good handling for a small girl; not looking for speed

wantsabike · 06-13-2008, 05:24 PM

So I'm new to this in every way. I'm about 5'3" and 114 lbs on a good day. I'm strong for my size, but I don't want to end up on something I can't handle and I am in no way stupid enough to think if a guy can do it, so can I. My friends bikes are all too tall/big/heavy, but their bikes are also built for speed.

I read the post suggesting the Ninja 250, and as far as I can tell, it looks like thats my best bet. Any other suggestions for a good starter bike (I will probably be buying used) built for handling (not speed) that a tiny person can handle??

Also, I'm getting a lot of negative feedback about my decision to ride (which I have thus far been happy to ignore). I am not ignorant, I know there are extreme risks when dealing with other drivers on the road. But I'm hearing a lot from friends that girls aren't taken seriously on bikes and put up with a lot of hassle from other riders. I can handle people getting mouthy, but screwing with people on the road?? Is there truth to this nonsense??

*asp125* · 06-13-2008, 05:36 PM

Welcome, Wantsabike. The Ninja 250 is a GREAT starter bike, or for some, a long term bike. Light, responsive, and fast enough to be a lot of fun. Other bikes for shorter riders? It depends, some girls are all legs

, so they can flat foot taller bikes without lowering them.

Buell Blast
Ninja 500
Suzuki GS500F
Hyosung 250GT
Ducati Monster 620

The Ducati and the Blast have two of the lowest seat heights out of the box than most other non-cruiser bikes out there. Go test sit a whole bunch, sign up and take the MSF course, then decide which one to buy.

Oh, see this other thread. http://www.beginnerbikers.org/forum/...ad.php?t=18695

prester_john · 06-13-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wantsabike

So I'm new to this in every way. I'm about 5'3" and 114 lbs on a good day. I'm strong for my size, but I don't want to end up on something I can't handle...Any other suggestions for a good starter bike (I will probably be buying used) built for handling (not speed) that a tiny person can handle??

Off the top of my head, and in no particular order:

Kawasaki Eliminator 125
Daelim Daystar 125
Yamaha Vino 125
Yamaha Zuma 125 (new only)
Honda Rebel 250
Genuine Buddy 125

HTH,
Tom

Shadow Shack · 06-13-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

I can handle people getting mouthy, but screwing with people on the road?? Is there truth to this nonsense??

Sadly, just like with automobiles, there are idiots in every league. You're bound to encounter the occassional vaporhead on a big cruiser or supersport who's itching to show you up, either verbally or worse yet in motion. Add to that, if you ever come across a group of folks with three piece patches on their backs, show respect and/or avoid them. Yes, there are female bike clubs too...and they can be just as unpredictable as the male groups.

mrb42 · 06-13-2008, 07:44 PM

A girl in my BRC was just about the same size and she bought a ninja 250, we actually picked up our bikes on the same day, it was pretty funny. I don't think you can go wrong with that bike.

Tashabear · 06-13-2008, 08:31 PM

Meh, I've never had any trouble. But then again, I'm two inches taller, 100 pounds heavier, and probably 15 years older -- not exactly the demographic for anyone to try to intimidate. I wouldn't borrow trouble.

Welcome, BTW! Where ya from?

Bobthearch · 06-13-2008, 08:44 PM

If you're interested at all in cruiser-style bikes, I suggest you try a sit on the Kawasaki Vulcan 500. It's a fantastic lightweight bike that's very easy to maneuver. If it's too tall, try the Suzuki Savage as a last resort.

Tashabear · 06-13-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobthearch

If you're interested at all in cruiser-style bikes, I suggest you try a sit on the Kawasaki Vulcan 500. It's a fantastic lightweight bike that's very easy to maneuver. If it's too tall, try the Suzuki Savage as a last resort.

+ a very very large number

I have a Vulcan 500, and I simply adore it.

firtree · 06-13-2008, 09:26 PM

I used a 250 Nighthawk in my MSF class and then rode a Nighthawk 450. Both are pretty
low and very easy to ride.

Chench53 · 06-13-2008, 10:39 PM

Suzuki Savage, aka its newer name, Suzuki's Boulevard S40.
Light, 352 lbs dry, big single cylinder 650cc. Seat height ~27.6 inches.

Best is visit dealers, sit on the bikes and see what fits and feels good.
And, don't let them lift the bike off the stand for you, you do it yourself just having them stand close by to catch it if needed.

If you can't lift it, you can't ride it. Good luck,

Gerry

06-13-2008, 05:24 PM	#1
wantsabike Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	good handling for a small girl; not looking for speed So I'm new to this in every way. I'm about 5'3" and 114 lbs on a good day. I'm strong for my size, but I don't want to end up on something I can't handle and I am in no way stupid enough to think if a guy can do it, so can I. My friends bikes are all too tall/big/heavy, but their bikes are also built for speed. I read the post suggesting the Ninja 250, and as far as I can tell, it looks like thats my best bet. Any other suggestions for a good starter bike (I will probably be buying used) built for handling (not speed) that a tiny person can handle?? Also, I'm getting a lot of negative feedback about my decision to ride (which I have thus far been happy to ignore). I am not ignorant, I know there are extreme risks when dealing with other drivers on the road. But I'm hearing a lot from friends that girls aren't taken seriously on bikes and put up with a lot of hassle from other riders. I can handle people getting mouthy, but screwing with people on the road?? Is there truth to this nonsense??

06-13-2008, 05:36 PM	#2
asp125 Turn 4 at HPR pwnd my azz We've stopped counting... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 17,838 Images: 280	Welcome, Wantsabike. The Ninja 250 is a GREAT starter bike, or for some, a long term bike. Light, responsive, and fast enough to be a lot of fun. Other bikes for shorter riders? It depends, some girls are all legs , so they can flat foot taller bikes without lowering them. Buell Blast Ninja 500 Suzuki GS500F Hyosung 250GT Ducati Monster 620 The Ducati and the Blast have two of the lowest seat heights out of the box than most other non-cruiser bikes out there. Go test sit a whole bunch, sign up and take the MSF course, then decide which one to buy. Oh, see this other thread. http://www.beginnerbikers.org/forum/...ad.php?t=18695 __________________ When life throws you curves, aim for the apex 08 Gixxer6 \ 03 BMW F650GSA \ 03 Gixxer6 track weapon my ride blog, my Facebook, SpeedShots MITGC #22 Last edited by asp125; 06-13-2008 at 05:52 PM.

06-13-2008, 08:31 PM	#6
Tashabear Contributor 3000 Posts! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lawrence MA Posts: 3,658 Images: 3	Meh, I've never had any trouble. But then again, I'm two inches taller, 100 pounds heavier, and probably 15 years older -- not exactly the demographic for anyone to try to intimidate. I wouldn't borrow trouble. Welcome, BTW! Where ya from? __________________ 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 -- Boudicca 2002 Suzuki GZ250 -- Friday (sold) I was Moto Crew at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer -- you wish you'd had this much fun! Join us! Essex Custom Leather -- pounding dead cows into submission since 2008 Essex Leather Blog *SKnight is allowed to call me mean. All others... at your peril.*

06-13-2008, 09:26 PM	#9
firtree Contributor Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeastern MA Posts: 234 Images: 2	I used a 250 Nighthawk in my MSF class and then rode a Nighthawk 450. Both are pretty low and very easy to ride. __________________ 1998 Honda ST1100 1987 BMW R80 (For Sale) 1986 Honda CB450SC Nighthawk (Sold)

06-13-2008, 10:39 PM	#10
Chench53 Flirting With The Redline 3000 Posts! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Suffolk VA, formerly NYC Posts: 3,082 Images: 2	Suzuki Savage, aka its newer name, Suzuki's Boulevard S40. Light, 352 lbs dry, big single cylinder 650cc. Seat height ~27.6 inches. Best is visit dealers, sit on the bikes and see what fits and feels good. And, don't let them lift the bike off the stand for you, you do it yourself just having them stand close by to catch it if needed. If you can't lift it, you can't ride it. Good luck, Gerry __________________ Peace ~ Love Ride ~ Then Ride Some More '05 Yamaha 1100 V* Silverado "Beast, Big Ass Bike" SOLD 5/2009: '02 Suzuki 650 Savage "Special Ed" My Blog is Motorcycling with Chench53 Not enough miles! My local WOW chapter is Tidewater Lady Cruisers

06-13-2008, 08:44 PM	#7
Bobthearch Contributor 4000 Posts! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Raton, NM, USA Posts: 4,048	If you're interested at all in cruiser-style bikes, I suggest you try a sit on the Kawasaki Vulcan 500. It's a fantastic lightweight bike that's very easy to maneuver. If it's too tall, try the Suzuki Savage as a last resort.

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