Motorbikes for shorter people

snowlife · August 16th, 2009, 03:18 AM

I have been researching a low bike for my short girlfriend. The 250r get alot of respect/mentions regarding this topic. (vx/virago 250 is the main learner/cruisers mentioned for lerner&shorter riders, BUT cruiser is not a chance for my GF.)

I found this photo, and I think that she should have raised/platform boots for the ability for feel safe when putting her foot down/stopping.

I found this photo, but I question how easy it is to change gear? (I have race boots and off road boots, the off-road make it hard to change gear (STIFF).) I think the platforms would make it hard/almost impossible to change gear.

See platform boot picture.
http://pnwriders.com/klamath-falls/4...rt-people.html.
Any experiences/thoughts?

noche_caliente · August 16th, 2009, 05:40 AM

snow, why not just lower the bike - IMO that is much safer than trying to compensate with footwear that may pose a problem with the operation of the bike

zail · August 16th, 2009, 01:41 PM

I agree with Kim... I got a pair of Daytona Ladystar boots (Here they are) on the grounds that they are a proper built up bike boot.... I hated them - not only hard to change gear (although many bikes can be adjusted to make the distance between peg and gear change bigger) but also I thought they made it harder to get any feedback about the ride through the footpegs... However, your mate may love them - lots of the women on a UK bike forum I'm on swear by them...

Daeldren · August 16th, 2009, 01:54 PM

As a 5'2" male I understand this problem with seat heights. I can say by all accounts that the 250r is excellent for shorter statured people especially if they are beginner riders. Now as she gains experience I know that Ducati's tend to have lower seat heights and after sitting on a few 999's they feel pretty good for my size. The problem is not fitting in to the bike because as far as reach goes most sport bikes fit smaller people very well (in fact the new Aprilia RSV 4 supposedly makes Max Biaggi look big and is considered very cramped for bigger riders) its the seat height which hurts, the CBR is also another decent bike for those with low inseams. But we are talking about beginner bikes so I say go with the 250, she will get comfortable fairly quick I'm sure with the height.

FYI I use magnum stealth 2 boots for riding in ( they are basically tactical police boots) and they add about an inch (shifting is not a problem for me but you should be able to adjust the shifter slightly if she has a problem.

Snake · August 16th, 2009, 03:01 PM

As stated previously, those boots would make riding very dangerous so the best option is tl lower the bike.

August 16th, 2009, 03:18 AM	#1
snowlife ninjette.org member Name: snow Location: Australia Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW f800gs Posts: 31	Motorbikes for shorter people I have been researching a low bike for my short girlfriend. The 250r get alot of respect/mentions regarding this topic. (vx/virago 250 is the main learner/cruisers mentioned for lerner&shorter riders, BUT cruiser is not a chance for my GF.) I found this photo, and I think that she should have raised/platform boots for the ability for feel safe when putting her foot down/stopping. I found this photo, but I question how easy it is to change gear? (I have race boots and off road boots, the off-road make it hard to change gear (STIFF).) I think the platforms would make it hard/almost impossible to change gear. See platform boot picture. http://pnwriders.com/klamath-falls/4...rt-people.html. Any experiences/thoughts?

August 16th, 2009, 05:40 AM	#2
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	snow, why not just lower the bike - IMO that is much safer than trying to compensate with footwear that may pose a problem with the operation of the bike __________________________________________________ Progrip tank pad, blue rim stripes, blue Pazzos, Roaring Toyz lowering kit, Puig DB in dark smoke, Cortech sport tail, super mini tank, and saddlebags, OES swingarm spools and Intuitive frame sliders

August 16th, 2009, 01:41 PM	#3
zail ninjette.org member Name: zail Location: Bristol, UK Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250r Posts: 156	I agree with Kim... I got a pair of Daytona Ladystar boots (Here they are) on the grounds that they are a proper built up bike boot.... I hated them - not only hard to change gear (although many bikes can be adjusted to make the distance between peg and gear change bigger) but also I thought they made it harder to get any feedback about the ride through the footpegs... However, your mate may love them - lots of the women on a UK bike forum I'm on swear by them... __________________________________________________ Bristol, UK - R&G Tail Tidy, Exhaust Hanger, Bar ends & Crash Protectors, Skidmarx Hugger & Double Bubble, SW motech mirror extenders, Scorpion Exhaust, Cycle Control levers & Rearset Adjusters

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August 16th, 2009, 01:54 PM	#4
Daeldren two wheel addict Name: Kenneth Location: Simpsonville, SC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 94 xlh 883, 1984 kawi gpz money pit Posts: 556	As a 5'2" male I understand this problem with seat heights. I can say by all accounts that the 250r is excellent for shorter statured people especially if they are beginner riders. Now as she gains experience I know that Ducati's tend to have lower seat heights and after sitting on a few 999's they feel pretty good for my size. The problem is not fitting in to the bike because as far as reach goes most sport bikes fit smaller people very well (in fact the new Aprilia RSV 4 supposedly makes Max Biaggi look big and is considered very cramped for bigger riders) its the seat height which hurts, the CBR is also another decent bike for those with low inseams. But we are talking about beginner bikes so I say go with the 250, she will get comfortable fairly quick I'm sure with the height. FYI I use magnum stealth 2 boots for riding in ( they are basically tactical police boots) and they add about an inch (shifting is not a problem for me but you should be able to adjust the shifter slightly if she has a problem.

August 16th, 2009, 03:01 PM	#5
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	As stated previously, those boots would make riding very dangerous so the best option is tl lower the bike.