Which Motorcycle is better fit for me?

Question

I want a 06' Kawasaki Ninja zzr600 it's 599cc; but the thing is my friend told me it was a little big for me if I wanted it. The reason being is because I'm a 5'4 asian girl and I'm 125lbs alright. But I mean 599 cc fit just right between my legs when I was at the dealer. Didn't take it for a ride to see if it was as heavy as my friend said. Then I also saw a honda I wanted and it was about 550cc forgot the name but it was slow. I know for me to get a smaller bike means slower speed. I'm into speed, so hmm help? Any riders out there can help?

Answer 1

A bike is only too big when you can't pick it up yourself if it falls over. The size in cc has nothing to do with the size of the whole bike. It is important that the bike fits you...seat hieght, handlebars and foot controls. Racing-style bikes are uncomfortable right out of the box. A full day on one will give you pain. 'Standard' and 'cruiser' style bikes are much better for someone that rides alot. Smaller cruiser-style bikes include the Honda Rebel...
http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/cruiser_standard/model.asp?ModelName=Rebel&ModelYear=2006&ModelId=CMX250C6&bhcp=1
The Suzuki Savage...
http://www.powerbikesnamibia.com/Suzuki/Savage_1.html
And the Yamaha Virago.
http://www.gfdsa.org/view.php/page/virago
Don't be afraid of power...its up to you how to use it. Having power when you need it can get you out of trouble, sometimes.
Don't fall into the trap of pushing to go faster and faster...as a new rider, you will get hurt. Just take your place in traffic and enjoy. You will be a quarter the size of a car and be able to accelearate and brake 4x as hard, so normal driving is plenty fast and satisfying, once you start to get the hang of it.

Answer 2

If you can straddle the bike and get both feet flat on the ground, you'll be fine. You can check into ordering a custom seat which may reduce the seat height by an inch or two, too. Don't worry much about the weight--- when you are moving, it does not matter how heavy it is and if you can get both feet flat on the ground when you are stopped, you can maintain control of the bike.

If this is your first bike, consider buying a used bike before stepping up to the new bike. You will very likely burn out the clutch and the starter while you are learning, and you will possibly (probably) have an occasion where that bike ends up on the ground--- maybe you don't park it properly so it tips over (like parking on ground/dirt), or park too close to a car or SUV that doesn't see you and knocks it over--- or maybe you have an accident. Either way, the chances of the bike becoming damaged mechanically or cosmetically are a lot higher when you're a newbie, so start out with something that won't cost a lot to fix and won't break your heart to see on its side (or in bits).

By the way, there is not much difference between 550cc and 599 cc unless you're talking radical differences in the weights of the bikes. And if you are a newbie, extreme speed should not be your friend until you are past the beginner stage.

Answer 3

I'm 5'4" also and had a hard time finding a bike i could put both feel on the ground without being on my tip toes, i ended up with a 01 Suz Katana 600, i am on the balls of my feet, It has the speed to keep up with most bike, any sport bike you get is gonna be quick for you and if it isn't just change a few thing, pipe, jet, all that jaz. Good Luck and Be Safe
PS I took the safety course, I would say the best 25 bucks I have ever spent and you save on insurance :)

Answer 4

Don't buy a new bike. Every one will crash or drop their bike (Don't fool yourself, everyone crashes). You will cry over a brand new bike.

Any 600-1000 cc bike can do 0-60 mph in 3.0 sec. That's because the limiting factor is the front wheel coming off the ground.

A good beginner bike is a SV650, GS500 or Ninja 500. If you go to an AFM event, they race these bikes. They are not as slow as you may think.

Get gear. I like my skin, it covers my body.

SP Rider - Ducati 900 SS/SP "E81", riding Skyline since 1983.

Answer 5

If you don't know how to ride you should stick with something smaller. If you've been doing it for years then go big and buy a suzuki GSXR. If its your first one you should go with the suzuki sv650. Its a nice bike thats got a v twin and not a 4 cylinder. The safest thing to do is go small nobody like to scrape bodies off the ground.

Answer 6

HI FRIEND,I purchase a 2005 Ninja 250 and i to was having problems with the bigger bikes....I'm 5'2" and weigh 90lb.The 250 is the right size for you and a Ninja 250 has more power that you think....It runs with the best of best....One great thing they get 77m.p.g.you sure can't beat that....The ninja 250 would fit you like a glove....See,I had to have my Ninja lower for me.....A great bike and the price is right....
Clowmy

Answer 7

hello it just My opinion as a motorcycle safty and ridieing instructor . if this is your first bike go small and learn 1. to respect the trafic (others around you will not see You on any motorcycle ) 2. small amounts of power force You to learn to ride definsivly (ie stay alive. the people in cars do not care about anyone on a bike) .3. a smaller used bike you will not spend so much money on and you will be able to handle better due to the fact You will not worry so much about scrathing it up (it will happen)and You may concentrate on learning to ride safely. 4. please seek help in this from some one not intrested in selling You on their bike . 5. please seek professional help in learning to ride any motorcycle that you may purchase..most Dealerships have some flyers around that offer rideing courses for the rank novice all the way up to and incuuding the professional racers.

Answer 8

I know size doesn't matter ( lol) but whatever you feel the most comfortable on would be the choice.Other than the initial look that you are looking for,it doesn't matter if you learn on a fast or a slow or a big or a small bike. I myself like cruisers and it sounds like your partial to the crotch rocket type of bike.I like both but feel more comfortable on the cruiser than on the lean over bike.Hey but that's just me.

Best of luck with your choice,
Geezer1953

Answer 9

No matter the bike you decide to purchase, please take a motorcycle safety course. And I'm sure that you will find that either bike will go much faster than you need to go. Ride safe.

Answer 10

I know plenty of women who drive 600s and 750ccs...just know what you are comfy with. Ride for you, not your friend dear