What's the best bike to fit both lion and kitty?

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theo1000 · #1 Unread post by **theo1000** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:05 am

Hello, here is a new member! Hi there!

This is a Great and helpful forum, best I ever see, yet!

I recently lured my gf to let me ride a bike. (I bought her a MSF course, helmet and protective jacket for birthday.) We need to share one bike, because of financial reason. However, she's 5'1" and I'm 6'1". We find only rebel 250 fit her the best. In fact, rebel 250 is a very great machine. But I feel that it's too small.

Do you guy have any other recommendation for a bike can fit a newbie bike lion and kitty?

The best!

#2 Unread post by **bok** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:13 am

the ninja 250 fits some smaller riders as well as taller riders.
maybe look at a VStar 650 or shadow 750 as well.

sharpmagna · Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:23 am

bok wrote:the ninja 250 fits some smaller riders as well as taller riders.
maybe look at a VStar 650 or shadow 750 as well.

If she's 5'1" she'll be stretching to touch the ground on the Ninja 250 because it has a 29" seat height.

How about a Vulcan 500? It's bigger than a rebel 250 so it will probably fit you better and still being small enough for your kitty.

#4 Unread post by **bok** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:32 am

KarateChick rides a 250 and she's not exactly a giant, but granted, flat footing it probably aint gonna happen although that isn't a complete show stopper for a good rider.

There is a Short Bikers List that you can google for (or someone will post the link) that gives good info for short riders.

dieziege · #5 Unread post by **dieziege** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:37 am

I've heard that the Russians offer leg bone extension procedures at very reasonable rates... maybe you could buy her some longer legs?

If that doesn't work... just about any other bike, including all the other 250s (at least those available in the US), will fit you better than the rebel. I'd also seriously consider the S40 and other mid-sized cruisers. They have low seat heights, modest power, and are reasonably priced. They should fit both of you reasonably. They would also allow better two-up riding later on, so you could ride pillion when the mood struck you.

kabob983 · #6 Unread post by **kabob983** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:30 am

I'd say for riding 2 up a little Rebel 250 might not put out enough...umph (especially if you're carrying any weight with that 6'1). Check out the Vulcan 500, the Honda Nighthawk 650/750, and the Kawasaki EX250/500 (if you're into sportier bikes). Might find a good fit in one of those.

Also, as a new rider you might want to take some time to get acquainted with the bike before you put her on the back. Trying to get the basics down with another body on the back can be...rough!

ofblong · #7 Unread post by **ofblong** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:11 pm

I cant believe no one mentioned it. try the Honda Shadow series (I have the deluxe and its basically the same seat height as the rebel but nicer

).

Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:24 pm

bok wrote:KarateChick rides a 250 and she's not exactly a giant....

Why Bok, I resemble that remark!

sharpmagna wrote:...How about a Vulcan 500? It's bigger than a rebel 250 so it will probably fit you better and still being small enough for your kitty.

I thought HE was the kitty and SHE was the lion....

Actually, I assume you have been sitting on some bikes for sizing so make sure you try the cruisers mentioned and the Ninja. Also, maybe take a peek in the Ladies Lounge as there's a "Womens First Bike Choice" that may offer some lower seated bikes with good power.

Good luck!

*Edit: Hey, I knew someone had pulled up a shorter bikers list too - some of these may be very applicable for your gf and work for you too.
viewtopic.php?t=15516&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 - in Mad Mac's post about the 4th or 5th down.

CNF2002 · #9 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:06 pm

As the only Buell Blast owner on the boards I'll say give it a try. It has a low seat option thats perfect for vertically challenged new riders

Scott58 · #10 Unread post by **Scott58** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:13 pm

I've cruised at 70mph 2up on the rebel. It will do it, but it isn't comfortable for the passenger for long periods. Maybe the VLX 600. You may also want to think about forward controls and hiway bars if your more interested in the cruiser style.