Main thing to consider - I'm short! (but have realized this shouldn't be too big a problem as I grow more confident riding) - 26" inseam, 5'0 tall. I initially liked the look of a cruiser, and still do - but wonder if anybody has had experience - as a short rider - on a sport bike. Is it possible to get a short sport bike? How do they ride for the 'vertically challenged'?
2006-11-17 15:34:03 · 12 answers · asked by Volksfox89 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
You are farly lucky these days as many bikes come with adjustable seat heights and handle bars.
the sort of bike you need should really be determined by the sort of riding you envisgae yourself doing. Some would argue this, but in my view Whilst cruisers are designed for the open road and long rides they can be cumbersome and akward for commuting and in traffic.
Whilst sports bikes can be fun they can after a while start to become uncomfortable especially on the neck and wrists. I have owned both and that is my opinion.
I think in the last few years manufacturers have come on board and seen the untapped and growing market of women riders and as such are actually starting to take characteristics such as height and bike ergonomics into consideration more so than they used to.
It is even going to the point that there are now some motorcycles on the market that have been designed solely with female riders in mind.Suzuki and Yamaha are leading this, the italian company Ducatti even more so.
Talk to your bike shops and you will see that there has been changes and they can even recommend models.
Ideally the bike for you must suit your budget , your personal taste and you ability to ride it safley.
If you want to test if a bike is to big sit on it and holding the handlebars you should be able to keep your right foot on the brake pedal whilst your left is firmly on the ground, you should not be twisting or stretching to achieve this. You should feel you are in control of the bike in this position . If you have the opportunity still sitting on the bike try and manouvre the bike in such away that you can "walk" it backwards as if you were in a car park space and wanting to get out.
If you can manouvre the bike easily without straining or feeling out of control then it is most likeley the right bike for you.
Remember when riding you have to be in control of the bike at ALL times , you must never allow the bike to be in control of you.
I have ridden many bikes over the years and had a pretty good run,I am glad you had the sense to take lessons and that you are confident in your ability.
Good luck with you choice of bike and ride safe.
2006-11-17 17:42:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all congratulations for deciding to take a riding class. Even if you'll never ride, at least it will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride and any new skill you acquire contributes to who you are as a person. Having said that, I would suggest taking it right away. Fall is a good time to do it because you will have the opportunity to experience learning to ride in all types of weather. So many people are affraid to ride in the rain because they've gotten their licence in the summer and they will miss many wonderful riding opportunities waiting for the sun to come out or dreading the clouds. First of all, if you complete the school, you will have ridden several types of bikes during your course and you can begin to know which type of bike suits you the best. Secondly, the best deals on buying a motorcycle are in the fall and winter when the riding season is over and before the next one starts. You can also take advantage of bike shows and their offerings because you would be knowledgeable by then. PS - I got my licence late, at 50, after a lifetime of calling bikes "donorcycles" but let me tell you that the first 2 days of my riding classes I felt like an idiot and that I would never learn to ride....I felt discouraged and down but I still remember to this day the "AHA!!" moment when everything fell into place and I've never looked back since.
2016-05-22 00:13:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife started on cruisers. Because of the shortness of the seat, she got a Shadow VLX, a 600cc cruiser. She didn't like it because it was on the heavy side.
She moved to a Ninja 250 and is looking at a SV650S for her next bike. It's a much lighter bike (the 250) and we were still able to go 2200 miles without too much discomfort (it was a little buzzy in the handlebars).
From her point of view, you also need to remember that the width of the saddle changes the seat height too. The Ninja has a higher seat height but because it's a narrower seat, she can flatfoot both feet (she's 5'2"). Because it's lighter, she feels a lot more comfortable.
As to seating comfort, because of a lower back problem, she didn't like riding the Shadow. She was sitting too far back and we weren't able to adjust the handlebars enough to be comfortable (well without it being way to high or low). The Ninja with the slightly leaned forward position and feet a little back was a lot more comfortable for riding, at least for her lower back problem.
She's put about 3,000 miles on the Ninja so far this year and she put about 7,000 on the Shadow. Ninja problem was the buzzing handlebars which might be adjusted with weighted bar ends. Shadow problem was the weight really. She didn't feel comfortable in slower speeds like around town.
2006-11-17 16:03:03 · answer #3 · answered by dm_gsxr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh you Go Girl!!!!
More power to the riding of the female type!!!!!
I was lucky and had a boyfriend that customized me a motosickle that fit my butt and my short legs!
I rodel for about 3 months with a learners and when it came time to take the test.. I had to borrow a bike that I had never been on before. Because mine had been so radically modified.
I couldn't touch the ground without having to lean it over a bit. Scary!
I passed!
I was sooooo freakin' happy!!!
That was....18 yrs. ago.
Just be sure that you get something that you are really comfortable with.
The make some really nice bikes now that are very low to the ground and built just for us goils.
I still have my bike. She's a rat now, she's been through allot. I love her dearly and she loves me too. I have never ever been hurt with her. She is grand!!!
SO please, take good care and ride safe and have a good time in the wind!!!!
ENJOY!
2006-11-17 15:44:49 · answer #4 · answered by oodlesoanimals 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A smaller 250cc Rebel or Nighthawk will give you no problems with standover, and they are only about $3,000 NEW. I'd bet you could find one used for half that, and they are small cruisers.
As far as sportbikes, most of them have about a 28" to 32" seat height. Unless you have at least a 32" inseam, you will be teetering at every stop. The Kawasaki 650R is a nice beginner sportbike with a 31" seat height, and the Ninja 500R has a 30.5" seat height. The 500R is very popular with women because it's light, easy to ride and inexpensive.
2006-11-18 03:26:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be hard to find a sporting bike to fit your stature (most will have a 30 plus inch seat height) but going to a few motorcycle dealers will give you the best idea of what would fit. For cruisers the Honda Shadow Spirit should be fine.
2006-11-17 17:31:56 · answer #6 · answered by Howard R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im also a shorty :) Just went out and bought a new 07 Harley L sporty. The seat height is 25" off the ground. Feels very comfortable and rides beautiful :) Happy riding girlfriend.... Be safe
2006-11-19 10:58:48 · answer #7 · answered by pumpkin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should start with a honda rebel or a ninja. Both are 250cc and relatively cheap. I would buy a used bike from a private owner first or if you have money to spend then go to the dealer.
2006-11-17 16:38:33 · answer #8 · answered by conesa83 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most MC companies offer lowering kits for their cruisers(2-4in) go from there
2006-11-17 16:00:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yamaha 650 virago.
2006-11-18 08:36:34 · answer #10 · answered by waljac6108 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋