too short to ride...

[mz_twee]

hey everybody!!! i really need help from yall...i read so many infos on the net on lowering the 08+ ninja 250s n how short chicks under 5' can ride n that gave me so much confidence but i just sat on one today that was already lowered by 2'' at the dealer n feet was still dangling by a inch n so my confidence went downhill from there...im 4'9 with inseam of 25/26...just wondering is there any possible ways of dropping it by 3'' more? i know thats alot but im so determined...ive read low pro tires n shaved seat but dont know whats the total on how low that is cuz there so many people with diff opinions on them topics so any help would be great...thanx

[Alex]

mz_twee! Glad to have you aboard...

[Yasko]

Welcome and good luck in getting your bike.

[KJohnson21]

[bluepoof]

Check out the Daytona Ladystar GTX boots. I've worn them for years (two different pairs) and they're comfortable, waterproof, and have about an inch of rise in the soles. That paired with lowering the bike and getting a thinner seat (make sure to make it *narrower*, too, not just shorter) can make a huge difference

(I'm 5'1" with a 28" inseam, so I know where you're coming from!)

Welcome!

[24hr]

hm, consult with a bike shop or a fabrication shop. I'm sure they can do something to help you.

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by bluepoof

Check out the Daytona Ladystar GTX boots. I've worn them for years (two different pairs) and they're comfortable, waterproof, and have about an inch of rise in the soles. That paired with lowering the bike and getting a thinner seat (make sure to make it *narrower*, too, not just shorter) can make a huge difference

(I'm 5'1" with a 28" inseam, so I know where you're coming from!)

Welcome!

i think u missed out on the part where i said the bike i sat on was already lowered by 2'' n im still dangling n im outta luck with the boots cuz my shoe size is 2-3 in kids...but thanx

[kkim]

Aloha and welcome, twee.

if the new gen is just too tall for you, try sitting on a pre 08 ninja 250 as they seem to fit a smaller rider a bit better.

[24hr]

I checked on ebay and they have 3" lowering links for the 250r. On top of that you can adjust the rear mono shock setting to get another inch out of it. Then you can also make the seat foam thinner and get thick sole boots. With all these suggestions I believe you will be fine, besides you only need to have half of both feet on the ground. Many riders only have one foot on the ground on bigger bikes.

[mz_twee]

yea i know the older 250s are a lil shorter but they ugly...im really picky n i was like whoa when i saw the new ones so im really determined to get it

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by 24hr

I checked on ebay and they have 3" lowering links for the 250r. On top of that you can adjust the rear mono shock setting to get another inch out of it. Then you can also make the seat foam thinner and get thick sole boots. With all these suggestions I believe you will be fine, besides you only need to have half of both feet on the ground. Many riders only have one foot on the ground on bigger bikes.

yea ive read up on that but most saying that its not so safe when u lower it more than 2 usually cuz of the rubbing of the tires n going through bumps

[kkim]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

yea i know the older 250s are a lil shorter but they ugly...im really picky n i was like whoa when i saw the new ones so im really determined to get it

learn to ride a bike first, then after you've mastered it, you'll most likely find you don't really need to touch the ground with both feet. the pregens are a great way to get introduced to riding. besides, once you're on the bike having fun, you can't really see the bike anyway.

yes, extreme lowering can lead to tire/fender interference problems.

[24hr]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

yea ive read up on that but most saying that its not so safe when u lower it more than 2 usually cuz of the rubbing of the tires n going through bumps

well those are common suggestion most people will recommend. If you are still not comfortable then meet with a bike fabrication shop and see what kind of adjustment they can do for you and at the same time address all your concerns. If you have the money to make the modifications anything is possible.

[mz_twee]

ive read that too lolz...i read everything pretty much on the net so far...i think thats the best option yet....to build confidence in riding cuz plenty upgrade to way bigger bikes regardless of height issues...but im so impatient that i just wanna buy it n ride it...thats what i do with everything since imma quick learner...i go for it n learn it quicker than most...no bs...i bought my type-s n didnt know how to ride stick but drove it off that day anyways without stalling ever...even had to pick my neice from school too...i just knew to step on clutch n switch gear...really nervous tho but i was determined to get my type-s no matter what...n so thats my mentality with everything i want...determination n ill get it

[mz_twee]

Originally Posted by 24hr

well those are common suggestion most people will recommend. If you are still not comfortable then meet with a bike fabrication shop and see what kind of adjustment they can do for you and at the same time address all your concerns. If you have the money to make the modifications anything is possible.

i think imma do that cuz the dealer guy today was kinda slow...seems like i knew way more than him...he just suggested i would be wasting my $ cuz with all that fixing...bills probably more than the bike itself...which got me thinking...dam...

[AMMOCAN]

1)
2) Have you taken a MSF BRC (Basic Rider Course)?
3) The reason I ask is because that is something every rider should do, especially for those who never been on a motorcycle, as it is a great way to see if your mind is in it as much as your heart is.
4) Most BRCs use old 250 cruisers, which offer a lower seat height than that of the 08+ Ninja 250. I personally have a 30" inseam and I rode on a Honda Rebel and not only was I able to flat foot the pavement, but I also had bent knees. However, I wasn't even on one of the motorcycles that had the shortest seat height.

I know that not all BRCs have the same inventory, but through my years of knowing and speaking with other riders it seems that most courses regardless of their location tend to have close to the same inventory as every other course. If you are concerned I would definitely go down to your nearest MSF location and try speaking with a Rider Coach about it. I would also do all this before even thinking about purchasing something.

Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

im outta luck with the boots cuz my shoe size is 2-3 in kids...but thanx

A Youth size 3 shoe is approximately a Euro size 35, or around a women's size 5, right? The Daytonas go down to size 35 -- with thick socks, you could probably make it work. The extra inch would really make a big difference.

[Green Streak]

Originally Posted by AMMOCAN

1)
2) Have you taken a MSF BRC (Basic Rider Course)?
3) The reason I ask is because that is something every rider should do...

Welcome! It sounds like you are pretty determined, but I agree with Ammocan, taking the course is the best thing for you to do first. It should help your confidence and ensure that it is something that you really enjoy, before purchasing it. And what you learn should help you to be a safer rider.

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.

[vnranger]

[mz_twee]

well i dont fit size 5 woman shoes...its way too big on me...since my feets narrow too...even some size 3 is big on me...im planning to get the msf classes cuz i know confidence in riding wouldnt even matter if i cant reach the ground...thanx much yall

[ducducgooseit]

Welcome to the 250 party.

[GetBusyLiving]

They can lower the 250's up to 4" but you also need to keep in mind your ground clearance will diminish at the same time. The side stand will have to be cut as well to accommodate the lowering links. Just something to think about. Good luck in your class!!!!

[Suave]

Originally Posted by ducducgooseit

Welcome to the 250 party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwQbPgouUYo

[kkim]

Originally Posted by GetBusyLiving

They can lower the 250's up to 4"

not w/o serious problems. max you should lower the 250 is 1.5-2"

[ally99]

Personally, I'm short for my Ninja 650, but I wouldn't lower it, even if I could find a reliable lowering kit. It changes the suspension and cornering clearance too much. To be totally honest, I'm 100% comfortable 1-footing it at stops and doing regular riding on the big bike, but I'm less comfortable all-around on the taller bike than I am my "Lil Ninj" because of the knowledge that I can't flat foot both sides. Plus on a windy day, greasy spot at an intersection, etc, there are many times when having 2 feet planted would be a plus.
So yes, being a short rider is doable, but there are a few obstacles to overcome. Granted I'm 5'6", 120 pounds, but even that is a bit short for my Big Ninj.
Good luck! Welcome aboard!

[Firehorse]

Hi and welcome from another vertically challenged woman.

Try the youth boots some of them have a higher sole, especially motocross boots. Nice to have the extra safety in the shins/ankle.

I'm with all the people mentioning taking the course

And if your heart is set on a Ninja, pay attention to the feathering the clutch info...control while going slow. You'll love it. Once you master the slow control and adjust to the weight of the bike, you can lean at stop light no problem.

Just remember you have to be cautious of where cars have dumped slippery oil or when sand or gravel has built up - you need to be conscious of that foot being stable

If you have money to burn - look at the smaller Aprilia , I had both feet firmly on the ground!

[ducducgooseit]

The 2011 Aprilia RS125 is not street legal in the USA.

[Cuongism]

Originally Posted by ducducgooseit

The 2011 Aprilia RS125 is not street legal in the USA.

The new aprilia RS4 125 (4 stroke version) is street legal though but only has about 15 hp. Specs show the seat height as over 32 inches though which is higher than the 250. i haven't sat on one yet though, so maybe a thin saddle?

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by ducducgooseit

The 2011 Aprilia RS125 is not street legal in the USA.

Same in Canada but if you have money floating around, the street legal version is another $1500. Some of the so-called fixes to make it street legal can be undone - some bits of course need to stay on, kinda need the lights etc..

Originally Posted by Cuongism

The new aprilia RS4 125 (4 stroke version) is street legal though but only has about 15 hp. Specs show the seat height as over 32 inches though which is higher than the 250. i haven't sat on one yet though, so maybe a thin saddle?

I sat on the Max Biaggi version with running shoes and was flat footed at 5'2". (200hp version , priced to match)
Must have been a skinny seat if it's 32". I'm not flat foot on my ninja - one flat one barely.
Here it is with specs:
http://www.gearheadcanada.com/new_ve...94&pov=1789142
It was by far the most comfy bike I sat on, the other was the 2011 BMW gs650. Different style but it was like it was made for me. Lowered height is 30.1 but again must be the shape of the seat ??

[Honko]

Originally Posted by mz_twee

yea i know the older 250s are a lil shorter but they ugly...im really picky n i was like whoa when i saw the new ones so im really determined to get it

Have you ever seen one in person? I personally thought the pre-gens were pretty hideous when I first started looking at bikes and saw pictures (no offense to all of you who ride one ) but I took the MSF course this past weekend and they had a pre-gen there that I used and it actually looks pretty good. I definitely still prefer the newer body styling but seeing a picture of a pre-gen versus seeing it in person is like night and day.