the seat to shave it enough to matter so I suggested the lowering as well to help gain a little more footing and self confidence. I also recommended speaking to someone (a female as well) who has ridden the bike in my particular discussion to help with the decision making process.

[Thani-B]

I did not want to get into specifics about all the in and outs of lowering bikes as I was planning to discuss it personally if I meet the OP at an upcoming SATNR (note to Thani-B, keep an eye out for a nice thursday night and come along so we can discuss this more if you wish).


I think I will wait until I have my full (next month hopefully) and then go and test ride one to see how I am on it. I will talk to Lula, perhaps next time I go on SATNR (when its not cold or wet) and can discuss lowering and such with you if you are there.

[howdamnhard]

Listen to Ixion , Kave and Beemer for they be wise. You indeed be small but that should not matter. Weight carried high will be issue for low speed handling, fast cornering(momentum can be a bitch(counter steering helps)) and for moving it around when its off (tip don't park facing down slope , unless you can get out by moving forwards). Seat height and width will also play a major part. The GN only weighs 140 kg(from memory) so most bikes will be heavier but you will get used to this. What bikes are on your short list(no pun intended)?

[howdamnhard]

Just ride my bike around thats pretty heavy to get use to the weight and riding postition you cant do any more damage to it then I have already done =P

You be a brave but good man , offering your bike like that but a ZXR250 isn't that heavy. Still it's heavier than a GN.:laugh:

[hayd3n]

yea i notice the seat height is quite high on a gn
my friend bought a viagro 250 cos it was lower

[ital916]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPjYweKeiLk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Nice, but I can still see a 5.5' 45kg person struggling to deadlift *thats basically what you are doing* a 200+kg bike on its side especially when it is in the middle of a greasy wet road or it hass slid onto a muddy hardshoulder.

[The Stranger]

Nice, but I can still see a 5.5' 45kg person struggling to deadlift *thats basically what you are doing* a 200+kg bike on its side especially when it is in the middle of a greasy wet road or it hass slid onto a muddy hardshoulder.

Read post 31. The reason the bike went down in the first place was it was on wet grass.

[Skyryder]

Have not read all on this but it's not the weight but the ability to balance the bike. At a stationary position this is governed by your height and the height of seat from the ground. While it is not necessary to be able to place the entire foot on the ground you need more than your tippy toes.

At slower speeds it comes down to experiance. There was a clip on here on Japaense biker cops. From what I saw most looked short but this did not resrict their abilty to 'perform' at slow speeds.

Skyryder

[MarkH]

Have not read all on this but it's not the weight but the ability to balance the bike. At a stationary position this is governed by your height and the height of seat from the ground. While it is not necessary to be able to place the entire foot on the ground you need more than your tippy toes.

At slower speeds it comes down to experiance. There was a clip on here on Japaense biker cops. From what I saw most looked short but this did not resrict their abilty to 'perform' at slow speeds.

Skyryder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWaq0zOaAVU

The riders are not too short too easily get their feet on the ground. The weight of the bike isn't a problem if you are well balanced. Those Japanese cops don't use their bodyweight to manoeuvre the bikes - they use their skill & experience to get the most out of the controls (throttle, clutch, brakes & steering) and that clearly works well.

[Thani-B]

You indeed be small but that should not matter.

lol!



What bikes are on your short list(no pun intended)?

Um Gladius is at the top of the list so far, but along the likes of the SV650, GSXR600. But was thinking of perhaps getting a CB400 or 400 Bandit first. Depending on what I can find, what I like riding (after playing on a few) and how my finances are looking at the time.

[fatzx10r]

As a rider you can generally ride a bike that is 3 (or is it 4?) times heavier than you

hell, anything 4 times heavier than me and i'd need an HT licence just to ride it, lmao

[Thani-B]

hell, anything 4 times heavier than me and i'd need an HT licence just to ride it, lmao

lol Im planning on getting that licence too once Ive got my full bike one.

[howdamnhard]

lol!



Um Gladius is at the top of the list so far, but along the likes of the SV650, GSXR600. But was thinking of perhaps getting a CB400 or 400 Bandit first. Depending on what I can find, what I like riding (after playing on a few) and how my finances are looking at the time.

Did you get that breakdown of the various bike specs I sent you. Other bikes to try would be ERN6 (or F faired) and Versys.

[balans]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWaq0zOaAVU

The riders are not too short too easily get their feet on the ground. The weight of the bike isn't a problem if you are well balanced. Those Japanese cops don't use their bodyweight to manoeuvre the bikes - they use their skill & experience to get the most out of the controls (throttle, clutch, brakes & steering) and that clearly works well.

That was cool.
Youtube suggested this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwsnk1pdnts after I watched that video. It has a kid a couple feet tall stunting on a minibike. Yeah not really what you'd call a heavy bike but cool all the same.

[Thani-B]

Did you get that breakdown of the various bike specs I sent you. Other bikes to try would be ERN6 (or F faired) and Versys.

Yea I did thanks. Just need to spend the time to convert all the measurements etc. Which Im a bit short of at the moment lol.

[James Deuce]

Did you get that breakdown of the various bike specs I sent you. Other bikes to try would be ERN6 (or F faired) and Versys.

ER6 yes. She'd need a ladder for the Versys, plus outriggers for those pesky immobile moments.

[howdamnhard]

True I forgot the versys is tall.Thanks for the reminder.

[howdamnhard]

Just need to spend the time to convert all the measurements etc. Which Im a bit short of at the moment lol.

Ye sorry I didn't have the time either. Went for a night ride Thursday night with the Sth Akl Thursday night boys. Didn't know where the hell I was but was good fun outback roads of Drury,Wiauku and Pukekohe. Had one moment when the front slid out on gravel on an apex but it regained grip. Nice clear night if not a bit chilly.

[KYOTIK]

when looking at bikes weight was not the issue hight is iv got a zxr kawasaki and and can touch the ground fine but when i had a ride on my m8s sizuki dr400 motard it was very difficult when i stoped even though it is light as i am a short ass i could only just touch the ground making it hard to ballance

[denefoster]

For what it's worth, my partner is of similar size (5'5", 52Kg) and rides a 94 KLE 250 as her first bike. It's a pretty tall/heavy (140Kg dry) dual purpose bike, original seat height was 805mm and we've had some foam cut out which makes the seat 780mm now. She wasn't too keen on it, as she couldn't get both feet on the ground like she could at her 1 day training course (GN125 or CB100 or something like that). But she's learned to scoot onto one butt cheek, be happy with just one foot down, and learn where not to stop. She still eyes up the GNs with the even lower seats.. but she's persevering, and I think not relying on two flat feet will actually pay out in the end. Not to mention the planning low speed maneuvering and other thinking thats required.

[Thani-B]

Ye sorry I didn't have the time either. Went for a night ride Thursday night with the Sth Akl Thursday night boys. Didn't know where the hell I was but was good fun outback roads of Drury,Wiauku and Pukekohe. Had one moment when the front slid out on gravel on an apex but it regained grip. Nice clear night if not a bit chilly.

SATNR.. Ive done it once, been planning on doing it again but Im too much of a wuss, dont like cold and wet, so prob wont do it again until summer.


She still eyes up the GNs with the even lower seats.. but she's persevering, and I think not relying on two flat feet will actually pay out in the end. Not to mention the planning low speed maneuvering and other thinking thats required.

I agree with you with that. I think that mastering it while you are learning to ride will definitely help in the long run. I feel like I am going to have to learn to ride again when I move on to bigger bikes, but not much I can do about it now.

[howdamnhard]

SATNR.. Ive done it once, been planning on doing it again but Im too much of a wuss, dont like cold and wet, so prob wont do it again until summer.



I agree with you with that. I think that mastering it while you are learning to ride will definitely help in the long run. I feel like I am going to have to learn to ride again when I move on to bigger bikes, but not much I can do about it now.

Yeh its cold but don't let that stop you riding.It was a beautiful day today, I hope you got out on your bike.There must be some nice roads out your way and some other learner riders there to.Get together or just go for a ride by yourself,but go.Practice makes you better. Ride in the day when the weather is nice,learn what you can from more experienced riders and then try apply it.

Any new bike is like learning to ride again to some degree and is a good thing until you laern and master its nuances,those who don't often come unstuck.

[Thani-B]

Yeh its cold but don't let that stop you riding.It was a beautiful day today, I hope you got out on your bike.There must be some nice roads out your way and some other learner riders there to.Get together or just go for a ride by yourself,but go.Practice makes you better. Ride in the day when the weather is nice,learn what you can from more experienced riders and then try apply it.

Any new bike is like learning to ride again to some degree and is a good thing until you laern and master its nuances,those who don't often come unstuck.

Yes went out today, out to Kariotahi for a picnic with monkeymsea. And had a short ride yesterday as well. Last time I rode in the cold I got one lol. I struggle to stay warm normally so riding in the cold isnt a very good option for me.

[howdamnhard]

Yes went out today, out to Kariotahi for a picnic with monkeymsea. And had a short ride yesterday as well. Last time I rode in the cold I got one lol. I struggle to stay warm normally so riding in the cold isnt a very good option for me.

Good to hear you got out and about with monkeymsea. I to have trouble staying warm having no insulation on me bones.

[Muppet]

Even a very small chick (or guy) can pick up quite a large bike if they use the correct technique.

Jesus, don't dpex hear you say that!!!!!!:dodge:

[DIN PELENDA]

Nobody weighs 45kg. That's about the size of a decent lunch.My 9 year old son weighs 45 kg, and my big dog Rote , but trust me my friend Tiny Bee is around 45 kg.

[Snails pace]

Big guys are handy like that - I've had them step in and pick my bike up for me too.The trick is to look helpless,then they fall over themselves trying to help.

A gray beard helps as well.:rolleyes:

[madbikeboy]

Yes went out today, out to Kariotahi for a picnic with monkeymsea. And had a short ride yesterday as well. Last time I rode in the cold I got one lol. I struggle to stay warm normally so riding in the cold isnt a very good option for me.

Polyprops from Kathmandu. Wait for their 50% off sales and they're reasonably priced. Neck warmer is also a good idea. Or a balaclava (for the giggle factor at servo's mostly). Also, good socks and polyprop gloves. I suffer from the cold as well.

[Thani-B]

Polyprops from Kathmandu. Wait for their 50% off sales and they're reasonably priced. Neck warmer is also a good idea. Or a balaclava (for the giggle factor at servo's mostly). Also, good socks and polyprop gloves. I suffer from the cold as well.

Yes I seem to be living in my thermals at the moment. Neck warmer, hmm think I might add that to my list of things to buy.

[James Deuce]

Polyprops from Kathmandu. Wait for their 50% off sales and they're reasonably priced. Neck warmer is also a good idea. Or a balaclava (for the giggle factor at servo's mostly). Also, good socks and polyprop gloves. I suffer from the cold as well.

Check prices carefully.

They've been prosecuted before, and they will be again for selling stuff at full price with a 50% off sticker on it.

[Owl]

Perhaps look at the merino thermals from the Warehouse. They often have 50% off and they're much nicer than polyprops. On sale, a top will be about $25 and $20 for the lower half.

[caseye]

Thani-B whatever you do, take your time, if you go straight to a bigger (750) make damnd sure it fits well.
Don't get any bike lowered ask Pretty Billy about having that done on her first (race prepped) GXr.
It's pleasing to see so many people here offering their ideas and support, I wish that those who thought it inconsequential to throw away lines like
" stick to scooters" had at the very least taken the time to ask if you were a confident/competent rider and or to actually see you ride, as many of us in these threads have.
Don't worry about them though, main thing, get a good fit for you, I know you'll be able to ride it, I've seen the way you handle that GN.

[sinned]

I almost didn't test ride a Tiger as it was on the side stand on a sloping footpath, outside Motorad, and I could only just lift it up. However, once it was up I thought what the hell ride it anyway - nice bike but too tall for me.

You need to be able to lift a bike that is overleaned on the sidestand.
You need to have enough leg movement to shuffle a bike back and forth while straddling it. Especially is the surface has loose stuff eg pea metal.
Wide bars and a narrow seat make it easier to manhandle a bike.

If weight was the prime factor no one would be able to ride a Harley. The low seat and wide bar offsets the excessive weight.

[Mystic13]

Yes went out today, out to Kariotahi for a picnic with monkeymsea. And had a short ride yesterday as well. Last time I rode in the cold I got one lol. I struggle to stay warm normally so riding in the cold isnt a very good option for me.

I notice you and another rider talking about being normally cold. I'm a normally hot person. If you google "hot and cold foods" etc you can find some info. In Asia they understand this. Some foods/drinks make you hot and some make you cold.

In the summer heat in Asia it's best to drink "cold" drinks. In the west we think cold as in freezing but that's not the case. Some drinks will lower the body temperature and some will raise it. As do certain foods.

Over the hot days in summer and when my body temp is up I make a point of avoiding "hot" foods (that increase my body temp) and eating/drink "cold".

I find this incredibly useful.

Outside of that when riding plastic on the outside keeps you warmest. I carry a two piece wet for rain but on a cold night (real cold) in the central North Island plastic is my friend. A year ago when my bike was building up a snow cone on the front screen going through the desert road other riders with me stopped and complained of being frozen through with their cordura and thermal liner and thermals. I was toasty warm. I must get a plastic cover for my boots though.

Plastic wet gear is my friend.

[BMWST?]

I notice you and another rider talking about being normally cold. I'm a normally hot person. If you google "hot and cold foods" etc you can find some info. In Asia they understand this. Some foods/drinks make you hot and some make you cold.

In the summer heat in Asia it's best to drink "cold" drinks. In the west we think cold as in freezing but that's not the case. Some drinks will lower the body temperature and some will raise it. As do certain foods.

Over the hot days in summer and when my body temp is up I make a point of avoiding "hot" foods (that increase my body temp) and eating/drink "cold".

I find this incredibly useful.

Outside of that when riding plastic on the outside keeps you warmest. I carry a two piece wet for rain but on a cold night (real cold) in the central North Island plastic is my friend. A year ago when my bike was building up a snow cone on the front screen going through the desert road other riders with me stopped and complained of being frozen through with their cordura and thermal liner and thermals. I was toasty warm. I must get a plastic cover for my boots though.

Plastic wet gear is my friend.

plastic = a truly imperviuos extra layer...

[Pwalo]

I almost didn't test ride a Tiger as it was on the side stand on a sloping footpath, outside Motorad, and I could only just lift it up. However, once it was up I thought what the hell ride it anyway - nice bike but too tall for me.

You need to be able to lift a bike that is overleaned on the sidestand.
You need to have enough leg movement to shuffle a bike back and forth while straddling it. Especially is the surface has loose stuff eg pea metal.
Wide bars and a narrow seat make it easier to manhandle a bike.

If weight was the prime factor no one would be able to ride a Harley. The low seat and wide bar offsets the excessive weight.

Yes indeedy. Although it's nice to have a bike that's not too heavy, seat height is a big factor. 800mm and 170kg (dry) is about right for me.

[Thani-B]

Yes indeedy. Although it's nice to have a bike that's not too heavy, seat height is a big factor. 800mm and 170kg (dry) is about right for me.

Yes Im currently test riding bikes to see how I fit them, well have just started to, so far have only taken out an SV650 but should be taking out some others this weekend.

[James Deuce]

Seat shape is really important, more so than seat height. You'll sometimes be surprised by a bike with a seat height cms higher than something you normally ride and find you can get both feet flat on the ground.

Conversely, some less altitudinally (sic) inclined people will go for a cruiser because it looks like your butt is almost on the ground only to find that the engine width is such that they can only get one foot on terra firma at a time and the footpegs are too far away for comfort.

[Pwalo]

Seat shape is really important, more so than seat height. You'll sometimes be surprised by a bike with a seat height cms higher than something you normally ride and find you can get both feet flat on the ground.

Conversely, some less altitudinally (sic) inclined people will go for a cruiser because it looks like your butt is almost on the ground only to find that the engine width is such that they can only get one foot on terra firma at a time and the footpegs are too far away for comfort.

Very good point Mr Deuce. I find that sport(ier) bikes are easier to handle because they tend to be slimmer and their seats are cut away more at the front. Does indeed help in getting your feet on the ground. (That always assumes that you can throw a leg over the beast to get on and off).

[Thani-B]

Idle was going to let me ride his bike if I could touch the ground on it hehe, yeah right. Got one leg over and it was still about half a metre off the ground. Would have been interesting to try. Stopping would have been a problem though. Maybe if I had someone beside me to catch the bike when I stopped...

[peasea]

Idle was going to let me ride his bike if I could touch the ground on it hehe, yeah right. Got one leg over and it was still about half a metre off the ground. Would have been interesting to try. Stopping would have been a problem though. Maybe if I had someone beside me to catch the bike when I stopped...

Has anyone near you got a HD Sporty? You might be surprised. My misus is a shorty (who rides a Sporty, oh the poetry...)

Whatever you glean from all this b/s you will have to be comfortable on the machine. Don't be swayed by weight, engine size or sales pitch. It's nobodys machine but yours, you and it need to fit.

I'm not a big guy (5ft 10ins) but I fit my Wideglide HD like a glove, it's like a second lounge chair. That's how I like to ride. If you like to ride 'bum up' then that sort of machine isn't for you. I prefer the 'feet in the wind' posture. This is all about you, so you need to find a machine that suits your 'feel'.

Don't rush into anything.

[rie]

Did I hear correctly? Did that "how to pick up a bike" youtube vid suggest that Georgia lie down on the asphalt to get help?

This is more helpful. 5'3" (160cm) woman weighing 118lb (53kg) picks up her 600lb (272kg) BMW


http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html#video


As for short/light people riding, it can only make you a better rider. I find myself constantly alert to surface conditions and even the slightest incline makes me reconsider my parking strategy. Realising that you can't just waddle your bike out of awkward places and that your weight will compromise your ability to push it around as well, you will learn very fast that you need to use your brain.

[Thani-B]

Did I hear correctly? Did that "how to pick up a bike" youtube vid suggest that Georgia lie down on the asphalt to get help?

This is more helpful. 5'3" (160cm) woman weighing 118lb (53kg) picks up her 600lb (272kg) BMW


http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html#video


I suppose if all else fails, and you cant get the bike up, lying down would get people's attention and hopefully someone would stop to help.

But that was a good link. Something I will have to remember.

[Ixion]

Very good point Mr Deuce. I find that sport(ier) bikes are easier to handle because they tend to be slimmer and their seats are cut away more at the front. Does indeed help in getting your feet on the ground. (That always assumes that you can throw a leg over the beast to get on and off).

That's easily solved. Use the footpegs and mount like mounting a horse. Left foot on peg, lift up and right leg over (dismount the same way).

[rosie631]

Did I hear correctly? Did that "how to pick up a bike" youtube vid suggest that Georgia lie down on the asphalt to get help?

This is more helpful. 5'3" (160cm) woman weighing 118lb (53kg) picks up her 600lb (272kg) BMW


http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html#video


As for short/light people riding, it can only make you a better rider. I find myself constantly alert to surface conditions and even the slightest incline makes me reconsider my parking strategy. Realising that you can't just waddle your bike out of awkward places and that your weight will compromise your ability to push it around as well, you will learn very fast that you need to use your brain.

Hey, thanks for that link. Wish I had seen that before I had to try to pick my 300kg bike up. Tried 3 times, put my back out. Had to swallow my pride and ask a mate to do it for me.

[george formby]

I've squizzed most of this thread & a lot of info dwells on the downside of a bikes weight. They are all heavy & your ability to handle the bike whether riding it or pushing it round the garage boils down to confidence, technique & forward planning. Some of the greatest Paris - Dakar endurance racers are only knee high to a grasshopper & ride huge, heavy bikes, their crews often have a wee box so they can climb off the bike at the end of the day. Ride what you fancy & find the bike which gives you the confidence. Plan ahead at all times & think and act positively. When you ride a bike it goe's where you look, don't look at the trees!

[Goblin]

I've squizzed most of this thread & a lot of info dwells on the downside of a bikes weight. They are all heavy & your ability to handle the bike whether riding it or pushing it round the garage boils down to confidence, technique & forward planning. Some of the greatest Paris - Dakar endurance racers are only knee high to a grasshopper & ride huge, heavy bikes, their crews often have a wee box so they can climb off the bike at the end of the day. Ride what you fancy & find the bike which gives you the confidence. Plan ahead at all times & think and act positively. When you ride a bike it goe's where you look, don't look at the trees!Too true! There are so many threads in here about shorties who feel they have to be able to touch the ground with both feet flat. It is a confidence thing and all about using your head.

Years ago there was a tiny woman here on a water bucket who had to shift her whole butt off the seat to get one foot down at the lights. She had no problem because she kept the bike balanced, so she never dropped it.

Then there was the mighty Buster Saunders who raced at the Casterol 6 Hour Race. This guy was a dwarf! He'd run along beside the bike, left leg on the left peg then swing his right leg over.

The weight of a bike shouldn't be a problem as long as you keep it balanced.

Any small person should be able to ride any sized/weight bike they fancy, if they are confident in their own ability.

If you're not confident...stick to a small light bike that you can reach the ground flat feet, and pick up if you drop it.

edit: More of a problem would be being too tall and not being able to find a bike big enough to fit.:crazy:

[FJRider]

The weight of a bike shouldn't be a problem as long as you keep it balanced.

Any small person should be able to ride any sized/weight bike they fancy, if they are confident in their own ability.

If you're not confident...stick to a small light bike that you can reach the ground flat feet, and pick up if you drop it.

Confidence is the key ... smaller bikes give this, but takes time too. Dont rush the confidence thing, at your own pace.... if you want a particular bike, find a way to get it, and be able to ride it confidently.

[george formby]

Ahh, Goblin. That's me! As much as I would love to own a sportsbike I just don't fit. Recently had a fang on a fireblade & I could barely move after 60km's. Tis a shame because I would love to spend some time on a 675 Triumph or GSXR 750. I love good handling bikes but for comfort I'm lumped with big wobbly ones.