| Author | Message | ||
     Firstbuell |
I became interested in smaller bikes bcz my 5'3", 28-yr old daughter up in Portland decided that she wanted to start riding & quickly passed their state-req'd class - tho' our conversations since have been about awareness, safety & accumulating decent gear, I steered her away from vintage XS650s [no kidding] & soon heard her own wonderful realization, "this is my 1st bike - it'll be dropped & even crashed a few times before I get this figgered out” - awesome! so I’m requesting credible suggestions from BadWebbers who’ve actually experienced solving this classic quandary – zero speculation, pls & thx what’s truly worked for diminuitive beginners in your own family/social sphere? while she’s not against purchasing new, a used, small, electric-start, 4-stroke is preferred [beyond pricing, this seems more an availability issue] – honestly, after decades of riding experience, my preferences are: - non-bratted Honda CB125 single [srsly] - Honda 300 Rebel single - Yam XV250 twin [dunno if she’d like the looks] wildcards include: - Zook TU250X single - Honda 250 Rebel twin [again, looks] - Taiwanese SYM 150 single [CB125-clone - are they any good?] after above, I’m outta mainstream ideas below 350cc [again, a very strong preference] - for now, the most powerful we’ll go is a 250 Ninja or other modern 250/300 [even the SYM 250?] - my search skills here didn’t yield a breakthrough [tho’ reluctant to moderately lower a smaller dual-sport, I will consider that option] again, no Blast!; 600 sport bikes; old gray-market 400-4s; SVs or Savages, etc. thanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration of my grrl’s dilemma | ||
| Zacks |
While my daughter does not suffer the same vertical challenge you're facing, I started her on a 89 250 Ninja. We ended up selling it to a friend who's daughter DOES have a height issue and she is thrilled. Particularly after getting some riding boots with taller soles. I'd recommend a previous gen (88-07) since they are plentiful, cheap, bulletproof and enjoy great support from aftermarket and salvage yards. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
We use the Honda Rebel in our Basic Rider classes here in Ohio. They are pretty tough. They live on and on after many drops and being lugged around in the wrong gear. Plus I think there is some after market stuff out there for the Rebel. We also use Suzuki GZ250 and a TU250. The TU is a new fuel injected bike and most students have a pretty good riding experience with it. But I think its going to boil down to what flips her switch. You know... that one bike that puts a twinkle in her eye when she looks at it. Let us know what she ends up with. | ||
| Macbuell |
Get her an old beater used bike. After a year she will have learned and outgrown it and then she can make an educated decision on what kind of bike she wants. There is no real point in spending good money on that first bike just to learn how to ride. It just needs to be safe and durable. I learned on an old Yamaha XS400 that had holes in the exhaust pipes (sounded cooler). | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Yeah those ninjettes are pretty much unkillable. My friend had one and he let me ride it to work a few times. You CAN ride it on the highway but it's really weird to be revving a bike to 9000 and still needing to downshift it to pass someone on the highway. My personal preference is with dual purpose 250 bikes. They are just a bit lighter but they are taller and more costly bought used for some reason. so (more costly + too tall) = disqualified. | ||
| Dtaylor |
If the looks of it appeal to your daughter, I highly recommend the TU250x. Nice neutral ergonomics, fuel injected, good brakes, and it is reliable as an anvil. I have yet to see a critical review. My girlfriend has one, and I love riding it around, too. It is a great city bike that can handle the freeway at 120km/hr when needed. They are popular, too -- so it's easy to buy a used one, then sell it in a year or so for the same price. Or, keep it forever.  http://canadamotoguide.com/2013/12/16/cmg-tu250x-long-term-wrap-up/ http://doubleclutch.ca/2015-suzuki-tu250x/ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/a9242/test-ride-suzuki-tu250x-a-dream-starter-bike-15703190/ https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki/2016-2009-suzuki-tu250x-ar170948.html (Message edited by dtaylor on May 12, 2017) | ||
| Mnscrounger |
My wife learned on the MSF's TU250, but the bike she loved, and bought, was the Suzuki LS 650 Savage. Hers is for sale right now on local CL, as she has a convertible now and the bike doesn't get rode unless my S3 is hanging from a rafter for work. At 365 pounds and a 27" seat height almost everyone can flat foot it. Another plus is at 650 CC, a rider typically gets to use the BIG turning box and long stopping lines for their test. It's also big enough to get up to real 70+ highway speeds, (but there isn't much left for passing). It can be a great bike for years, or she might outgrow it, but certainly not as fast as commuting on a 250 cruiser. Used OEM parts are cheap, and the bike is simple sturdy and reliable. Exactly what a new rider would want. Downside: It sounds like a riding lawn mower, but there is also a very healthy customizing parts market including exhaust options if you decide to go that route. Also the 98 and older were only 4 speeds. (Message edited by mnscrounger on May 12, 2017) | ||
| Whisperstealth |
DRZ400 super moto. Seriously. As long as it's not too tall. I met a short banker that had one. We got to talking about it, and he practically gushed about how great it was for him. Light enough to pick up, comfortable to ride, and plenty enough power to get around in the city. | ||
| Jramsey |
DRZSM seriously .....Shirley you're joking. The SM has a seat height of 35 inches ...about 2" less than the standard S model. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Really? That high? Thought it was less than that. When I stood next to it, it didn't seem that high. But then I was on my KLR650, so I guess it's all relative. But surely, you could've left Shirley out of it, she never jokes. LOL! | ||
| Midknyte |
The Honda Grom is a 3/4 size bike and has a pretty sick following and probably would be nearly as easy to re-sell as a 250 Ninja. Along the same lines is the SSR Razkull which is styled dead on like a mini Ducati Monster and has gotten good reviews. Retails new at $1,800. | ||
| 86129squids |
Got a buddy at work who's short, wanting to learn to ride- his wife also wants to learn, she might be a little taller... The XV250/Route 66 Yammies are better bikes than the Rebels, but 250cc anything is kinda inadequate for real world riding, unless you really plan your routes. Honda made a Rebel 450 for 3 years in the early '80s, but they're hard to find. Yamaha made the XV535 Virago back in the '90's, which became today's V-Star 650. Those are great bikes, seat height should be addressable. Also, check out the BMW options. IIRC the F650 variants can be dropped down pretty easily. For funnin', I've seen some pretty rad looking Ruckus'es, but those are different.  | ||
| Crusty |
I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned a Blast. My ex got one soon after she completed the MSF course and flat loved riding it. Her daughter Andrea learned to ride on one at the Harley dealer's Riders Edge course, then rode her own Blast to Homecoming in 2008 with her mother and me. We traveled at 70 - 75 MPH and the bike ran flawlessly on a trip that encompassed almost 4,000 miles by the time we were back home. Andrea stood 5'0" tall, and loved her bike. Here's a picture of her and her Blast:  Another Beginners bike that nobody is mentioning is Harley's XG 500. I know that the dealer in Brisbane, QLD (Australia) had sold quite a few, and that the people who bought them were happy with them. Since I haven't ridden one myself yet, I can't recommend one, but it might be a viable option. | ||
| 86129squids |
 ... Crusty's right! Most of the HD rider training courses used them, they're pretty bulletproof. If you find a crushed one, they're collectible... One negative- their clutches take some getting used to. Vern's got the coolest one I've seen, he'd probably sell it. | ||
| Sagehawk |
Don't forget dr 200 suzuki, xt250 yamaha, tw 200 yamaha. All are basic dual purpose bike that should take a lot of abuse. Been made for years so should be some used ones out there. Personally, racing dirt bikes in early years, bought wife a kdx 175 to ride. Sagged spring on rear shock lowered forks in clamps. Fit her and actually it was a blast to ride for me as well. Great to lay oUT trail for enduros or hare scrambles on. In 2000, I found a 96 sporster sport she fell in with. Still own the thing. Best used vehicle we have bought as a couple for 43 years. Minimal problems or maintenance on the thing. Just saying, in the end, it'll be whatever rings her bell. Good luck n let us know what yall choose. | ||
| Hootowl |
I'm 5-8. I learned on a mid 70s CB550. Bought a 500 shadow after that. The CBs are bulletproof, but they're not exaclty agile. The shadow was a great bike. I rode that until I bought the X1 in 99. I would stay away from a 250s. She'll outgrow that almost immediately. | ||
| Slaughter |
Sunny's first street bike was a vintage VF500F. For "dual sport," she got a Yamaha XT225 that is very comfortable for her. It's about a small as you can get with "normal" sized wheels/tires. You can take the 225 on freeways but it really doesn't like being ridden long at freeway speeds. You can also get lowering kits for Suzuki DRZ400 which makes the height manageable for an inseam-challenged rider. DRZ400 is near bulletproof and parts are everywhere. | ||
| 86129squids |
"VF500F"? Interceptor. Back then I remember those, they were a game changer. As was the GPz550. WANT. I love '80's bikes, those are what I grew up looking at and wanting. A dreambike is a vintage GTS1000. First, the XN85 got away, when I was a teenager and didn't have money, and then Yamaha made the GTS1000 and stuff... in the mid to late '90's things got too homogenized.  As far as the big 4 are concerned, Yamaha or Suzuki bikes, either dirt, D/S or street cruisers (mid '90's or earlier Intruders are choice...) An early year VS 1400, prior 1995, is a catch. Suzuki engineering, in a chopper, with a 4 SPEED. They were redesigned n the late '90's, and began sucking. | ||
| Alfau |
Honda as a brand reigns 2016 MotoGP because they are the best. Next Yamaha. Such has been the case for many years throughout their range. | ||
| Etennuly |
Blast is on his short NO list. I just was going to ask why. My wife learned on one for exactly all of those reasons you listed, including her stature. | ||
| Daddio |
My 5'4" wife's first bike was a KZ440G, a standard, with belt drive. Impossible to kill. My 5'2" daughter's first was a Vespa 300, had trouble pushing uphill into a headwind at 80mph, otherwise plenty strong. | ||
| Mnscrounger |
I missed the no Blast no Savage section of the post. I'm with Etenuly in curiosity. I would think someone enlightened enough to recognize the the bike will get "dinged" in the learning process, would be open to all possibilities rather than eliminate them right off. Although I admit the rider is also the only one who can decide what fits them best. If for whatever reason you don't like the bike, you'll ride it less often. Please let us know what the winner is, and why it won out. | ||
| Hootowl |
The Blast! does crash fairly well. I hear it also crushes well. er...  (Message edited by hootowl on May 15, 2017) | ||
| Midknyte |
>"VF500F"? Interceptor.... You made me look at ebay. Argh. | ||
| Hootowl |
This is a great bike, if you can find one. http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda _vt500c_shadow%2083.htm Or its cousin, the FT500 Ascot. 49 HP, 9K redline. It would lift the front going into third if you goosed it hard enough, but was plenty docile and tractable if you weren't riding it like a...well...me. | ||
| 86129squids |
One bike I've always wanted, but they're unobtanium, is a Gurney Gator.  | ||
| Badlionsfan |
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/battle-of-the -125cc-ankle-biters-part-1 | ||
| Zac4mac |
I built a 500 Triumph Daytona for my first wife. 1" Harley drag bars and switchgear. 6" struts(IIRC) cause she was 5' 5" 2 carb(Amal... f**k Yeah!) Daytona manifold Crossover TT pipes  | ||
| Slaughter |
Still her daily rider - except it is hanging from the garage rafters - she's rebuilding the forks and brakes. Fun bike to ride. YOU MUST put the auxiliary oiler on the top end because they were/are known for thrashing the cams and NOS cams are almost impossible to find precisely because so many were thrashed before the problem was solved. | ||
| Ourdee |
Personally? I'd make it a 250cc or larger. I have found 200s too low on power for highway riding. Tw200 is fun for us cult members but not nice for a girl maxed out on the throttle riding 45 into a strong headwind going slightly uphill in a 65 mph zone. My first 4 stroke was an Honda XL250s. Liked it so much I bought 2 of them new. Ultimately it is going to have to fit when she tries it on. | ||
| Britchri10 |
Take a look @ the Honda CB500, X, R, 0r F. 471cc 47BHP. Light, nimble and comes in three flavours. Enough power without being too much for a newer rider. I'm biased. I have a 2013 CB500X. Chris C | ||
| Macbuell |
The Honda reminded me of the Suzuki GS500. If you could find a used one in good shape, that would be a great option. | ||
| Elsinore74 |
Lots of good suggestions on this thread, but I have to put a plug in for the Suzuki TU250. If an old XS650 caught your daughter's eye, the TU might appeal to her. My wife is 5'4", and her feet are flat on the ground while sitting on her TU250. She learned to ride on it, and although she bought an SV650 a year later, we can't bring ourselves to sell/trade the TU because it's a great spare bike, and still gets ridden close to a thousand miles a year. The 2009 model, in dark red (also only year with chrome headlight bucket and speedometer housing) is the best color combo, IMHO. Pros: -- Great ergonomics for wide variety of rider sizes. -- Light clutch pull and sweet shifting (shifting may depend on break-in of the individual bike. Some training mules may have pretty trashed gearboxes-test ride to be sure). -- Adequate power* (*see below). -- Brakes (although not ABS)are more than up to the task of this bike's engine output. -- The seat is surprisingly comfortable for an entry level bike. -- Great gas mileage, and generous tank capacity. -- No bodywork to damage when dropped(and ours has been dropped a few times). Ours has scratches on the bar-end weights, and that's about it. I'd expect the usual turn signals/levers/mirrors to be the only real issue in a tip-over. -- Fuel injection is great for a first time rider; no choke/fast idle to fuss with. Cons: -- *Power is adequate for surface streets and country two-lanes, but not enough reserve at highway speeds to make a beginner comfortable (my opinion). That said, though, I think it's a blast to ride in the tight twisties where you go fast by not having to slow down. The "Riding a slow bike fast is more fun than riding a fast bike slow" analogy is true. -- Turn signal indicator light could stand to be brighter. New riders often forget to cancel their turn signals (since their cars do it for them). -- Adjustable-reach clutch lever would be nice. -- Tachometer would be nice, but that's just personal taste, and it'd probably be a distraction for newbies. -- Stock tires wore out first riding season. Replaced with Avon Roadriders; big improvement. -- Wish it were a 350, but its size is probably dictated by the world market, and tiered licensing in other countries, so it's understandable. -- One last thing; if you're 6'2" and 210 lbs, you'll look like a Shriner on a minibike if you ride a TU250. But you'll be smiling inside your helmet, so it probably doesn't matter much (No offense intended to any minibike-riding Shriners in the audience. Shriner and minibike used for scale reference only). (Message edited by Elsinore74 on May 18, 2017) |
