Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm signing up for the MSF in my local community college to see if this is something I can really do. Being a short 5'3" I've been very hesitant although I've always wanted to ride.

Initially I thought of getting a Honda Rebel to learn and practice with but my commute is 73 miles one way and most of it is highway with a speed limit of 70mph , and with gas prices as they are I'm really looking for a more fuel efficient method of travel hence seriously considering using a bike for my commute. So now I've been looking at the Honda VLX 600 since it may better handle the highway travel.

I'm just wondering if anyone knows how good they are for vertically challenged folks like me and or if there are any alternative cruisers for beginners.


Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!

I'm a newbie too, and ride a suzuki C40. I'm about 5'4" and the seat height is perfect for me...27". It handles well and light. I ride it on the freeway going between 60 and 65 and it rides well.

The best thing to do, IMO, is to search on the web at the different motorcycle sites, and then find a dealer and sit on the ones you're interested in.

Have fun and good luck.

Take the course first before you make any bike decisions. Riding on their bikes will let you know what you like about them and what you would like differently in a bike.
That being said, there are lots of options for your height. I'm 5'4" and I sat on a ton of bikes before I made my mind up. Make sure you get the salesman to hold the bike up so you can be in riding position. You'll notice things about the ride you wouldn't if it was just leaning or standing with your feet down.

The bikes that I could flat foot easily were:
Suzuki, 40s and 50s
Yamaha V-Star 650
Kawasaki 500cc
Honda Shadow 650
Harley Sportster 83

Be aware of your reach when turning, and where the air intake sits. Make sure you are comfy with your feet on the pegs since you spend a lot of time like that!

Happy Shopping!

I'm 5' 2" with a really short inseam. I have a Kawasaki Vulcan EN500 (course, haven't really ridden since I busted my knee, but the fit is right once I can ride). Great weight and height. Also I ride with motorcycle boots which adds a little to my height. And I definitely echo the recommendations on the course first and getting the bike second. I took the BRC, and rode a Rebel, Nighthawk and a dual purpose. Gave me a chance to see what styles I was comfortable with and what styles I didn't like as much. I went around to a bunch of dealerships to sit on bikes to see what was comfortable. Seat width plays as much a role in comfortably touching as seat height.
-J

I was surprised no one mentioned the guide that has been here for a long time. Its the seat height guide for most every bike.

So with your inseem in mind, your review the list for bikes that will keep you flat on your feet when at a stop. Yes you really should be flat footed at a stop, so pick your bike for your leg size and not ego. It can get embarassing as well as dangerous to, if you don't.

Look here, http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school-SectionTwoB.htm for the seat height guide.

finish you MSF course first, then you feel a lot comfortable on bikes. You will find that there are actually a lot more bikes that you can ride.

I am 5'5 to 5'6, was always concerned about seat height before i finish my course and get my first bike (ninja 500).

Now, i found that riding any sportsbike isn't an issue. Manuver a bigger touring and cruiser would be more difficult.

have fun, and good luck

only 5'3" and a short inseam, last year i had a honda 600 shadow, great bike and perfect seat height and all. but for highway use which i used it a couple of times, about an hour ride to work. the 600 only being a 4 speed trans just didnt seem to have the top end. dont get me wrong you could cruise at 60-65 but you just felt there should have been another gear. if you had to pick up the pace for a bit, or get out of the way in a hurry. i just started riding again last year after an 30 year absence. and the 600 got me re-started again. so this year i'm looking for something a little bigger 750-800 range. staying with a low seat height, but just to have that extra power if needed without straining the motor.
thats my 2 cents worth anyway.
ride safe and be happy

The Honda Shadow Aero has the lowest seat height of all beginner bikes above 400cc.

It is good on the highway and the new model gets great gas mileage.

Honda Rebel

I believe others have covered it already. First take the course. Find out what kind of riding you will be doing and that will counter-steer you in the right direction. Some bikes that come to mind are: XT225(if you like duelsports), Ninja250(sportbike), Rebel(cruiser).