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best bike for little me?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:10 am
by lostsoulstav
I am 5 feet tall and have a 28 inch inseam. I want something really light but I want to be able to take it on the freeway. I am not a really experienced rider so I need something good for starters. What's a good bike for me?
Small Bike
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 4:04 pm
by Wind Rider
I'm 5' 1". My first bike is a Honda Rebel. It's the only bike that I have found that I can reach everything. I feel very comfortable with it now that I have taken the Honda riding school and have practice.
Have a great day!
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 4:12 pm
by bikernana
I'm a newbie rider too. I'm 5'4" and my inseam is about 29 - 30". I bought a suzuki S40. It's perfect for me. I can stand flat footed and it's light enough to handle. I suggest that you go to different shops and sit on different bikes to make sure you feel comfortable on them.
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:46 pm
by blues2cruise
The Yamaha 250 is also a good option. Kawasaki makes a 500cc Vulcan that may fit
Also a Kawasaki 250 Ninja.
....go to the shops and start sitting n the bikes.

to TMW.
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:22 pm
by Shorts
I second the Vulcan 500. The seat height is low, but it you can't flat foot it, its probably the width taking up the extra room. Skim some fat from the width of the seat and you're golden.
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:59 am
by Schmink
I just bought a Yahama V-Star Custom 1100, but it also comes in a 650. I am only 5' 4" and had a hard time flat footing my Honda 650 and started looking at the cruisers because of the lower slung seat. I am able to flat foot this bike and it's a very comfortable ride.
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 3:01 pm
by follow
Well I am a HD person, I am 5'3" with an inseam of 27" I use to have a sportster L and can touch flat footed on the ground (did have to change the shocks to shorter ones), and I currently have a Streetglide and handle it just fine with both feet on the ground (seat had to be shaved down).
Re: best bike for little me?
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:29 am
by Lion_Lady
lostsoulstav wrote:I am 5 feet tall and have a 28 inch inseam. I want something really light but I want to be able to take it on the freeway. I am not a really experienced rider so I need something good for starters. What's a good bike for me?
Have you taken the MSF course? Do that first. Most places use the Honda Rebel or Suzuki GZ250 as range bikes (along with the Nighthawk 250) will give you a chance to check them out.
For someone your size, you don't have to worry about needing a lot of power. A 250 will do the job. You DO want to beware of getting something HEAVY for your first bike.
P
Ladies Lounge - First Bike
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 3:16 pm
by RocketGirl
I learned on the Kawaski Eliminator 125cc in the Basic Ride Course.
I'm 4'11" with a 28" inseam. I sat on a Honda Rebel, but didn't like how the battery dug into the side of my thighs when I flat-foot it.
The Yamaha Virago 250cc is the bike I bought. I've enjoyed every aspect of learning how to ride a motorcycle with this bike. It's even more comfortable to ride around town now that I've added a windshield. To get out of our neighborhood you have a choice of a 50mph or 55mph state road.
It really doesn't like to stay in first gear, so that's really been the challenging part for me especially taking a left or right turn from a stop.
When I go riding with my husband and others who have larger bikes, they've been great about letting me lead. In this way, I don't have to stress out about keeping up with the pack.
Enjoy shopping for your bike!
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:46 pm
by supertoft
Not for nothing but the V-Twin Mama web site has an excellent section on bike types/sizes for women with pictures and reviews. It's pretty good, check it out. What's your price range? If you have money to burn, there are some Harleys that target the smaller or newer rider with ultra low seat heights and that cool tater sound. If you like cruisers, you have the small Hondas (Honda VLX 600 is a sweet little cruiser) that are very nice and less money. If you are sporty, the ninja 250 is supposed to be a light and fun bike.
If you are a small, new rider, try a used small bike and know that you will probably drop it until you gain experience (that's why a first bike should be used). If you haven't already, take the MSF Rining Course.