Looking to get a motorcycle for this nice weather to have a little fun and save $$ on gas! I'v always been interested, but since I'm only 5'2", I've always been hesitant, as I know my feet won't reach the ground on most bikes! Can someone help me with any "smaller" bikes they know of, so I don't embarrass myself too much?
I live in Atlanta, and usually run errands and do things within 5-8 miles of my home, and my office is only 9 miles away, so it's just for short trips in nice weather....not like I'll be doing any long rides!
Looking for something used, probably private sale, so it's not like I can just walk into a dealership....
And, I keep seeing things about "mini-motorcycles". Can anyone clue me in on what that is?
Thanks for your help!
2006-06-17 08:37:30 · 13 answers · asked by Marni 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I bought my wife a Honda Rebel 250. She's 5'3" and has no trouble reaching the ground. I think it's an excellent first bike, It's small enough for a beginner, and not a bad bike for an intermediate driver. Has pretty good power for a small bike and gets good mileage. HTH!! Good Luck!!
2006-06-17 08:58:29 · answer #1 · answered by lugnutz59 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am 5'4" and bought a Yamaha VStar 650 last year. I touch the ground perfectly on both sides. It is of a bigger size and weight than the mini motorcycles I have seen mentioned. Tried a new Harley Sportster, now made lower, and still could not touch and more money. Not enough money to customize to lower it. I love my bike, it's nice looking, and I get groceries with it all the time. Gets about 45 mph. A safety course is a must for lession in defensive driving. Car drivers definitely do not see us! The Rebels are a nice little bike for starters, for sure. Good luck.
2006-06-20 10:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by mongersmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would recommend a Honda rebel but in your case it sounds like what you are wanting is more of a 50 or 100 cc SunL mini chopper. These are not truly choppers but scaled down versions of full size motorcycles. Do a search for SunL motorcycles on the net and see if that's what you want.
I have a lady friend that rides a 50cc SunL she bought brand new last year for $1500. She was happy with it until she decided she wanted to run with the big dawgs. Now she is bummed for not getting a rebel. I also have two other lady friends that are about 5'1" and 100 pounds if you soak them with the hose. They both ride rebels and love them to death.
One of these ladies only rides in nice weather to and from work and around town. The other one has made 150 mile runs with me on her rebel. Its true we have to keep off the freeway but other than that she keeps up with me and we have a lot of fun.
Don't rule out dealers for good used bikes, if they don't have them in stock very often the salesman will know someone who does have one for sale.
What ever you choose have fun and be safe.
2006-06-18 03:39:57 · answer #3 · answered by dreamwever4u2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the replies so far are really good, and would make an excellant choice for a short/newbie as yourself.
But if you might be interested in something different/unique and with a bit of a Harley sound, may I suggest the Buell Blast. They are built for newbie/beginners and are user friendly and low to the ground. These bikes are sometimes outgrown quickly, and as such you can pick up very good deals on slightly used ones. These bikes are also used as teaching bikes by Harley Dealers who run the "Riders Edge" program.
I just had to mention this bike, as I run a Group on Yahoo about them :-)
2006-06-18 05:29:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Too bad you're in Georgia - I could sell you my Magna! I've had it lowered, so it would be a perfect fit for you (I'm 5'3 myself).
There are some smaller bikes on which you'd be able to reach the ground pretty firmly if not completely flat footed. I'll leave it up to the others to name those.
But another route is to get whatever bike you really want and have it lowered.
Before you do either, though, I highly recommend taking the safety course. You'll learn to ride and will find out if this is something you really want to do.
2006-06-19 02:53:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at the Suzuki GZ250. Yamaha has a 125cc and a 250. The Rebel 250 is the most common of 250cc cruisers. These are very light bikes, great to learn on, and often forgiving if they drop. Buy a used model, ride it for a year to decide what you like and don't like. Sell it, get every penny back, then buy a bigger bike.
Good luck
2006-06-17 09:06:43 · answer #6 · answered by Arron 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instaed of a motorcycle, look into a scooter. They are low to the ground, excellent on gas and easy to maintain. Less expensive to boot and easier to handle. Even if you bought a new one the cost isnt that bad.
Look here:
http://motorsportsofamerica.net/scooters/
2006-06-17 08:48:06 · answer #7 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just asked my husband if he would let me get one after finding out that our neighbor bought one brand new off the show room floor for $2,200 out the door. It is a 125 which is small and it is supposed to get 90 mpg, and a max speed of 75mph. it was a Steven's cycle sales in Michigan, Near Bay City maybe they could point you to a dealer in your area.
2006-06-17 11:42:58 · answer #8 · answered by tracy b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honda 250cc is one of easiest to learn to ride and would be good for short commutes. They're reliable and can be found used. Stay off the Interstate, though. :-)
2006-06-17 09:01:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with something no bigger than a 500. Have fun, and for the love of God wear a helmet.
2006-06-17 11:39:03 · answer #10 · answered by Steelers 6 Penguins 3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋