Bike for a short rider poll.

[safety-boy]

Hello all,

Posted this previously, but thread got off on a "I love Kawasaki" tangent (entirely my fault). Thought a poll would be better.

My wife is about 5'3", and wants a street bike. She's fairly experienced (and a damn good rider, I might add - partiality aside) and rides a Suzi Blvd S40 (650cc, single cyl).

Of the three bikes we have found that she fits fairly to completely comfortably are:

• * Kawasaki Ninja 500R (498cc, liquid cooled, 2-cyl)
  * Triumph Speed Four (599cc, liquid cooled, 4-cyl)
  * Ducati Monster 620 Dark (618cc, air cooled)

Any thoughts? Also, if you had one and liked it, then moved up in engine size, what did you move up to? She doesan't want to get bored with the bike

Thanks, Dave

[Sev]

I had a LS650 (S40) as my first bike, I later moved to my current a Honda 599 which I love. She might consider the same bike, give it a test sit if you get the chance, I love it.

[jmillheiser]

I voted for the ninja 500 but looks as though the speed four might not be that much taller.

The monster could work as well, its not that tall. I doubt she could flat foot any of em, but if shes comfortable on the balls of her feet then any of em could be a good choice.

The 599 could work ok I think its a bit taller than the other 3.

Forget the FZ6, at 5'10" im up on the balls of my feet on this bike (aside from that it fits me very well).

SV650 would probably have to be lowered, but could work.

Check out the Ninja 650. I sat on one and it wasn't much taller than the 500.

Also check out the CBR600F4i, its a full faired sportbike but is friendlier to shorter riders

[safety-boy]

Actually, she can flat foot the Ninja. I think the EX500 is in the same frame as the 250cc model.

The Speed Four she tried had been lowered, and she could one-foot it.

The Ducati was a toes-only kinda stance.

I suggested the Hon 599, but it was not a good match. Probably too wide? I find that in bike terms, legs get shorter as feet get farther apart

--Dave