First bike advice for short rider

[alimartin]

Hi all!

Nearly 10 years ago, I took the course and got licensed, and haven't ridden since. I will certainly take some refresher lessons before purchasing and getting out on the road, but I'm doing some research on what it is I want to get.

I love the style of the Ducati Scrambler. I like café racer style, and light (really light) cruisers. I don't want to be perched way forward and leaning on my hands, and given that I'm only 5'1, I don't need or want a massive bike (and need a lower seat height!).

I'm also realistic in that I don't need or want some 800 or 1200cc monster, but I also don't want to get a 250 and outgrow it in the first year. I also live very rurally, so it's a lot of highway and mountains around me.

Does anyone have some suggestions for what might fit my criteria in terms of style, comfort and mid level power?

[AmyF27]

I'm 5'3" and ride a Suzuki Boulevard S40. It's a 650 CC engine.

I got my license in 2012 and had a few months experience after on a scooter, ninja 250, Honda rebel 250. Then 1.5 years went by bikeless. Got the Suzuki S40 around Xmas 2015 and have put about 3000 miles on it since.

S40 is a lightweight small cruiser and a definite low seat height . Mine was on my $1100 (got an 05 that had some cosmetic issues). Very reliable bike.

[Hanson]

First,

Welcome to the Total Motorcycle Forum

You might have a look at a Moto Guzzi V7 --- there are a number of different V7 models including the Racer. I really like these motos and went for a sit on one a few years ago and found it quite cramped. It might be a comfortable fit for you. It is 750cc, but it is also a mid power motorcycle with an under stressed motor in a very cool configuration. Size is not everything and different motorcycle engines of exactly the same displacement can have a wide range of performance characteristics.

If you think that is overly large, then I would have a hard look at the Yamaha SR400 which is a rather cool retro bike.

You might also spend some time on the Motorcycle Ergonomics web site, cycle-ergo.com. You can put in your basic measurements and then get a crude idea of how you might fit on a great many different motorcycles. There is, in the end, no true substitute for going to the dealer and sitting on a bike.

Safe Travels,
Richard

[JackoftheGreen]

Maybe the Yamaha Bolt?
Sub-liter power, 560 lbs wet, fairly narrow waist and the bullnose tank gives it a cafe feel (I think so anyway).
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcyc ... -RSpec.htm

[alimartin]

Appreciate the feedback, had some new models to check out

[Johnj]

Tried and true Kawasaki Ninja 500, Suzuki GS 500.

[Jamers!]

a 250 you will grow out of in a year is only an issue if you buy it brand new. There is a high turnover rate for those bikes and you could likely buy used and sell used and only 'spend' a few hundred on the bike over 6 months of easing into riding.

Thoughts though if you want to skip that step:

yamaha bolt,
EX ninja 300 or 500
H-D Sporty Seventy-Two
Honda CB500
Triump t100