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What is the best bike for petite women?

by Fatima
(DC)

Hi Ladies,

I'm a petite woman about 5'2. I'm in the process of getting my motocycle license. I own a scooter now, but am going to upgrade to an actual motocycle. I've been looking at the Honda Rebel. Can anyone give me some advice on the best bike for petite women?

Comments for What is the best bike for petite women?

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Nov 16, 2012

Harley Deluxe
by: Wendy

I started out on a 2011 Harley Sportster 883 Superlow. AFter one year I traded it in on a 2012 Harley Deluxe. I love, love, love it. It is way bigger than my superlow but so much easier to ride!!!! My friend also has one and she had a Vulcan 500 before and feels the same way I do. Wouldn't trade for anything else!!!!

Sep 26, 2012

.....
by: SpannaMUNKY

Im also a shorty at 5'3 :) im on a Kawasaki ER5, its perfect height for me. also been recommended the 2005 style R6 as its quite low (recommended by someone shorter than me :) )

Sep 22, 2012

first bike
by: Robin C

My first bike is the one I still ride, a V Star 650 Classic. I'm 5'2" and weigh about 110. I love that bike, fits me perfect. I've done a lot of traveling on it and put roughly 18,000 comfortable miles on it in 3 years. I did put aftermarket risers on to make the reach more comfortable for me, but other than that it was a good fit. The bike is very reliable and has never let me down.

Sep 20, 2012

2008 Honda Shadow Aero !!!!
by: Amy

Got my temps yesterday 9/19/12. Begged hubby to take me "looking" to fit test some bikes. I am 5' 0" and have to try on every vehicle I buy....

I was pretty sure I was going to go for a Vstar 650 and tried a few of those and a Suzuki Savage and M40 but when the salesman asked me to sit "in" on "on" the Shadow 750 - I fell in love! 25" seat I could flat foot it in sneakers and move it easily. It almost stood up by itself. I asked hubby to take it out for drive - OK begged him to - when he came back all he could say was "thats a NICE ride!" Made the deal and pick it up on Tuesday!!!

Sep 14, 2012

Vulcan 500
by: IdahoCrystal

I started on the Vulcan 500, which was a great starting cruiser - It's lower to the ground at seat height, skinnier between the legs and light enough that I could pick it up when I had to - and it was affordable. Plenty of power too since it's got the same engine as a Ninja! I finally upgraded to a 900 as we started taking longer rides and I've actually gotten a Victory Vision this summer and I've been super happy with my space monster!

Ride safe - Crystal

Sep 13, 2012

Petite Riders
by: Beckie

I am a new rider myself. I bought a shadow 750 spirit and was absolutely terrified of the power. I rode a friends rebel for 2 weeks and then got on my 750 and absolutely love it! The rebel madfe me feel like even I was scrunched up but the 750 is fantastic. Don't be intimidated by the size. It is perfect. I only weigh 115lbs and I can even right it after it fell over. Dumb mistake. It is worth it. Was going to go for a 600 shadow but it has alot of vibration. Plus the 750 is shaft driven so no chain or belt drive to worry about and liquid cooled engine so it doesn't get as hot as quick. You will love it!
Good luck!

Sep 13, 2012

Go for the Rebel
by: Clarissa

I'm 5'3". I really enjoyed my Honda Rebel and found it pretty perfectly sized for a first bike. It pretty much tops out at 80 though so no bueno for the freeway or longer commutes---it's very obvious when the wind is in front of you and that noticeably impacts your speed of travel.
I've since sold my Rebel and am riding a Kawasaki Ninja 250 which tops out at 130 so that's alright for freeways and commuting. I believe this is the smallest sportbike available. The more aggressive riding stance took some getting used to but I really enjoy riding it now.

If you favor a cruiser style bike, I'd recommend finding a 450 or trying your hand at a 750 after you become accustomed to riding the Rebel. I don't think I'd recommend anything bigger than a 750 unless you build up some serious muscle. There's nothing more embarrassing than dropping a 600 lb bike and not being able to pick it up.

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