Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi, I am new to this forum but have enjoyed reading the posts tremendously. I am a "big girl" (at least in weight - nearly 300#), but only 5'1 3/4" (yes that 3/4" counts ). Anyway, I have been riding a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter for the past year and am ready to try a manual transmission.

I am taking the MSF course next weekend, so I am sure I will be able to sit on different bikes, but I wanted to ask the experts - women who ride - what the best starter bike for me would be. I have read a lot on different forums about 250cc bikes (GZ250, Rebel, Ninja), but I am concerned that with my weight, none of those bikes will really pull. I do not want to peel out and do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds or anything, but want to enjoy the ride bike enough to ride often. Also, I have images of the Flintstones in my head - peddling with my feet because I am too big for the bike.

I need to build up skill and confidence in my ability to handle a motorcycle before moving up to something else. Thanks in advance for any advice/input.

Are you looking for a sport bike or a cruiser?

If you've been riding around on a 400 scooter for the past year I can't imagine why you would have trouble with something like a 650 cruiser. Take the class first, make sure it's for you, then hit the dealerships and try them out for size.

Sit on the bikes for comfort, not necessarily the engine size. The small 30hp bikes wont even notice your weight.

At 5 feet I think height should be your main concern...find a bike that has a low seat (or low seat option) that you can flatfoot it when stopped.

Yes, I figured a cruiser would be best for my height - vertically challenged and all. The 400 (actually 385cc) does not have any problems with my weight. And hopefully that will continue to go down (I have lost 72# so far with Weight Watchers). Thanks again!

Congrats on the weight loss so far.

after the course depending on your comfort level, you wouldn't be out of line looking at a 650 V-Star or 750 Shadow. Both of those have fairly low seat heights compared to something like the ninja 250.

Keep at the weight watchers, not only is it good for you, but it will help your riding by making your balance a bit better.

A good resource for new riders, female motorcyclists and precision-sized male riders is the Short Biker List web site and mailing list: http://www.ki.org/sbl

Here is a list of beginner motorcycles to consider, listed by size:
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl.html

Here are suggestions for techniques for short riders:
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.faq.html

Mad Mac
www.best-motorcycle.com

check out the yamaha vstar custom/classic. they're both 650cc models that have low seat heights. or if you think you can handle a slightly larger bike, check out the suzuki boulevard 50ci models.

don't let your weight hold you back. a guy at work who's pretty large but dropping the weight has been showing interest after I got my bike. I'm trying to help him get over his reservations on the bikes he wants to try.

great to hear you are having fun. Congrats on weight loss...I agree with the low seat position....to get both feet planted on the ground! Have fun and be safe!

I'm on the heavier side as well and am only 5' 3" tall. In the MSF course (at which time I weighed 50 pounds more than I do now), I got freaked out when we had to get to know the bike by putting both feet on the pegs while on the side stand. I was convinced I would break the side stand!!

I rode a 250 cruiser once I was done with the MSF course, and it pulled me around just fine. I felt the bike was limited when it came to highway speed in the wind, but I hear that can happen even with a smaller rider.

Given your road experience on two wheels, you should be able to do just fine on a cruiser of 650cc on up to 900cc. As long as you're comfortable being seated on the bike, reaching the hand grips and foot pegs, etc..., then getting used to the increase in power should be relatively easy. Just take your time getting acquainted.

Let us know what you finally choose. Good luck!!

Cheers,
Loonette