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I am thinking about getting my own bike...have been a passenger on/off for past year. I love to ride, but would like to have my own. I am getting my permit next week and signing up for riding classes. Can anyone offer suggestions for a good first bike for me? I am 5'3", 110 lbs....but strong (I work out 5 days/week)

Id check out the Honda rebel, yamaha virago, suzuki gz250. All are lightweight 250cc crusiers with a low seat height.

Ian522 wrote:Id check out the Honda rebel, yamaha virago, suzuki gz250. All are lightweight 250cc crusiers with a low seat height.

thanks for the info. I'll check these models out.

I second the Yamaha Virago.

I have a 94' Yamaha Virago 535. I am a few inches taller than you, but can EASILY flat foot on the ground.

If you want slightly more power you can also check out the Suzuki Savage LS650, the newer models are called Suzuki S40 but it is the same bike. This bike is a lot smaller than it looks, it should fit you well.

Whats your price range? I browsed Columbus, and Cleveland Craigslist - tons of good deals on bikes that would work for you!

Since I'm just starting out I was hoping to find an inexpensive, used bike that is safe..... I'll check out Craig's List in Columbus. I really appreciate the help. I'm taking the written test for my permit tomorrow.

annette wrote:I am thinking about getting my own bike...have been a passenger on/off for past year. I love to ride, but would like to have my own. I am getting my permit next week and signing up for riding classes. Can anyone offer suggestions for a good first bike for me? I am 5'3", 110 lbs....but strong (I work out 5 days/week)

Checkout the first sticky post on this forum. It lists all seat heights on the most popular bikes! Everything really depends on your likes, there are plenty of bikes that will fit you, just depends on the style of riding you plan on doing. I am the type of person that would recomend a MSF course and a higher cc bike, possibly 500cc's or so. But that is just my opinion. But check out the sticky post, it will be very helpfull.
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Steve

Hey thanks for the link, Steve.

I plan on taking the MSF course. Here is Columbus, OH there is a wait list through Aug/Sept. That kind of stinks, but oh well...


Annette

I actually contemplated getting the Rebel for a while before I settled for the V* 650 custom and I will say that the Rebel felt comfy when I sat on it even for 6'1" 190lbs. Plus they are only 3grand brand new! I settled for the V* because it has a bigger engine than the comparable Honda Shadow, is shaft drive and only slightly heavier. Depending where you live you could always get a permit and go cruise the backroads. That's what I started off doing. I would like to go through the MSF course to get my license soon hopefully so I can ride to work.