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suggested bikes for a fairly short novice rider in the UK 5' 3 ins tall

by Catherine
(UK)

i have searched internet and come up with out of date replies on US websites...not that they aren't useful but models change and update quickly, and up to date suggestions would be invaluable, especially regarding current UK models available though not necessarily new models.

Comments for suggested bikes for a fairly short novice rider in the UK 5' 3 ins tall

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Mar 16, 2012

Yamaha V Star 650
by: Tammy

I am 5'4" and have a Yamaha V Star 650 that I love. I can easily put both feet on the ground and it's big enough to have power and small enough for me to handle. I can even pick it up by myself when needed. I would say, sit on a bike and see how it feels to you before you buy.

Mar 06, 2012

short riders
by: chiefgopher

I am 5'3" with a 27" inseam. I ride a Honda Shadow 750 Aero. Both feet flat on the ground. The bike is around 530 lbs so easy to move around. The low center of gravity makes turning easy, just don't turn to tight or it can get away from you and you will drop it when going real slow. I feel very confident and safe on my bike. I have wanted one since I was 16 and finally got one when I turned 45 for Christmas. I would recomend to anyone that is vertically challenged. Good Luck and safe riding.

Mar 06, 2012

V-Star 650 Classic
by: Debby

I an 5'0" and 135 pounds. I ride a V-Star 650 Classic and love it. I do wear 1.5 inch boots and can flat foot the bike with no problem. I just got new handlebars today to try and bring the reach closer to me. Have not installed them yet, but they look perfect. Good luck finding the bike that is right for you.

Feb 19, 2012

bike suggestions
by: Janine

I am 5'4 and have been researching bikes that are low. I personally like the Sportster superlow and can't wait to get someday. But I saw a youtube video comparing it to the Triumph America and from what they said the seat height is not that much different from the superlow. I am still s new rider so my husband won't let me get the superlow until he thinks I'm ready. Right now I have a 1983 Honda Shadow VT500. I am not flatfooted on it but I can handle it ok. I think we just need to lower the shocks. Hope you find a bike that is right for you.

Feb 09, 2012

UK bikes for short ladies
by: Kate 5ft4 in UK

Hey Catherine, Have you bought the bike yet? I am in the UK too and I have riden a BMW F800ST with lowered suspension and seat since 2008 (all factory done, as new, so no insurance issues). If you go to a BMW dealer and they have a model for sale or test ride you can take them out for a good run by just bringing your licence and credit card.
I guess it depends on what sort of ride you are looking for, I wanted something comfy for touring long distances, I rode an SV650 and a Honda VFR800 but this BMW really does it for me.
What I also like is the under seat fuel tank which makes the weight distribution for cornering easier for me.
Let me know the outcome, I'm very interested in finding out if there is somehting EVEN better than what I have and I'm thinking of getting a new bike this year....

Jan 29, 2012

HarleyI
by: redraven

Harley Davidson 883 Iron. About 26 inches floor to seat

Jan 21, 2012

Balius
by: Sapphire

Im 5'3" and my Kawasaki Balius 250 is perfect height. Both feet flat on the ground.

Jan 17, 2012

KTM Duke 125
by: Wiz

I have just bought a KTM Duke 125 and I am 5'3". I was worried about the height of bikes so started looking at things like the Suzuki Van Van, Suzuki Marauder and the Honda Shadow. Once I sat on them, I didn't like the positioning of the pegs and so I tried out the Duke which is an upright bike. Even though I can't put both feet down flat at the same time, when I'm wearing my boots, I can get half a foot down on both sides and controlling the bike is fine. So as a recommendation from me, the Duke 125 is awesome :D

Jan 15, 2012

Lots of options
by: Anonymous

Yamaha V-Stars are nice and low - among the lowest seat height out there. Of course, it depends on the type of bike you would like (sport? touring?). I currently have a V-Star Custom and am looking at BMWs with lowered suspension and a lowered seat, which makes the seat height 29.5 inches (about 750 mm). Good luck, and welcome!

Jan 15, 2012

Age old issue
by: Susanne

Most bikes aren't designed for us height challenged folks. That in mind if you find a bike that interests you check whether they have a lowering kit. Some bikes have very easy lowering kits. My Ninja only took fifteen minutes and it was a inch lower. A good bike mechanic would be able to tell you what needs done to lower it. Just something to keep in mind when choosing your bike. You don't have to narrow your choices so much if you find it can be lowered.

Jan 14, 2012

BMW and Triumph
by: Wanda

Check out the BMW G650GS with low seat and low suspension. I also suggest looking at the Triumph Bonneville. Hope this helps. Good luck!

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