good handling for a small girl; not looking for speed

[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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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