Bike for Small GF

[Rylinkus]

Not buying anything just yet, but maybe end of the summer. By next summer for sure. She'll have the money by then. Maybe Ill just buy her a bike this summer, depending on my money situation.

Here's the issue. She's 5 foot tall. Or so she claims. I'd be more apt to think 4'11". And she has short legs to boot. So the real question is, what can she possibly fit on.

Thus far my list is
Honda Rebel
Buell Blast
Kawasaki Eliminator
Yamaha Virago

Anyone have any other choices? Or thoughts on any of these? Ones to steer clear of?

 

[BusaBret]

How about this instead of a Rebel?

Specs
Engine: 249cc, four-stroke, SOHC, single cylinder, Twin Dome Combustion Chamber (TDCC)
Bore Stroke: 72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel System: Mikuni BSR32SS
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain
Overall Length: 2160mm (85.0 in.)
Overall Width: 815mm (32.1 in.)
Overall Height: 1090mm (42.9 in.)
Seat Height: 680mm (27.8 in.)
Ground Clearance: 125mm (4.9 in.)
Wheelbase: 1450mm (57.1 in.)
Dry Weight: 137kg (302 lbs.)
Suspension Front: Telescopic, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Twin shock, 5-way adjustable preload
Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Mechanical drum
Tires Front: 110/90-16 59P
Tires Rear: 130/90-15 66P
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.0 liter (3.7 gal.) 13.0 liter (3.4 gal.) CA. Model
Color: Black, Blue

 

[Rylinkus]

If you could tell me what that is, it'd be helpful

 

[ibified]

You could POSSIBLY get her on an R6, if you lowered it and took some foam out of the seat.  I've had my wife on the one at a friend's shop.  My wife is 5 ft tall and has short legs too, and she fits on it okay.  

that being said, the rebel or the blast are both excellent choices for a first bike for a short person.  Easy to ride, good handling, and the weight isn't intimidating.  It depends a lot on what kind of riding she wants to do....

As for what bike was posted, I believe thats a Suzuki GZ250. Also worth looking at...a little more expensive than the rebel, but definitely a nice bike. The eliminator is a 125, and doesnt have enough power to get out of its own way....

 

[BusaBret]

(Rylinkus @ May 26 2007,18:32) If you could tell me what that is, it'd be helpful

Sorry! Suzuki GZ250Link

 

[Rylinkus]

I keep thinking Blast. Seems like it'd be closer to a sports bike handling then the others. And I can find 4-5 used ones a week that are cheap locally. But of course, shes more interested in what color the bikes are and such. I know shes worried about getting bored with the speed. Some of the 250s scare me on that end. Not that Id leave her for dead on my bike, but I think she wants to be able to keep up with some of us that go out together. Granted we DO have a Harley in the group. But a 1600cc HD being ridden by a guy with over 15 years of experience whom is MORE than capable of keeping up.

 

[Rayabusa0818]

I love my Kawasaki ex250...

 

[Rylinkus]

We've established she HATEs the look of the Ninja 250s. I wish they looked more like the bigger CC Ninjas as those look sweet. (Actually she wanted me to buy one instead of my Busa this spring)

 

[fasttoys1]

Ninja 250. My g/f 5'4" and fits flat. So you could do a little lowering easily. Nice little scoot, and handles good, lots of them out there, and not many $$. Just a thought.

 

[Rylinkus]

Bangor Maine man???
I'm in Brewer.

 

[Cykill]

I know alot of people say 1 of the 250's, BUT everyone who's got 1 grew out of the lack of power within 1-3 months. following a busa on 1 of those is a nightmare for the rider. look at the SV650, or 1 of the 600s out there. let her sit on a bunch and see what she likes.

Unless you have the disposable income that you can afford to buy her 1 of the 250's and something else in a few months.

 

[Rylinkus]

I cant find a 600 thats even close. My YZF 600R was HUGE next to her. It'd need to be 6+ inches shorter to even start thinking about being ridable.

 

[Rayabusa0818]

(Cykill @ May 26 2007,21:51) I know alot of people say 1 of the 250's, BUT everyone who's got 1 grew out of the lack of power within 1-3 months. following a busa on 1 of those is a nightmare for the rider. look at the SV650, or 1 of the 600s out there. let her sit on a bunch and see what she likes.

Unless you have the disposable income that you can afford to buy her 1 of the 250's and something else in a few months.

Could be the riders. Mine tops out at about 110 and I have yet to have anyone (including CBR and GSXR 600s) hang with me in twisties.

 

[fasttoys1]

PM sent.

 

[Rayabusa0818]

(Rayabusa0818 @ May 26 2007,21:58)

(Cykill @ May 26 2007,21:51) I know alot of people say 1 of the 250's, BUT everyone who's got 1 grew out of the lack of power within 1-3 months. following a busa on 1 of those is a nightmare for the rider. look at the SV650, or 1 of the 600s out there. let her sit on a bunch and see what she likes.

Unless you have the disposable income that you can afford to buy her 1 of the 250's and something else in a few months.

Could be the riders.  Mine tops out at about 110 and I have yet to have anyone (including CBR and GSXR 600s) hang with me in twisties.

By the way, I am taking it to Deals Gap tomorrow to make a friend on his new ZX10R weep as the tries to follow me around the area roads up there (Dragon, Hellbender, and Cherohala Skyway).

 

[Rylinkus]

(fasttoys1 @ May 26 2007,19:02) PM sent.

PM received and replied to.