Thinking of getting a motorcycle but I'm short, help!?

Question

Ok so I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle within the next 2yrs. I know nothing about motorcycles but next year I am planning on getting my license M and the following year, buying a motorcycle. One problem, I'm only 5'1 and I want a sportbike. Something light so I don't tip over cuz it's so heavy and something with a low seat so that I can be comfortable on it EXCEPT I want a sleek looking sportbike. I've looked at Kawasakis, Yamahas, Ducatis, and Hondas, and the only ones I like really are the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R (31.1in), 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (30.5in), 2009 Yamaha F26R (30.9in), and the Ducati Monster 696 (30.3in). I like bikes like those but are there any other bikes that look like those that could be more suitable for a short girl like me? I only weigh 127 and would like bike that won't kill me!

Also, is having a motorcycle expensive? Like I know I can get used ones in good conditions for like $3k but is insurance a lot? I'm still in college and I have a PT job making $13.67/hr so I really would like a bike thats not too expensive but still nice.

Answer 1

Take an MSF course then get the FZ6R with the adjustable seat height. Skip the 250 no matter what any blogger says. Take it from a rider and go for the 600. The FZ6R isn't a true sportbike in the sense that it isn't race tuned. It's very tame with a comfy riding position. Being 5'1", you'll be able to handle it fine and look good doing so.



The MSF course if a must do. Once you pass the class you'll be glad you did it.



EDIT: There's a third type of rider, the one who rides with some common sense, doesn't care about showing off, rides within their own limits, and never goes down.

Answer 2

Definitely take the class first. For one thing, if you drop one of their bikes instead of your own the class just paid for itself. Plus it's good for insurance discounts, and seeing as you like sport bikes this could be important. I've found that there's a definite "plastic premium" for sporty bikes from most insurers. Insurance also depends on your overall driving record. The "Ninja-ped" 250 could be good for you, but the Ducati 696 should last you longer, interest wise. If this is your first bike I'd generally recommend against the R6, although the FZ6 might be okay. Even the 600cc super sports are twitchy and challenging, plus much less comfortable for any longer rides you may want to do later.



I wouldn't recommend buying new unless you have excess cash; bikes take a huge beating on resale value. Buy what you can afford to pay cash for, that way you have more left over for gear, mods, etc.



If there's a bike show coming to your area after you've gotten your license through the class, you can do demo rides. Also, the better dealerships will let you do a short demo ride if they know you're serious about a possible purchase from them. The extra the dealers charge for their used bikes compared to John Doe is becuase they *have* to make sure it's safe so they don't get their 'nads sued off.

Answer 3

there is not any doubt with reference to the capability of the R1. i've got seen 3 site visitors mild to site visitors mild races between an R1 and a Ferrari (3 races over a million/2 a mile of immediately highway) and the Yam won 2-a million. it could have been 3-0 yet the two the Yam rider could no longer save the front wheel down or became into showing off however the wheelie cost him the middle "race". thoroughly unlawful of direction yet exciting to observe. while you're severe approximately music racing you particularly do no longer decide to apply your day motorcycle, you desire one that has each and all the burden alleviation, gearing variations etc. and is going on the trailer to the music at weekends. particularly what that motorcycle could be is your (and your financial enterprise supervisor's) decision. in line with probability you may attempt a music day which includes your GSXR till now you verify. you do no longer could desire to race practice your motorcycle, merely verify it particularly is criminal, secure and would not leak and take it out and see the way you get on. you may discover the GSXR is extra desirable than adequate of an on-music handful without the extra weight and capability of an R1.

Answer 4

the answer is simple I been around soprt bike for year and recently noticed more and more women wanting sport bikes. More the marrier I say. Hun nothing is too big. One ladie in my group is mabye 120 soking wet and only 5'5" she rides a kawa 1400. The trick is the right cobination of lowering. I would suggest a 1400 I was giving an example. But more and moe i see small ladies suck as your self on CBR600'ss the light and easy to manover when lowerd. You can lower any bike



For your size I would suggets a 3 frount 4 rear drop. Any person with macinicall skill can do the work its simple. When you purchas your bike you may be able to neg. the drop in the price of the bike. Alot bike dealers are doing this now.



So do not listen to any other person telling you to go buy a lame *** cruzer. Just smile when you draggen knee past them. Just remember theres only 2 types of riders those who have been down and those who are going down.



All the best

Budget Customs

Answer 5

At 5'1, you are indeed short, but perhaps not too short. Seat height is a very important factor as is seat width. A wider seat that splays your legs out is the same as a higher seat.



You state that you want a sport bike. Fair enough, it's your money. But it is true that sport bikes do not generally make good beginner bikes. That being said the Ninja 250r is certainly a good choice, but what about a Suzuki GS500F ? (here's a link in case you have't seen this bike) http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2007models/2007-Suzuki-GS500Fb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2007models/2007models-Suzuki-GS500F.htm&h=324&w=499&sz=22&tbnid=w5eV0LRqQ74J::&tbnh=84&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsuzuki%2Bgs500&hl=en&usg=__ei9QzmqBpw8rFWRTCsY6_hKTtVA=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=6&ct=image&cd=1



I do have to say, though, that a light cruiser would still be your best choice as a first bike. It would be a perfect way for you to gain expericence without your, ahemm, lack of height being a problem. And not all old men drive Buicks: some of us ride Harleys and Triumphs lol

Answer 6

dont try to talk the girl into a crap cruiser, I have a 08 suzuki gsxr 1000 and love it, never get a cruiser unless your old, and well i dont think you are cause im 24, id say the best bet for you to learn on is the ninja 250, worse case scenerio is that you would just have to lower the bike a bit, which can be done easily, as for insurance, it would not cost a lot for that bike since it is a smaller cc bike and you can find a new 250 for around 3 and you probably wouldnt kill yourself on it as long as you watch out for the old idiots in their buicks



good luck, come ride with me!!

Answer 7

Try looking at the Harley Davidson, V-ROD, you might be able to have it lowered enough ......yes expensive........ If your worried about getting killed on a bike don't get one, regardless of power or size - other people are IDIOTS and they don't watch for MC's

Answer 8

your going to be too short for a sport bike. The seat height on all of those would be too tall for you. I think your best bet would be a yamaha V-star 650. It has a fairly low seat height. There is also the Harley davidson sportster nightster. It has a really low seat height.

Answer 9

Kawasaki's ER6f has a lowish seat, power that won't intimidate you and is good value. Personally, though, I would recommend a smaller cc to learn on.

Answer 10

Save your pennies & get new. I would recommend your take the

Harley Davidson Riders Edge class. It will teach you the basics & help you get your license for motorcycles. Then you can test drive bike.

Answer 11

Honda 250 rebel has one of the lowest seat heights (26.6in)

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2008models/2008models-Honda-Rebel250-CMX250C.htm

Go to some dealerships and sit on the bikes to see what fits.

Would you buy a pair of shoes without trying them on?

Answer 12

all those bikes are going to cost more on insurance cuz there all sport bikes in your going to be a first time rider.so u might want to think about a cruiser for now.something like a rebel or whatever.

Answer 13

my friend is 97lb, and about 5feet.

she rides a ninja 500

and shes thinking about getting a triumph 675

Answer 14

get a yamaha tw-200 dual sport it will do everything but go on the free-way