Hi :)
I am 5'4 and was interested in buying a motorcycle. Any suggestions? I'm short and the ones I seen seem too tall. I really don't want one of those girlie scooter, so please help.
Thanks
2006-08-12 19:46:54 · 19 answers · asked by shae b 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Before you get too involved in the process of buying a motorcycle, may I suggest you invest some time in learning to ride one...
Sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) beginner rider class in your area. They will teach you the basics of riding a motorcycle the right (SAFE) way, and you'll learn something about motorcycles and how they work. They even provide a motorcycle for you ride during the course. You'll become a more informed buyer when it comes time to buy one of your own.
2006-08-13 03:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've got to second the recommendation that you take the MSF class. This will give you a lot of safety tips and help you learn the basics of how to control a bike in a safe environment.
Your best bet is to visit some local dealers and sit on a few bikes. See which ones you like, and you're probably best avoiding anything where you cannot put both feet flat on the ground. Here are some I would recommend looking at:
Sport and standard bikes:
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Buell Blast (available with two seat heights - get the low one)
Honda Nighthawk 250
Cruisers:
Yamaha Virago 250
Honda Shadow VLX 600, Rebel 250
Kawasaki Eliminator 125
Suzuki Savage (S40), GZ250
2006-08-14 01:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Honda Magna has a 28" seat height. You've got me beat by 1", so unless your height is mostly in your torso, this would be a perfect fit for you.
The Magna was my 2d bike, and I had it lowered another 2 inches or so. Except for a bit of bumpiness, it was PERFECT!
I'm not talking about the older, more powerful Magnas, but the relatively recent mid-90's ones, the VF750. They don't make them anymore but if you're in the market for a used bike, this would be a good place to look.
The Magna is really a great almost-all purpose bike. It's a comfy cruiser, but because it's a V4, it's got some balls. But not Great Dane-sized ones! It's not extremely torquey so you'll be able to handle it easily. It handles quite well on the twisty roads too.
It weighs approx. 500 pounds, but it's still quite easy to handle.
2006-08-14 02:14:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
best thing for you to do is go to the dealerships and sit on the bikes and see which fits you best, Honda has a few models that are suited for smaller framed people, my daughter is 14, 5'2 and can sit and be flat footed on my old '88 Honda Shadow 600, it's a reach for her but she can do it, now my '04 Harley Softail- she is way too short for, most of the import makers have models suited for you, and even a Harley models can be lowered to meet your needs, but remember lowering any motorcycle will affect it's handling
Make sure if you are a new rider you take a safety course from a dealer or community college, it will help in many ways, show you the safe things to do, and will help you when you go to get your motorcycle endorsement
2006-08-12 20:07:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to find a nice 87-89 Kawasaki Ninja 600R. The seat height is really low (esp. compared to today's sportbikes). The power is enough to fight freeway traffic with ease without feeling overwhelmed. Comfort is good too, I rode mine (through college in the mid 90's) for as many 300-500 mile weekend trips as I could. Never had any major mechanical problems with my old Ninja. The old early 90's Honda CBR 600 f1/f2's were great bikes too. Good luck, have fun, and keep your knee draggin!
2006-08-12 23:27:38 · answer #5 · answered by Dustin S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you are in the market for ,sport bike ,cruiser, dirt bike , Honda makes a rebel 250 which is very small and great for learning , Happy riding !
2006-08-13 00:20:49 · answer #6 · answered by Terry S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Honda Shadow seem to be the bike of choice for petite women. It's about 600 CC's, which gives it enough top end for highway riding.
2006-08-13 04:55:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you didn't mention if you wanted a dirt bike or street bike, if it's dirt there are plenty of minibikes out there for all ages and statures if you want a street bike the honda rebel 250 is a great starter bike and it has a low seat height, kawasaki also makes a small street bike, it's a 125, not sure of the name though. hope that helps
2006-08-12 20:19:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yamaha Virago. You should be able to ride a 700, 750, or 1100 -- they're all the same size except for the engine!
2006-08-14 13:54:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a little taller 5'6" i have a yamaha tw 200 i can touch look for the same model or maybe a tw 125. if all else fails find a pit bike the miniture dirt bikes. good luck
2006-08-12 20:07:57 · answer #10 · answered by ☠Naz☠ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋