What's a good starter sportbike for small female?

Question

So far I've sat on Ninja 500, Suzuki GS500 and Suzuki SV650, and Honda CBR600F4i.
I've ruled out the honda based on price. My top choice is the Suzuki SV650 because it felt great but I'm worried about having too much power. I'm also hoping to find something used.
I'm 5'3" and weigh only 95 pounds. This will be my first bike and plan to get one after I take the safety class.
Any other ideas for good used starter sport bikes?

I did sit on the Ninja 250 and didn't feel as comfortable as the GS500 or the SV650. I don't plan on getting a 250cc bike.

Answer 1

I'm also 5'3, but I AM into power, so my personal recommendations won't work for you. The 250 or 500 Ninja might work for you. I've seen the SV650 recommended frequently as a good first sportbike (I think...) so I doubt it would be too powerful.

Here's a list which may give you some other ideas. It's a bit out of date, but you may want to go used anyway. The bikes are all listed by height. I think it's an excellent reference.

Answer 2

If you're worried about too much power, go with a bike you feel more comfortable on. Those two 500's you mentioned are not bad choices. Also check out the Ninja 250 and the Buell Blast - both are very good choices for the beginning rider and quite capable of keeping up with freeway traffic.

And I also highly recommend taking a training class like the MSF Basic Rider Course. This will help you learn the basics of riding in a safe environment, and once you are done, you should have a feel as to whether you would like to stick with something close to the small bikes they have in the class or move up to something a little larger. If you are interested in the Buell Blast, you can take a Harley Rider's Edge course and get to try out the Blast before you buy one. If not, you may have a chance to ride a Ninja 250 at an MSF class - they use them in some locations, but didn't have any at the class I took.

Answer 3

Well the SV650 is a good choice but u might also try the YZFR6 its got about the same power as the Suzuki and a used one is usually decently priced. And as far as power goes I ride a YZFR1 and when I first started to ride I just had to make sure I didn't hammer down to hard on the throttle until I got a feel for it. You'll pick it up quicker than u think and if u get to small of a bike once get comfortable riding you'll be pissed because u want that extra power.

Answer 4

Of the four that you mentioned, the SV650 is my choice. I've recommended that bike to several people as a starter bike. I would not worry about the power. All of the bikes you mentioned are peppy (I think the Ninja and CBR are probably more powerful). Have fun and ride safe!

Answer 5

all of those but the SV650 are too powerful for starters. The sv650 can even be a bit of a handful, esp for someone so small.

Get a ninja 250. THeyre cheap, keep their value INCREDIBLY WELL (its easy to resell in very short time for about 2-300 less than you got one for a year after you buy it [also, buy a used one]). you should be able to get a nice one for around or under 3k. 2500ish most likely.

Answer 6

Based on your size, you do not need a 650, it's just to much bike for your size and weight. Get the Ninja 250 they are real fast 120+ and weigh less, new they cost about 3300.00 us.

It's all the bike you will ever need. A friend of mine has had three of them in the past 11 years, she keep buying the same bike over and over, because it's a great bike.

Don't listen to anyone say you need a bigger bike, you do not!.
It's just fine to ride on a long trip also, every bike has to stop every 150+ miles for gas anyway.

Answer 7

you ought to bypass with a used 250 ninja or vtr 250. even per chance an fzr400 in case you'll discover one. a buell blast can be a sturdy decision besides. theres a clean hyosung sort out noted as the gt250r that you ought to purchase new for $3500 or so, yet the different used 250s might want available for basically 2 grand. sturdy success and save the rubber side down! attempt an msf direction when you're getting to carry close!

Answer 8

I've been riding cycles since i was 4.my wife and friends i got into riding all agree that ex250 ninja. if you do a comparison of other similar bikes.the ex has an overall satisfaction rating, less problems, easy start, easy to pick up after you lay it down.i learned on a 50cc dirt bike first. i would rec. a 80cc or 100cc dirt bike for an average adult, you lay down a street bike. it could cost alot to fix verses a dirtbike

Answer 9

If your worried about price I'd look at a katana or a buell blast. blast's are excellent starer bikes and have great trade in value toward your next bike and your next bike should be a Harley it will change your life to ride with the Harley crowd.

Answer 10

I'd start on a ZX250 or a VTR250 until I came accustomed to the heavier bikes..The SV is killer on your wrists..

The Honda VTR 250 is the best choice if you can find one. I start all my beginners on one of these..

check it out..