Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Bike for woman 170 cm tall Bike for woman 170 cm tall
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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 5 Feb 2006
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Hmmm, not so sure about the Suzuki. I have given it some thought, but fear the brand. My fears may be without foundation, but we used to dread them in motor class at junior high some 17 years ago. In Norway they go by the nick name ScrewZuki (The verb "to screw" being the Norwegian translation for having to turn the wrench). There were to reasons for this name; notoriously unreliable, and difficult to work on as it required many specialised tools... or so we were told by our teacher. Ever since I've had aversions against this brand... but probably not justifiable.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 6 Feb 2006
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
Surely the overall height of a rider is only part of it. Inside leg, arm reach, even size of feet and hands or the way you feel comfortable sitting are all issues to take into account. The only real way is to take a test ride or at the very least sit on a number of different bikes in the showroom.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 15 Feb 2006
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Pure seat height is irrelevant, you need to consider seat width also in case it's wide and splays the thighs.

My g/f rides an 1150GS, she's about 168cm tall. Seat has some foam removed & has been recovered. She also wears Daytona Ladystar GTX boots that are built up on the inside by 2.5cm / 1", providing the benefit of a high heel without the look.

Only other mods are a 12mm thick ally plate bolted to underside of the sidestand to lift it up a little. It also offers a massive footprint tp lessen the chances of sinking in soft ground. Verholen bar adjusters are also fitted to bring the bars a little further back. They allow her to turn the bars full lock & alos provide a little exra leverage.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 15 Feb 2006
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally posted by quastdog:
Something maybe to keep in mind.

Whe you walk into the store to check out bikes, you'll probably try it out without any gear loaded on it. Put 50-60 kilos of gear on it and you'll compress the shocks.

At 5'10 inches (178 cm) I can't put my feet flat on the ground on my 650GSDakar when its "naked" - I use my toes to balance it at lights and such. I have to lean it to one side, or shift to one side of the saddle to get one foot flat. However, loaded with my gear, sitting straight in the saddle, I'm pretty much touching the ground flat-footed (just right!).
In this scenario you should increase the spring preload to restore ride & suspension travel. That's why the manufacturers make the shocks adjustable in the first place......

__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 24 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
DR 650 SE (SP46A) for both of you.
Suspension can be lowered easily. Only part necessary is a new sidestand (or cut and weld the original one).
I do not understand reservations towards the Suzi wwith regards to reliability. I hire them out and have currently five. The oldest is a 1997 with 104000 km with first piston / rings and engine was never open for anything but setting valves.
All special tools needed is tool to set tappets (you can also use a small nose plier)The tool costs some 10 Euro from Suzuki.
IMO one of the most capable overland bikes. Very good dirt road handling, good suspensions and brakes and very light (147 kg, compare with the F650 Tank!)
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Have you considered the motoguzzi 750 ?
can be had with a low (lady seat) so u could have a pair with justthe seats different...
for some strange reason. I like the enfields
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« 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

 
 

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 11:54.

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