So I'm looking for a bike...

[CMClocks]

The problem is I'm 5'6'' and weigh 115 lbs. (p.s. I'm a girl, not a really little guy.) It's hard for me to get help from salespeople because of that fact, not to mention I can sometimes tend to look awfully young. I could use some advice on the type of bike to look for. I have only ever ridden a few times, but will soon be taking a course or two...

Help?

[DieMonkeys]

Kawasaki Ninja EX250.

Ought to be small enough. If you want something a bit bigger maybe a Suzuki SV650. But I wouldn't go too much bigger.

[CMClocks]

That might work, but before I consider a sport bike I kind of want to check out standard motorcycles/cruisers...

[Ninja Geoff]

also a GS500E/F (E or F model depending on what year). And the Ninja 650R. And if you didn't know already, bikes can be lowered to some extent. Some bikes it's fairly cheap, you can just use lowering links. Though some bikes (ie the 650R) you need to replace the shock. Though KarateChick went this route (lowered 650R) and as far as i know, is happy with her choice of bike.

Though with the SV650 and 650R, they both are thought to be a bit much for a new rider, though doable.

That might work, but before I consider a sport bike I kind of want to check out standard motorcycles/cruisers...

A 250cc, 500cc or 650cc cruiser would work very well. Maybe a little bigger if you're up for the bigger sized frame that would come from a larger motor.

[DieMonkeys]

That might work, but before I consider a sport bike I kind of want to check out standard motorcycles/cruisers...

Nighthawk CB700SC

[KarateChick]

also a GS500E/F (E or F model depending on what year). And the Ninja 650R. And if you didn't know already, bikes can be lowered to some extent. Some bikes it's fairly cheap, you can just use lowering links. Though some bikes (ie the 650R) you need to replace the shock. Though KarateChick went this route (lowered 650R) and as far as i know, is happy with her choice of bike.

Though with the SV650 and 650R, they both are thought to be a bit much for a new rider, though doable.

TOTALLY happy with the lowered 650R but personally I would not start on that bike as a new rider. The Ninja 250 was just fine. (I'm almost 5'3.)

That might work, but before I consider a sport bike I kind of want to check out standard motorcycles/cruisers...

I also looked into the Honda Rebel and Suz 250cc cruiser when I started but was totally happy with the performance of the ninja compared to those two. And the ninja is not a true sporty but really a standard. My friend (taller than me, maybe your height) had a Suzuki Savage, 650cc I think, and it was a great size and weight bike for her as a starter bike.

[Lele-R1]

The problem is I'm 5'6'' and weigh 115 lbs. (p.s. I'm a girl, not a really little guy.) It's hard for me to get help from salespeople because of that fact, not to mention I can sometimes tend to look awfully young. I could use some advice on the type of bike to look for. I have only ever ridden a few times, but will soon be taking a course or two...

Help?

Did you see Ducati Monster ?

A lot of my friends (girl) have this kind of moto

[TorontoBoy]

The type of bike you may consider depends on you as a rider and what you want to do with the bike.

What type of roads do you want to travel (highway, rural roads, local)? How fast do you want to travel? What are the speed limits of these roads? Are these roads paved, dirt, combination? What kind of riding do you want to do (commuting, carrying stuff, riding with someone else on back, inner city bumper-to-bumper)? What motorcycle/scooter/moped riding experience do you have? Do you want to buy new or is used Ok? Are you mechanically inclined or willing to learn?

You need to tell us more info so we can narrow down the options. Choosing a bike is quite individual.

P.S. Don't be too put off by the idiots in motorcycle stealerships that are unwilling to help you. It happens to me all the time, even when I arrive on my bike and walk in with helmet in hand. These characters are unworthy.

[RC Fan]

I just went through this as well so I know how you feel. Honestly I got a lot more help when my boyfriend came with me. A lot of dealerships won't even acknowledge your presence.

As far as choosing a type of bike, when I took my MSF course they had a variety bikes to practice on, so that helped me. I knew after the course that I wanted a standard/sportbike.

Visit a dealership that has a variety of bikes. Approach a sales person and ask them if you can sit on a couple of different bikes. Have the sales person steady the bike for you so that you can put your feet up on the pegs and check out the riding position.

[flynrider]

That might work, but before I consider a sport bike I kind of want to check out standard motorcycles/cruisers...

The Ninja 250 is pretty much a standard bike with plastic on it. It doesn't have the aggressive riding position associated with sport bikes. I highly recommend visiting a dealer and sitting on one. You may be pleasantly surprised.