Bike

[wyte_phantom]

I have been thinking for a while about replacing my 125 now that I have passed my test, but I am really not sure what to get, any of you lovely people out there any suggestions for bikes suitable for people with little legs (I'm 5'1").

Comments

[wyte_phantom]

Perhaps not quite what I was thinking of!

[qb_fox]

I can't really offer you first hand advice, as I have the opposite problem.

I wonder if you'd fit on a Triumph Scrambler; I think think they look really trick.

If ever you want a communting bike (to save your nice new one) we could dig the little Honda out the back of the garage and see what condition it's in.

[steel_bonnet]

Doesn't the Scrambler have problems with burning your leg on the zorst when getting one's knee down as it is relatively high up the frame? Or is that another one of that ilk I am confusing it with?

[qb_fox]

Nope, you is unconfused.

Some people have said that there is a problem with the high positioned exhaust; some people not so much.

It's certainly the obvious flaw you'd want check out before you bought one.

[steel_bonnet]

Okilydokily.

Now trying to remember what Fran rides as that is good for the short of limb. Yamaha Diversion or similar IIRC. Grips Minor just traded his in for his Kwak Ninja and it was a good "midbike" post-125 and before going up another notch once used to having the hobbles off.

[larissa_00]

Umm, everything I can think of would break the 33bhp limit (or did you do Direct Access?)
With a restrictor added, I'd look at EL250 (old now, but ideally sized if you can find one), you might manage a GS500 if you're happy with 'toes down' only, SV650 is surprisingly low and comfortable to manage the weight (as a 5'4" person) even if you are used to smaller (I have an EL 250 and a TZR125 from way back). Grey import VFR250RR is fabulous if impractical in some ways; I want one, it's so narrow it's good for short people.
If you are at Matti's, come down and see what we have in the garage, and what 'fits'.

[wyte_phantom]

Nope, am limited for two years, however, I'm not going to rush to buy something, so by the time I find something I like it is entirely possible that the two years may be up or nearly up!
I'm not sure when I will next be down that way, but I would certianly like to take you up on the offer if I havnt found anything by the next time I am in that neck of the woods, thank you.

[qb_fox]

I assumed you'd done direct access.

That really does change everything.....

[daveb14]

Not sure it changes much. Nearly every middlewieght has a restriction kit available, in fact there is a factory kit for a CBR900RR! I understand that ducati Monster M600s are a popular bike to restrict.

[motodraconis]

I used to go to the NEC bike show in Birmingham, as you could sit on a vast range of bikes and try them out for size (thus I know I'm long enough in the leg to handle a Goldwing but too short for most supermotards (the style I prefer.)

NEC bikey isn't till November usually, this might be somewhere to investigate maybe?
http://www.bikeshowseurope.com/manchester%202010.htm
Though I've never been, so can't say if they'll let you sit on them - usually is not a problem in dealerships though.

[wyte_phantom]

I was planning to go to that in February, it was postponed due to the bad snows, it just so happens that the new weekend is one of the few I still have free, so I think a trip there may well be on the cards!

[daveb14]

On the subject of supermotards and similar, it's surprising how much motards and trail bikes can be dropped on lowering links. I've got a DR350 I lowered, and I can nearly flat foot it and I'm 5foot5, looks fine, and handles better for the road if anything. Not a suggestion for Jenny though, just a point of interest. It's black and it's for sale cheap if anyone wants it though!

[fuzzygoth]

depends what sort of bike you want? cruiser, tourer, sporty, sport tourer?

the immediate candidates that spring to mind are the usual ones you
get off the forums, SV650, ER-6 and even the new XJ-6 is supposdly good
for the short ar ... person of diminu ... vertically chall ... whats a diplomatic way of saying short and not getting thumped :P

Apparently Triumph are bringing a whole new selection of bikes out next year so you might find something in there, of course there are always royal enfields and those sort of classic brittish looking bikes :)

[qb_fox]

Yes, Jen, an Enfield.

Then you and Dave could have matching bikes; I'll get his and hers pipes.

[wyte_phantom]

Go on just say it, I'm a midget ;-) I have had about thirty years of my brother saying it, I am pretty much used to it now!