5'5..Looking for a sport bike that fits me!?

Question

Hi,
I am 5'5, and looking for a sport bike that fits my height. I hope I am able to flat foot it.
Any suggestion?
If not, is lowing the bike a good idea?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Honda: vtr250, hawk gt, cb1
Kawasaki: ex250 ninja, ex500
Suzuki: bandit 400, sv650
Yamaha: srx600, seca II, fzr400
Ducati: monster
Lowering the bike is a terrible idea as it screws the handling up.
There are other bikes some even of large CCs with lower seat heights, a sb6 bimota (1100 cc motor) has a very low seat height, kinda pricey and hard to find although.

Answer 2

For a first time rider - I agree, the Ninja 250 hands down.

If you have more experience, then look at the Suzuki SV650 (think they've made it a 680 or something this year), the Ducati 620M ('07 is a 640?? - same chassis and engine - just bigger bore).

Kawasaki EX500 - earlier models are very low seat height and lightweight also. Newer ones feel heavier and taller because of the wider tank and other ergonomic changes.

All three of these have a nice low seat height. The Duc has some very nice extras, like dual front disks, ohlins suspension, braided steel brake lines, etc. that I feel makes it more fun to ride hard - but all three are very capable machines.

The EX has the most power, then the Duc 620(put pipes on it, and it's even with the EX), then the SV.

Price is about the same for all three new - however, you can probably get a smokin' deal on a used EX or SV. The Duc seems to hold it's value a few more years.

The Ducati will cost you more to maintain - but is bullet-proof reliable just like the Japanese models.

One other outside choice is the BMW F650C - ultra-low seat height (i flat-foot with knees bent on this one!), a very fun and capable ride. Not a true sportbike, but it's a Beemer, so it's got all the bells and whistles, along with bullet-proof reliability and some german soul. All-around fun machine for all-around riding.

Answer 3

If this is your first motorcycle, check out the Kawasaki Ninja 250 or the Buell Blast. The Ninja is one of the few bikes that seems to be truly one size fits all, while the Blast is a small bike that can be ordered with an extra-low seat.