Bike suggestions for a really short rider?

[jaffaonajappa]

Well, my girlfriend is keen on getting a bike. She been riding scooters for ever, but never been on a bike. Well, on the front.
Shes not into going fast - much to my chagrin she likes Harleys and doesnt like sportbikes. That Speights add springs to mind...'its hard finding the perfect woman'.

With a reasonable budget - can you suggest some bikes that might suit her? Ideally under 10k, but could stretch a little higher for something in great condition, or New.
Not worrying about the 250cc laws - this is a few months away (LAMS) and we arent really that well known for being anal sticklers to the rulebook....

Only problem is. Missus is 5' zero = 152 centimetres. Short assed, and not the strongest lass.

Any recommendations?

[Grant`]

a bigger scooter :killingme

Would probably suggest a cruiser of some sort for low seat height in all honesty though, However if your not going to stick to the 250 side of things trial and error is probably the easiest way to get a definitive answer as there is so many of them to choose from.

[James Deuce]

<img src=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/BIG_Wheel_%283327257572%29.jpg/800px-BIG_Wheel_%283327257572%29.jpg>

[hellokitty]

Harley trike? :killingme Or one of the low Harleys - Madduck had one and she is rather short.... are they called the XL or something?
I am 5 foot 5 inches and I have a 1200cc Sporty that would be way too tall for anyone shorter

[hellokitty]

http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl.html

A list of bikes for shorter people

[MadDuck]

Madduck had one and she is rather short....

That really really hurts. Truely it does :weep: I cant help being as tall as I am. I blame my mother.

On a serious note I have a XL1200L. Very good for hobbits :lol:

[jaffaonajappa]

yeah, might have to look at the harleys.....883 with a super low seat kinda deal.

But....That would mean going to an HD dealership, grrr.

[jaffaonajappa]

That really really hurts. Truely it does :weep: I cant help being as tall as I am. I blame my mother.

On a serious note I have a XL1200L. Very good for hobbits :lol:

How tall are you madduck? If ya dont mind my asking....too much?

[jaffaonajappa]

http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl.html

A list of bikes for shorter people

thank you!
But.....that list had the Gpz305 Arghhhhh, lol. Most horrible bike ever made.
But, its good to see some web thingies have considered shorties already

[Chooky]

Suzuki 650 Boulevard......
A friend had one, she was 5 foot nothing and could put both feet on the ground.
I would follow on my rice burner and it always made me laugh because all the Harley dudes would wave to her.
From front on it looks like a little Harley.

[jaffaonajappa]

Suzuki 650 Boulevard......
A friend had one, she was 5 foot nothing and could put both feet on the ground.
I would follow on my rice burner and it always made me laugh because all the Harley dudes would wave to her.
From front on it looks like a little Harley.

Excellent!!
This is the renamed Savage - biggish single yeah?
Sounds ideal actually. Thank you!!

[jaffaonajappa]

Katana - I still like the shape.
But the 40cc IL4 design, and sporty looks...."I" like that. She wont.
Cheers tho.

[Virago]

For ease of handling, she will basically be limited to the cruisers.

While you're not keen on a 250, I personally think she would be better on a 250. She'd be fine on something like a Yamaha Virago 250 - at 5 foot she should be almost flat-footed when sitting on it.

Perhaps a Suzuki Boulevard 650 - but they are a cheaply built commuter bike, single cylinder, with crap suspension.

If she's determined to get on something bigger, get her to sit on a Honda Shadow 750 - it's got the lowest seat in the mid-sized class. But it's pretty heavy - without height she needs her own weight to balance the weight of the bike. If she's lightly built herself, she's going to drop a big bike quite regularly, and not be able to pick it up.

[Katman]

Katana - I still like the shape.
But the 40cc IL4 design, and sporty looks...."I" like that. She wont.
Cheers tho.

Don't worry - I re-read your first post and deleted mine.

[Mad-V2]

Or there are these......... CLICKY (http://image.made-in-china.com/2f1j00CtEQRVrGDawT/Mini-Harley-Scooter-SV-HA05-.jpg) :lol:

[jaffaonajappa]

For ease of handling, she will basically be limited to the cruisers.

While you're not keen on a 250, I personally think she would be better on a 250. She'd be fine on something like a Yamaha Virago 250 - at 5 foot she should be almost flat-footed when sitting on it.

Perhaps a Suzuki Boulevard 650 - but they are a cheaply built commuter bike, single cylinder, with crap suspension.

If she's determined to get on something bigger, get her to sit on a Honda Shadow 750 - it's got the lowest seat in the mid-sized class. But it's pretty heavy - without height she needs her own weight to balance the weight of the bike. If she's lightly built herself, she's going to drop a big bike quite regularly, and not be able to pick it up.

Yeah, some good points.
Im not ruling out 250's, just mean the CC rating is not a constraint - am happy going bigger.

The Virago 250 - I was looking at one on the showroom floor recently, very nice. But assumes they would be a bit gutless on the open roads? And to be honest - the 250's dont seem to be as good value for money as the bigger bikes.

The Boulevard - Suzuki 650 single. It has a poor reputation? I havent seen any....may have to visit Colemans to have a look. Commuters are fine - kind of like the older jappa bikes - most of them would be classed as a commuter these days. Im thinking a 650 single would be fine at the open road speeds, 90 to 110. (I did say shes not into going fast!) Seems like pretty good value actually....looking at this one. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-319827773.htm

and yes, ease of handling, carparks - driveways - stopping - im guessing these would all be primary areas of concern for a really short rider. Especially one thats used to a 100 kg scooter, not a 200-250 kg bike. So being able to easily reach the ground outweighs any other consideration.

[MadDuck]

How tall are you madduck? If ya dont mind my asking....too much?

I am taller than your girlfriend :banana: but not by very much

She really needs to go out and try some for size. It should be her call what she feels comfy with. Dont let weight be an issue, mine is 253kg dry and I can pick it up....I know this through experience.

[Virago]

...The Virago 250 - I was looking at one on the showroom floor recently, very nice. But assumes they would be a bit gutless on the open roads? And to be honest - the 250's dont seem to be as good value for money as the bigger bikes...

You'd be suprised. My beloved is of fairly solid build, and tends to load her 250 up when we're touring (women never travel light...). She can sit comfortably at 100-110, and can wind it up to 130ish (with a bit of a run-up). She gets a bit frustrated on hills, but she's happy on her 250.


The Boulevard - Suzuki 650 single. It has a poor reputation? I havent seen any....may have to visit Colemans to have a look...

A friend had one - it would "bound" around corners - the rear suspension was useless. The belt-drive was always playing up too. She traded it on a Kawasaki VN900, and never looked back.


...and yes, ease of handling, carparks - driveways - stopping - im guessing these would all be primary areas of concern for a really short rider. Especially one thats used to a 100 kg scooter, not a 200-250 kg bike. So being able to easily reach the ground outweighs any other consideration.

Seat height can be misleading - most mid-sized or large cruisers are quite wide - meaning it's hard for short-arses to get solid footing. Balancing 250kg on tip-toes can be a problem, and if you can't push the bike backwards using your feet, you're in trouble.

Footpeg position is also an issue - feet on ground is one issue - if she can't comfortably reach the controls it's rather pointless. She needs to sit on as many bikes as possible.

Also with cruisers, look for something with "buckhorn" bars, they'll suit her shorter arms. The stubby "drag bars" can be a bit of a stretch.

[jaffaonajappa]

Thank you - yeah, guess she needs to try some out. Was thinking of a surprise buy, but hmmm.

Any thoughts on them low seat height 883's?
Im thinking a HD would hold its value better? - last longer? - definitely would provide her with some serious ownership 'pride', - easy to handle for a learner?

[Edbear]

Thank you - yeah, guess she needs to try some out. Was thinking of a surprise buy, but hmmm.

Any thoughts on them low seat height 883's?
Im thinking a HD would hold its value better? - last longer? - definitely would provide her with some serious ownership 'pride', - easy to handle for a learner?

Can I modestly suggest you take a look at mine..? :innocent:

[jaffaonajappa]

Can I modestly suggest you take a look at mine..? :innocent:

C50T?
Ok, im really Not a huge cruiser fan. And I dont know the bikes....but the C50T looks like a large and heavy cruiser? Vs an 883 or S40 looking small and ummmm petite.
Or, do the pics not do the bike justice. Scuse my ignorance here....

[Virago]

Thank you - yeah, guess she needs to try some out. Was thinking of a surprise buy, but hmmm...

A lovely thought, but not wise. Bike fit is absolutely critical for the short-arses.


Any thoughts on them low seat height 883's?
Im thinking a HD would hold its value better? - last longer? - definitely would provide her with some serious ownership 'pride', - easy to handle for a learner?

The 883 Sporty is an awesome bike - although I've not seen one of the new Superlow bikes in the flesh. Good value for money. Mid-mounted foot-controls (not a big stretch) - same as the the buckhorn bars. A bike actually built for shorties...

[Virago]

C50T?
Ok, im really Not a huge cruiser fan. And I dont know the bikes....but the C50T looks like a large and heavy cruiser?

Seriously too big...:yes:

[jaffaonajappa]

A lovely thought, but not wise. Bike fit is absolutely critical for the short-arses.



The 883 Sporty is an awesome bike - although I've not seen one of the new Superlow bikes in the flesh. Good value for money. Mid-mounted foot-controls (not a big stretch) - same as the the buckhorn bars. A bike actually built for shorties...

Cheers Virago - Im not yet sure if I do a surprise buy, or somehow get her to try heaps of bikes and then do a surprise buy, or just be a sensible prick and let her chose one. And its still probably two months or so till I get any monies.

A 2nd hand S40 or similar may be the way to go, possibly a cruiser 250. around 5k for a good one. otherwise around 12k for whats probably her 'ultimate dream' type bike - an 883.

Could be touring this summer :)

[baptist]

Cheers Virago - Im not yet sure if I do a surprise buy, or somehow get her to try heaps of bikes and then do a surprise buy, or just be a sensible prick and let her chose one. And its still probably two months or so till I get any monies.

A 2nd hand S40 or similar may be the way to go, possibly a cruiser 250. around 5k for a good one. otherwise around 12k for whats probably her 'ultimate dream' type bike - an 883.

Could be touring this summer :)

I have an S40 :facepalm::facepalm: OK so I like cheap singles that lack power but other than that it's OK. Open road speeds are fine (I have a givi screen) as long as she is not into going to much over the legal limit. I read good and bad reports about them, so figured I would give one a go, so far so good. Everyone likes different things, get her to try one. I know on longer rides they are not the most comfortable bikes (mine is a 2004 though, oh and I am fat!!!!!).

[scumdog]

The 883 Sporty is an awesome bike - although I've not seen one of the new Superlow bikes in the flesh. Good value for money. Mid-mounted foot-controls (not a big stretch) - same as the the buckhorn bars. A bike actually built for shorties...

Yep, I'd recommend trying a Superlow - remembering the ground clearance is not as good as say a 1200Sportser 'S'.

Or swap yer doris for a big leggy mare that can ride anything...:dodge::doh:

[Gone Burger]

I am 5 foot 4 and had a Boulevard M50z. Great height for me, and would still be pretty darn good for someone shorter. Only downside was it weighed about 275kg and was a super heavy bike to park etc. I did get used to it, but it took me a little while as I'm only 48kg (45 now after this bloody accident! - Not on the bully).

It wasn't a harley but it had a great almost agressive muscle look to it and often got mistaken for a harley. :facepalm: Beautiful ride too. Served me very well.

[jaffaonajappa]

Or swap yer doris for a big leggy mare that can ride anything...:dodge::doh:

Heh. But. I like the fact Doris is unlucky with her choice in Rides. Whereas a leggy mare might jump a fence.....?

[jaffaonajappa]

I am 5 foot 4 and had a Boulevard M50z. Great height for me, and would still be pretty darn good for someone shorter. Only downside was it weighed about 275kg and was a super heavy bike to park etc. I did get used to it, but it took me a little while as I'm only 48kg (45 now after this bloody accident! - Not on the bully).

It wasn't a harley but it had a great almost agressive muscle look to it and often got mistaken for a harley. :facepalm: Beautiful ride too. Served me very well.

Whoa, kudos. Thats a big bike.....and yeah, my ga;l is 5 foot flat (no, not flat headed)....and well....i guess i can ask her.... But im sure shed freak out at trying to manouver a bike that big (M50).

[Virago]

I am 5 foot 4 and had a Boulevard M50z. Great height for me, and would still be pretty darn good for someone shorter. Only downside was it weighed about 275kg and was a super heavy bike to park etc. I did get used to it, but it took me a little while as I'm only 48kg (45 now after this bloody accident! - Not on the bully).

It wasn't a harley but it had a great almost agressive muscle look to it and often got mistaken for a harley. :facepalm: Beautiful ride too. Served me very well.

Yeah, I'm impressed that you could handle it - well done. Body weight makes a huge difference when handling a big cruiser - just lifting it off the side stand can be a challenge for the light-framed shorter riders.

[Metastable]

My wife is pretty short... and has short legs.

Bikes that fit her:
Buell Blast (you'd have to buy it used)
CBR125
Ninja 250

I don't see how a Sportster 883 would be too high.... they are pretty low already, but heavy. I also wouldn't want my wife to be riding anything that is too low.... some bikes you can sneeze and be grinding something. Forget that unless you are riding straight roads and posing.

[trustme]

Is a GPX 250 too tall. My wife ride one for 2 years before I got her a mag wheel Bonnie. The wife is shortish & very light , she coped fine on the GPX , did a few longer rides like the Cold Kiwi. The heavier bikes can be pretty unnerving at low speeds for a short light person, personally I'd get a lighter bike first. I've seen a few women put off because their partner pushes them too far too soon.
GPX is still in the garage if she wanted a bo peep.

[Maha]

Excellent!!
This is the renamed Savage - biggish single yeah?
Sounds ideal actually. Thank you!!

Fucken cheap brand new also...$6-7K?

[Edbear]

C50T?
Ok, im really Not a huge cruiser fan. And I dont know the bikes....but the C50T looks like a large and heavy cruiser? Vs an 883 or S40 looking small and ummmm petite.
Or, do the pics not do the bike justice. Scuse my ignorance here....


Seriously too big...:yes:

Yeah, a bit big for her I think. My wife was wanting a VL250 Boulevard after trying them all for size and if she's a light person they'll happily keep up on the open road. I recall a test where they were two-up with two male testers and they were cruising at 115km/h on the M/way, so for one small person they should be great. If she's starting out, I'd definitely ease her into it with a bike she can handle power/size wise, otherwise you'll put her off very quickly.

[jaffaonajappa]

cheers guys, sooo many bikes out there now. And so much cheaper than they used to be :)

[boman]

Well, my girlfriend is keen on getting a bike. She been riding scooters for ever, but never been on a bike. Well, on the front.
Shes not into going fast - much to my chagrin she likes Harleys and doesnt like sportbikes. That Speights add springs to mind...'its hard finding the perfect woman'.

With a reasonable budget - can you suggest some bikes that might suit her? Ideally under 10k, but could stretch a little higher for something in great condition, or New.
Not worrying about the 250cc laws - this is a few months away (LAMS) and we arent really that well known for being anal sticklers to the rulebook....

Only problem is. Missus is 5' zero = 152 centimetres. Short assed, and not the strongest lass.

Any recommendations?

If a 250 cruiser is an option, then Mr Motorcycles, in Pukekohe, has a Yamaha 250 cruiser for sale in there. They should do you a good deal, or let her sit on it.

[Devil]

The missus is 5'0". She's currently riding a lowered Super Sherpa adv bike. Getting used to one foot on the ground has greatly increased her confidence in riding other bikes though. Much lighter than a cruiser, but the poor thing has a hard time on the highway.

I think the 883 Low is just the right size. Beware however, we're pretty sure (after sitting on both) that the last few years worth of the 883 Low, is NOT the same as the current model 883 superlow. Seat height on paper might be about the same, but she swears the superlow is wider, which makes it unrideable. We've never had the two side by side though.

M50 and C50 are way too big for her.

[jaffaonajappa]

The missus is 5'0". She's currently riding a lowered Super Sherpa adv bike. Getting used to one foot on the ground has greatly increased her confidence in riding other bikes though. Much lighter than a cruiser, but the poor thing has a hard time on the highway.

I think the 883 Low is just the right size. Beware however, we're pretty sure (after sitting on both) that the last few years worth of the 883 Low, is NOT the same as the current model 883 superlow. Seat height on paper might be about the same, but she swears the superlow is wider, which makes it unrideable. We've never had the two side by side though.

M50 and C50 are way too big for her.

Cheers man.
Missus sat on a GN250 and lol....hated it. Phew.
I ha d a sit on a 883SL yesterday - damn its a nice bike. Too nice for a learner - but. Anyway, I dont know what the old 883's were like, but the SL seat wasnt very wide at the front....but yeah was shaped for a full sized backside to the rear. Sounds like just her thing :P

[Ender EnZed]

Don't rule out the 250 v-twin cruisers. They go almost as well as the 750s and are much lighter and easier to handle at low speed. I'm sure a Virago or a Hyosung GV250 would be at least as quick as an S40.

[Old Steve]

Don't rule out the 250 v-twin cruisers. They go almost as well as the 750s and are much lighter and easier to handle at low speed. I'm sure a Virago or a Hyosung GV250 would be at least as quick as an S40.

Yeah, I was thinking of the Suzuki Intruder 250, the Virago or the Hyosung GV250 (my choice :drool:).

I really love my GV250, she weighs in at around 125 kg give or take a tank of gas, you can cruise at 115 comfortably, up to 125 downhill with a following wind. Easy to ride around town as the c of g is low, you get good rear view from the mirrors yet the handle bars aren't too wide. The seat height would let your gf touch the ground with both feet.

And these three bikes don't look much smaller than a Suzuki C50, one Harley rider wouldn't accept that my Hyosung GV250 was in fact a learner bike. The Hyosung GV250 has the same power to weight as the Honda Shadow 750.

[hellokitty]

Don't rule out the 250 v-twin cruisers. They go almost as well as the 750s and are much lighter and easier to handle at low speed. I'm sure a Virago or a Hyosung GV250 would be at least as quick as an S40.

I think most things are faster than a S40 = the guy at Colemans Suzuki told me to get a 250 Intruder over a S40 as the 250 is faster and peforms better. (V twin vs single)
I loved the 250 Intruder - such a great bike to ride and so forgiving for learners. A real confidence builder and it looks cool too.

[bittertwistedcute]

For me it has always been what feels right, pretty much anything can be lowered but nothing matters more than "fit"
I really wanted a bandit, bought one, it was terrible for me - knocked my confidence etc
Yamaha Zeal 250, sports but upright, fantastic - confidence back!
Whatever she feels confident on is the best bike to buy, and if you buy and sell five bikes in the first two years of riding, who cares, she will work out what she likes to ride
Good luck!

[jaffaonajappa]

Tried a virago 250 thingy this week...well she sat on it and liked it lol. Still a coupla months away....maybe not till close to xmas till I/we really make this happen.

I figured out what was making me look at the 883 Superlow. It was that I wanted one....but cant make myself get one for myself. Some issues to work through there.....that blardy HD name has some issues. But id be completely happy with the missus having one, and it living in my garage. I love the look of them! And yes. the garage is Mine. :)


and if you buy and sell five bikes in the first two years of riding, who cares, she will work out what she likes to ride
Good luck!

Im thinking this might be the way we have to go....buy trial and error. So far she likes lightweight bikes with a low seat...but we dont know what will work for her best once underway. Trouble is tho.....I have a problem selling things...and would hate to end up with five wee baby bikes.....lol.

[bittertwistedcute]

My SV400s is lowered so I can drag my ankles along the ground, but he is currently sitting in ChCh and we have left the shaking,
fantastic bike, kept up with all the big kids, same as an SV650s
listed on tardme
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-384782715.htm

Awful awful not having a bike up here though LOL

[skinman]

I had a virago 250 & found it to be easy to ride but did run out of legs on the mway. In good conditions could do 110 but if headwind or uphill speeds drops off fast & its not easy to lie on the tank to reduce drag. I may have been a fraction tall for it ideally, (5"8").
Best 250 twin IMO is still the Honda Magna but they are getting old now.
When your learning I really think a lighter bike is better otherwise its going to get dropped when low speed maneuvering.
I went from the virago to a C50 & had a few near things at intersections & in carparks for a while, that extra 150kg or so makes a difference.
Have to be careful where I park it as cant push it backwards uphill, that stuff needs to be learnt on lighter bikes where, although hard to do, its still possible, so that when you do trade up you dont get stuck say outside a cafe looking silly trying to back out from the curb up the camber.
Good luck

[Old Steve]

I've gotta put in a word for the Hyosung GV250 here, 125 kg, 21 kW, nice low centre of gravity and low seat.

I went our for a club ride today and the guy who was following me said to me,as we had our burgers at Okoroire Pub, "Coming down from Mamaku, I was slowly catching you and thought you must be moving on that thing, then I looked at my speedo and I was doing 140. You must've been doing more than 130!"

Mind that was slightly downhill heading north with a following south-westerly breeze, and 9,500 on the tacho. But I keep up easily on club rides, cruise at up to 120 km/hr and was taking some corners today at 110. Felt nice and comfortable. I've got a single row of chicken strips on my tires right out on the edges, and the wear area is less than 10mm away from the edge of the tread.