Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Dont mean to butt in, just some info on the Suzuki Marauder gz 250. If I remember the total weight including bike it can handle is 800 lbs, not to mention I weigh around 180 lbs and the wife around 130 lbs. I rode around with the wife on my gz 250 and never had any problems, slower to accelerate, of course but it got to highway speeds. Have fun riding!!!!

+1 to that Short Biker's List, I just went over and read some of the material there, and will change some of the things i tell shorter riders because it makes sense.

in the past one of the things i tried to tell shorter riders is that putting both feet down flat isn't as important as many people think. once you are comfortable on the bike you will usually only have your left foot down and your right foot on the peg/floorboard anyway.

thanks to the SBL, i will add that if you can practice and become a good slow-speed rider, then the times you might need to flatfoot are pretty minimal and can be overcome with a little forethought about where you park or how you take on hills and dips in the road.

another thing to consider when choosing a bike is the tank width. to me, it seems that those of us with bigger legs lose a bit of height while seated because our legs are spread out a bit wider than some of the skinny folks out there. Basically sit on a bunch of bikes and you will find one you like. since the ninja is on your list, by all means sit on the 250 and the 500, one of those might be more comfortable than the rebel.

don't let your height or weight deter you. stay positive and motivated to find a nice bike that you feel comfortable on.

younggun wrote:Dont mean to butt in, just some info on the Suzuki Marauder gz 250. If I remember the total weight including bike it can handle is 800 lbs, not to mention I weigh around 180 lbs and the wife around 130 lbs. I rode around with the wife on my gz 250 and never had any problems, slower to accelerate, of course but it got to highway speeds. Have fun riding!!!!

I have no advice to give here -- but I do want to congratulate you on your success thus far with the weight thing. Lots of people out there think it's easy to dump the weight and it's not. It's a hard thing to commit to and stick to in this society. Be strong, be proud, and best of luck to you.

I am a bit taller than you, 5'7" but am about the same weight.....I ride a Yamaha Silverado VStar 650. I won't lie to you, at first it can seem pretty intimidating, but sit on it a few times at your dealership. Try it out. It is a nicely proportioned bike, fits real well. Seat height is low. My mom is 5'3" I think, and she can flat foot it no problems at all...I think you could too. the Vstar Custom has a bit narrower seat so would seem even lower....give them a try, plenty of power...and hey, good looks don't hurt either.

Thanks for all the advice and well-wishes with the weight loss.

I actually am buying a 96 Honda Rebel this afternoon. It has 6k miles and is in great shape for its age. I am paying only $1400 for it including new tires, add-on windshield, service manual and delivery to my house

I know it will not last me too long, but I really feel starting small will pay off in the long run in helping me build confidence. Plus, I will not feel too bad when I drop her since she is already used.

As far as my next bike, I LOVE the looks of the V Star 650 as well as the Suzuki C50 and Honda Shadow. Hopefully, next ridiing season I will be ready, but I plan to take it slow at first.

Happy riding all!!!

congratz on the new bike. as is custom around here we will want to see pictures in the new riders forum

sounds like you have a good attitude toward riding. don't get down on yourself if you drop it, just pick it and yourself up, dust yourself off and get back to it.

don't forget to practice, in a safe controlled parking lot if you have one close to you, until you get the basic skills honed on the new bike.

mj5898 wrote:I know it will not last me too long, but I really feel starting small will pay off in the long run in helping me build confidence. Plus, I will not feel too bad when I drop her since she is already used.

Oh I think you will be suprised how long it will actualy last if you take care of it!...

Congrats and happy practicing.

I posted these in the New Rider Forum, but in case some of you do not get over there, I wanted to add them here as well. What cha' think about her?

sorry to butt in again but nice bike and congrats. Hope you enjoy your new ride

Congrats on the new bike. We have been trying to find a bike for my wife, she is about your weight just a little taller (shes 5'3") She can flat foot most cruisers, but forward controls are difficult for her to reach.

She rode a GZ250 at the MSF course, her biggest compalint about the GZ was that she could drag the pegs on it without trying.

I find that short bike list a little amusing. It says someone 5'5" and over can flatfoot a bandit 600. I'm 5'10" and I cant even flat foot my bandit 600.