Bikes for shorter... Trips
 

Planning a trip out to Morroco as for a couple of weeks as the wife 3 kids’ etc mean the "big ride" will have to wait. Bikes will be on a trailer too southern Spain (company cars have to be useful for something) so not needing anything too big or fancy.

Problem is one of the riders going is only 5'3 and in his own words "isn't too keen on wearing stilts". Looking at around the 250cc (give or take) at the cheaper end of the market or even methods of lower seats without hampering off road ability (too much)

What options are there?

Cheers

Take a look at a Yamaha XT225 Serow - just about the lowest trail bike you can get - or maybe look at a Beta Alp.

Cheers
Grif

I tell you you may want to look at the yamaha tw200 or tw125 which is a great bike for the shorter of us and will go anywhere. and have fun:thumbup1:

Most bikes that are not too tall stock can have the seat altered to make them shorter, such as removing the foam, or going with a lower new seat altogether. The bikes will probably be the less extreme bikes (i.e. not a Suzuki DR-400, although someone will probably be able to tell you how to lower it). I am only 5'7" but can get comfortable on most 250 dirt bikes. (Electric start should be a consideration and will be more helpful in this situation). People were telling me on another thread that most any bike can be taken most anywhere (i.e. Suzuki GS500 on dirt/gravel roads) depending on the rider's skill, so a cruiser might be an alternative, obviously depending on terrain!

I knew I had read a similar forum. It is specifically for lowering the seat on a DR400, but if this bike is not considered, some of the replies might be useful for other bikes.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-drz400s-21421

Also remember that the DRZ line is a little taller but, a lot of it is due to the taller suspension. The Drz models have pretty high tech long travel suspension. So with high ground clearance and long travel suspension you can only get so low.

But, the suspension is the advantage of this bike. The only time it really becomes important to easily touch the ground is when on hills. Especially if you start tilting to the high side and your foot is three feet off the ground. :)Otherwise when your attacking tough terrain, slow or fast( I mean you don't need suspension for the easy stuff) you should be standing on the pegs with weight forward in this case you want good suspension, it will save you a bunch.

But, not for some one who is 5'3". Unless they are extremely skilled. I'm 5'9" and think I'm borderline. But, I was willing to deal with it. That was at stock height.

But, for the "big' bike it would be fine. Plus, if your traveling in a pack and some are on small bikes they probably aren't good for much "frieght" either. So the bigger bike can pack the burden, keeping the smaller or less skilled riders on light easy to handle machines. Plus, if they are likely to tip over you don't want stuff damaged.

Just some random thoughts.