New to KB & vertically challenged (tuzaizi)

**tuzaizi** · 26th November 2007, 00:53

Hi everyone, I had a search for all things motorcycle and came across this site which lend me some good reading material for a while now.

I just recently did my basic handling skills test, and plan to go for my learners soon.

I'm hoping to get some suggestions for my first bike. As the thread topic states, I'm 'vertially challenged' (158cm on a good day), so I'm looking for a bike that has a low seat height, and light weight.

I think cruisers are generally lower? But not really digging those, but haven't ruled them out yet.

Cheers!

p.s. feel free to move this thread if it is in the wrong section, or to direct me to existing threads giving the same information.

**jazbug5** · 26th November 2007, 00:59

Went looking for this linky - and coincidentally the O.P. was the exact same height as you...

**Kittyhawk** · 26th November 2007, 01:06

If you are wanting something sporty to start off on Suzuki FXR 150. They are a light bike and not too tall. (I started off on one of them) seem to handle ok . Depends if you want 2 or 4 stroke.

It depends on what style of riding you want to do in the long run. If its alot of road riding and twisties, then a sports bike or sports tourer is the way to go.

If you plan on riding mostly highways, motorways and main roads, then a cruiser would be an option.

They are both very different in handling. I have only rode a cruiser twice and I found it a challenge having the footpegs out the front instead of behind like on a sports bike.

Thing is, if you get a bike you can get it lowered so dont rule out your options, or just get an extra inch of sole added to your riding boots. I found my sports riding boots are quite thin and I tip toe when I touch the ground on most bikes, but when Im wearing the other pair, (dress lace up boots) I find I can touch the ground on either side with both feet comfortably resting on the ground.

Best thing is to just sit on bikes and try them for size. When you are comfortable with one, posture wise, then consider the lowering options etc.

Good luck in your search see ya out on the road

**Trudes** · 26th November 2007, 05:49

Welcome to KB, have fun looking for a bike, just go about sitting on a bunch of different bikes until you find something that "fits".

**magicfairy** · 26th November 2007, 05:59

I am only 156cm and have the same problem!
If you are learning, DO NOT let yourself be talked into getting a bike that you can barely reach the ground on. It will affect your confidence in handling the bike, you will get caught out over low ground and drop it, and generally struggle with it.
More experienced riders can cope with this, but when learning you need to feel confident.
Some bikes can be lowered, but for a learner bike don't bother, find something you can manage now.

**Trudes** · 26th November 2007, 06:05

Agree totally with everything Magicfairy posted, leave the bigger bikes for when you have more confidence, it can really put you off constantly dropping your bike because you couldn't quite touch the ground properly (believe us, we both learnt the hard way!)

**Rosie** · 26th November 2007, 08:04

Hi and Welcome!

I'm 163cm, so a wee bit taller than you, but still struggle with some bikes.
150's are pretty good bikes to learn on. I had a KR150, I could easily get both feet flat on the ground, and it was fairly light. And being a 2-stroke, it had plenty of get up and go on the open road. Being able to touch the ground comfortably is important for building confidence when you are learning.

I'd recommend going to a few motorbike shops and having a sit on some of the different 250cc and smaller road bikes, to see what you can and can't touch the ground on comfortably. Make a mental note of the seat heights of the bikes that you can sit on comfortably, and those that are borderline, so that when you are looking in magazines, on the internet etc you have an idea of whether the seat height for a given bike is likely to be a reasonable height, or far too tall.

And while you are looking around all the motorbike shops, you can start shopping for some motorbike gear (assuming you haven't done so already), so when you do find a bike you like, you'll be all set to go.

**Nasty** · 26th November 2007, 08:24

Heya ... ok so I am taller .. but I had an FXR150 and that is what Sweetp rides and they are great learner bikes ... sportsbike styling and all .. the other is the RG150 which is same shape but a 2 stroke ....

Grub still misseds the FXR ... everytime he sees one he starts to pine

**Joni** · 26th November 2007, 08:30

Im a tad shorter than some of you and the FXR150 is slightly too tall.... tips of my toes only... there are better options for a newbie who is vertically challenged!

**The Stranger:Me** · 26th November 2007, 08:42

Ok, they aren't sport bikes, but are an excellent learner bike.
My opinion is here

Some shorties have used this bike quite successfully, for example ArcherWC just sat restricted on my one.

**martybabe** · 26th November 2007, 15:58

Originally Posted by tuzaizi

Hi everyone, I had a search for all things motorcycle and came across this site which lend me some good reading material for a while now.

I just recently did my basic handling skills test, and plan to go for my learners soon.

I'm hoping to get some suggestions for my first bike. As the thread topic states, I'm 'vertially challenged' (158cm on a good day), so I'm looking for a bike that has a low seat height, and light weight.

I think cruisers are generally lower? But not really digging those, but haven't ruled them out yet.

Cheers!

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Hello,I don't know why I'm replying to this,I can't even visualise how tall 158cm's is,and I dont know nowt about learner restrictions in NZ but.If your not restricted on cc's, and you can get hold of one, a Yamaha xv 535 is a perfect bike for someone of smaller stature.they sold millions in the uk to ladies and newbies.looks pretty,goes very well and a low seat.

welcome to kb chuck.

**SDU** · 26th November 2007, 16:01

Welcome to KB.
Some great advice here. I'm shorter than you & check out my profile pic & you'll see you don't have to limit yourself to cruisers. All the best in choosing your first bike. Just try sitting on as many learner bikes as you can & choose one you feel comfy on in height & arm stretch.

**Joni** · 26th November 2007, 16:06

Yup, here are 2 suggestions....

However as SDU says, try them out, see what is most comfortable for your body. Some people have shorter legs, some have shorter arms... so the whole riding style should be comfortable for you.

If you dont like a cruiser, dont get one, just take your time in shopping around and see what suits you.

Good luck.

Attached:
Honda CBF250
Yamaha Zeal 250

And the Scorpio someone suggested earlier to give you an indication of appearance.

PS, yes I know all naked bikes... but good for a learner!

**MotoGirl** · 26th November 2007, 16:18

I learnt on a ZZR250 and never found it too tall. I always managed to get the ball of my foot on the ground and that's more than enough to ride a bike successfully.

Nowadays, I buy whatever I want and make the bike fit. This normally involves cutting foam out of the seat (which costs roughly $80) so I can get more foot on the ground.

I don't think you can get dogbones for 250s but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.