I am short--what's a good bike for what I am looking for?

I am short--what's a good bike for what I am looking for?

I have ridden a scooter for over two years, driven stick shift for over six years and ridden motorcycles a handful of times but never owned one. I do not think I need a "starter bike". I want to get one that I can take on really long trips (ex: Texas to Northern California).

Also I would like one that hugs curves, is peppy as hell (maybe a 2-stroke) and looks decent. I do not want a sport bike because I really don't like how they look. (or at least the ones that fall into the "crotch rocket" category) If I can't get a bike with the feel I want then I just want a vintage/classic looking bike like possibly cafe racer style.

So basically I need suggestions for a bike that is:

-short enough for a 5'4" chick
-strong enough for epic road trips
-preferably sportier handling without the sporty look

Thanks a ton!

-Shelby

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I am short--what's a good bike for what I am looking for?

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Feb 08, 2011

Vintage bike?
by: Quicklimegirl

Since you mentioned vintage bikes and 2 strokes, here's just the kind of bike you need to find, but before I post this, I need to mention it's your INSEAM LENGTH, and NOT your overall height which will determine your ease of operation relative to the bike's seat height.

Okay, so I have an entire garage full of modified vintage 2-stroke street bikes. Depending on what you want to spend, and how adept you are at wrenching, you might want to scan eBay and a nationwide CL search (www.searchallcraigs.com) for something like this:

Now, it's not necessarily good for really long rides, but it's comfortable enough to ride for a tankful at a time, take a short break while you fill up, and ride some more. I've done 200+ miles days -- yeah I know that's not much -- with ease.

Another vintage option which is very comfortable but it has a 32" seat height if the weak stock rear shock has been replaced with a better unit like on mine is this, an '84 or '85 RZ350, a modern, water cooled, electronic ignition version of the first bike. Bigger tank so 110-120 miles between fill ups even with the altered exhaust, and also very comfortable. This 2 stroke as set up will dyno @ about 65 hp, about the same as a 1200 Sportster but at half the weight:

Another option is a modern "Naked Standard" like the '03-'06 Z1000. VERY comfortable, but it does have a 32" seat height about 3" higher than Cruisers. But the ergonomics are straight from the '70s while it has modern appointments like fuel injection and it's easy to ride in a docile manner around town and the power won't be crazy if you don't snap the throttle heavily:

Be advised unless your Scooter was something well above 50-150cc you shouldn't really consider the above unless you are mentally ready for a boost in power of between 10 to 30 TIMES more than you're used to. Do NOT take the transition lightly!

Feb 07, 2011

Different Motorcycles
by: Judy

Seats can be lowered and bikes fit to your height.
Honda's, Yamaha V-star, Indian, Suzuki, Harley 883.
Just to name a few.

Good luck.

Feb 07, 2011

BMW
by: Wanda

Check out the BMW G650GS dual sport or the BMW F800 ST (sport touring). Both have low seat options, plenty of power, and the handling is superb.

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