I'm 5'6'' male who has not ridden a motorccle in 15r years, am taking a motorcycle safety class this weekend.

Question

Needless to say I'm looking for a low seat height any suggestions for makes and models in the 650 to 750cc range.

Answer 1

I'm 5'6" as well and just bought a Yamaha V-star 650...I can flat foot it easily, and the bike doesn't weigh a whole lot (a bit over 500# I think). All my friends that ride, recommended that bike to me as a great starter bike, and the folks that I know that ride them (or the 1100s) love 'em.

Good luck with the class...it's a great learning experience...and enjoy whatever you end up buying!

Answer 2

You should be able to fit any cruiser easily. Sportbikes and dual-sports would be more of a problem. I'm 5'6" too and ride an SV650. I can tiptoe ok with the stock height, but I went ahead and shaved the seat. Now it's no problem flatfooting. I found that most sportbikes 500+cc have around the same seat height, roughly 31-32". You'll just either have to get used to putting just one foot down, tiptoeing around, or shave the seat like I did. Lowering the suspension is generally not recommended because it will adversely affect handling. If you want something that will have a lower seat height without the hassle of adjusting, I would suggest the Ninja 650R.

Answer 3

Good call, taking the course again. I just got back in the saddle after about 5 years. I kinda eased back into it-rode about 50 miles before I even let my wife sit on it. I took my course almost 20 years ago, but I had an excellent instructor, and I never forgot what he taught me.
About the bike-I agree with the others; any cruiser should do ya. Low seat height & balances better.

Answer 4

Just about all the cruiser models are about low seat heigth. I like the Vulcans.

Congrats on taking the class, by the way. More riders who have been off bikes for a while should do the same.

Answer 5

I took a MSF course very last summer time. I not in any respect rode a motorbike formerly that. no longer even a dirtbike. It wasn't too lengthy afterwards the position i purchased a clean Harley Sportster and am using all of it round, day and nighttime, community roads and on the highways. besides the undeniable fact that i have self belief that I have stepped forward quite quick for being someone who had no previous using adventure, i do not push my limits and placed on complete protecting equipment.

Answer 6

Try a Honda Shadow Ace 750. Low seat, gorgeous styling, very comfy.

Good Luck

Answer 7

My brother and I bought 2 new bikes for a summer vacation. His 1200 Bandit leaked gas and ruined the motor before it got 2000 miles. We asked Suzuki to replace the motor so we could go on vacation. They said it’s to expensive and would cost $3000. After 4 months and the vacation gone they got the motor rebuilt at a their cost of $3700. The dealer wanted to replace the motor but Suzuki squashed that. The gas stained cases and burnt exhaust pipes were not replaced. The bike got nicked and scratched all over from being apart for so long. The rep rode it and looked at it, then said it’ good as new. It ran like crap and looked worse. We called Japan for nothing, and even wrote the US CEO all for nothing. We spent $15,000 for the bikes to get Fd. We spent our vacation hassling with Suzuki, and not one person there gave a F! Beware Suzuki’s warranty is not worth the paper it’s printed on! Buy one of their lemons and get Fd like we did!

Answer 8

I would recommend something like the Yamaha 650 V-Star custom which is low profile and plenty of power. We have a friend that has one and she is only 5'2" and has no problem with the bike!

Answer 9

I've got the perfect bike for you. 750 Honda Magna, with a 26" seat height.

Answer 10

The Honda Shadows were low riders and nice as well.