Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which bike for a petite learner with dreams of riding across Africa? Which bike for a petite learner with dreams of riding across Africa?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 1 of 5 1 2345
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Question Which bike for a petite learner with dreams of riding across Africa?
Hi guys!

So here's the thing - I have a long-held dream to travel across the length of Africa by motorcycle, and finally I'm taking the first step: I'm getting my Motorcycle Learner Permit this week, yee ha!

I'm doing my initial training on a Suzuki 250, but as soon as I have my permit I want to buy my own bike so I can get as much riding experience in before applying for my Licence in a few months' time.

I'm a petite gal (5'2) and really need advice about what bike to buy. I've been looking at 125cc and 250cc machines so far, as I don't fancy anything that will crush me to bits when (not if!) I fall off! There are some nice bikes around but a lot of them have high seats and I'm not sure I want to get into the whole seat-lowering thing at such an early stage of my motorcycling career... Given my plan to ride across Africa once I get my licence and feel competent on a bike, I ideally want to practise on something not dissimilar to what I may take to Africa - something that's good on the road, but off-road too.

Really keen to get advice on this, as my bike knowledge at this point is zero and you guys all seem like a very knowledgeable lot!!

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: New Port Richey FL
Posts: 162
I would consider the Honda CRF230L, or the kawasaki KLR250, or whatever kawi calls it anymore. they're fairly low, but still respectable bikes. the Honda is better in my book, but I'm biased to Honda and Yamaha bikes.

Then again, I'm also a short person, much like you, and I'm on an XT600. I can nearly flatfoot a KLR650 too. in the right work boots I actually can. its more a matter of knowing how to shift your body position to get one foot firmly on the ground than both in my book.

I'd avoid any of the chinese stuff like the plague. never seen anything good about them, and the fit/finish, as well as build quality, are sub par with Jap standards to which I'm accustomed.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Hey thanks for your advice, bobthebiker!

I'll certainly check out the Honda and Kawi models you mention. And noted re avoiding Chinese stuff - a couple of other people have said exactly the same thing!

Still unsure, though, whether 125cc or 250cc at this stage - from a learner's point of view, I wonder if it would be better to start first on a 125, to gain confidence on the bike, then progress up to a 250 if I decide I want something bigger. My biggest worry (apart from seat height) is being able to control the machine and not feel it's too unwieldy while I get to grips with my riding skills - but then again, some of the 250s I've seen are actually quite light... :confused1:

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Jun 2010
oothef's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: york
Posts: 265
Hello Jeanie, check out xt225.com I've never met anyone whose got a bad word to say about them(apart from the seat!), soft power,low seat,easy to ride and reliable
__________________
Anything can happen in the next half hour
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Jun 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
My wife is 5'2 and only a sml frame and she has 2 bikes, an XT 250 & F650gs
She loves them both.
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Jun 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
Im 5'2 too!!!
I rode a Honda XR250 from Bangkok to Moscow two years ago, and Im about to leave again from Brisbane Australia bound for Africa overland. This time im on a DR350.

Before I left last time, I had only been riding for 6 months max! You just have to get out there and do it! Its the best thing ever. Dont to be too shy on a having a smaller bike. A 250cc is the smallest you should go for - i really like the light weight dirt bike style- especially if your good at traveling lightly.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM! GOOD LUCK!
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Jun 2010
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobthebiker View Post
I would consider the Honda CRF230L, or the kawasaki KLR250, or whatever kawi calls it anymore.
Definitely NOT the CRF230, I have one for green laning and you would find it very uncomfortable for longish distances, and Honda recommend oil changes every 600 miles! This is probably due to there being just a gauze filter and no proper one, this is no problem for myself due to relatively short distances covered.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Hey thanks, guys, for all your advice so far!

I must say that I'm very drawn to Yamahas, purely as an aesthetic thing, and the XT250 really looks the part in terms of an "adventure bike". My initial research seems to suggest that the XT225 Serow is harder to come by, at least in this part of the world (Melbourne, Australia) - or am I just looking in the wrong places?!

And maximondo, I'm really encouraged by your post and your advice to just get out there and do it! I was a little worried that I might not have enough riding experience under my belt by the time I head off towards the horizon, but what better than to learn on the road, eh?! Good luck with your upcoming trip to Africa and travel safe!

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Hi Jeannie,

an XT225 or XT250's the way to go!

In Oz the 225 model is sometimes badged as a 250.

The highlight for me at the HUBB meeting at Ripley was a comment made by Austin Vince, who said 'there was no better machine for adventure riding than a Serow'! Great praise indeed!

Regards

Reggie
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Jun 2010
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cameraman

The highlight for me at the HUBB meeting at Ripley was a comment made by Austin Vince, who said 'there was no better machine for adventure riding than a Serow'! Great praise indeed!

Regards

Reggie
This was said by the same man that said Ural only make sidecar outfits!!
In the words of Thin Lizzy....'don't believe a word'

YouTube - Dont Believe a Word
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ede View Post
This was said by the same man that said Ural only make sidecar outfits!!
In the words of Thin Lizzy....'don't believe a word'

YouTube - Dont Believe a Word
Morning Dave,

I am right in saying that only Ural offer a sidecar option direct from the factory, rather than using after market providers?

Reagrds

Reggie
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Jun 2010
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Hi Reg, I was hoping to see you this weekend, but on Sunday morning was in a big rush to get myself and ybr125 back to South London for the England game!
Am sure we will catch up at some point!
It appears that Ural do solos but have not passed certain Euro tests to be sold here. If I am wrong play this one !!

YouTube - Elton John - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - 1976
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Hi Jeanie, Ive not got any experience of these machines but have been informed the Beta alp 4.0 is a fine machine for smaller people, fairly inexpensive using i believe a suzuki dr engine.
I shall be looking more in depth at them as my partner is verticaly challenged.
Good luck Jim
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 51
his wife made him say it. she rode a serow with much success from alaska to argentina and again on the Africa trip as well i think.



Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cameraman View Post
Hi Jeannie,

an XT225 or XT250's the way to go!

In Oz the 225 model is sometimes badged as a 250.

The highlight for me at the HUBB meeting at Ripley was a comment made by Austin Vince, who said 'there was no better machine for adventure riding than a Serow'! Great praise indeed!

Regards

Reggie
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
Hey Jim,

Thanks for the heads-up about the Beta Alp 4.0 - looks like a good bike for the more petite rider like me. Do you know what they're like weight-wise? Maybe it's just because I haven't spent much time on a bike yet (still learning!), but I'm doing my training on a 125cc Honda and it feels very heavy - so I'm keen to find a first bike that's light as a feather if poss!

Jeanie
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 5 1 2345

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dreams of Paris to Dakar Robboxrv Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 27 12 Feb 2014 22:29
Riding buddy for Africa mhoey Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 4 Jan 2010 17:49
dreams seekeronsaltspringisland Money Saving Ideas, making travel money 4 10 Oct 2008 09:46
Riding Quads Across Africa QuadsAcrossAfrica Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 14 Sep 2007 13:13
Buying a bike in South Africa, then riding to UK Squags Trip Paperwork 0 26 Apr 2006 19:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:30.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top