Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which bike for shorties :) Which bike for shorties :)
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 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Which bike for shorties :)
Well, it's not for me but for her.
At over 6 foot, I can have my pick of the big bikes, that's the easy part.

However, she is quite petite and just 1,61 cm tall (5 foot 3 inch)
So not very tall, also she doesn't have the weight to ride a heavy bike, as she is only weighing 45kg.

We would like to ride on separate bikes, and we would be sticking to 100% European tarmac.

We recently did the length and almost the breadth of Vietnam on a pair of rented Honda 110cc bikes.

I would hope to get her onto a at least a 200cc.

vette
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
I love my XT250 Serow but they're way too expensive these days at over £5,000!! If you're happy with a 250 road bike I'd look at the YBR 250. 805 seat hight and an amazing 19 litre tank. That should be good for a range of nearly 300 miles. This gets around one of the main problems of smaller bikes travelling with big bikes which is having to fill up more often. It should do 70 all day so can keep up too.

If you've got £5,000 to spend try the BMW 650 with low seat. That's a lot of bike for the money.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 May 2012
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
Take a look at the Beta Alp 4.0

Quite low, infact if I'm not mistaken the lowest currently available Enduro bike. The engine is Japanese and very reliable, taken straight out of Suzuki's DR350SE (350cc, 27hp, electric start). The rest of the bike is Italian. I'll let you ponder the implications thereof yourself
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 178
I bought an 03 F650 FL (factory lowered) flat footed with both feet , im 5'4, it had 1800 miles on it when I bought it in September and I paid £2000 for it its now done 10000 and is a great bike . If your in Essex at any point and want to let her sit on it just give me a shout.
__________________
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Thanks every one,

I think a 650 is a bit much for her, I know the weight disappears when your riding, but she really is quite petite. Many thanks for the offer.

The Japanese / Italian cross, well, I don't quite know what to make of that to be honest.

I guess a road going cruiser type bike would suit her best, some thing like a miniature Harley look alike.

Please keep the suggestions flowing.

vette
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 554
My wife makes 1,62m and 50 kgs. One of the issues for her is the position of the footpegs, which often interfere with her legs/feet when stopped. Keep that in mind as well.

Last year, we rented a Honda CBF 125 and a Honda XR 125 for a short tour and so that she could to test both types of bikes. The XR was quite battered by people practicing for the driver's licence and lacked more power, but the CBF was a pleasure to ride (I loved it, much more than a CBF 600, a paradox) and she could handle it well.

YBR 250 sounds a really good option, with more power.

Enjoy the trip with the chosen bike!

Esteban

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 May 2012
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
Quote:
Originally Posted by uk_vette View Post
The Japanese / Italian cross, well, I don't quite know what to make of that to be honest.
It's not as bad as it sounds. The engine is well known and very reliable, having been produced for almost 20 years now (introduced in its current incarnation in 1995). The changes have been minimal ever since meaning you can practically swap engines between a 1995 Suzuki DR350SE and a 2012 Beta Alp 4.0

The bike itself is quite reliable. Apart from the engine there's nothing much that can break. A friend of mine has one (I'd guess she's around ~1.65m tall). It looks pretty darn good (ymmv) and has been used extensively on- and offroad. Infact, it's more reliable than another friend's brand-new BMW F800GS. The major difference is that instead of friggin' expensive Japanese spares or friggin' expensive German spares you'll be buying friggin' expensive Italian spares.

If it makes you feel any better there's actually quite a few Japanese/Italian hybrids around. Italian design meets Japanese automotive engineering. Much better than the other way around
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,491
fellow shorty
Im 5 ft 1 with a 27 inch inseam. I do ride a F650 GS, but it's not just the bike. I suggest Daytona Ladystar boots. They made me 2 1/2 inces taller. I also added Vibram soles for another 1 1/2 inches. Cheers. Sara
__________________
Sara

Those who say something is impossible should not hinder those who are achieving it!





www.worldwideride.ca

HU RR Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 52
I'm With Saralou!
I'm 5"2 and 50 kilos and my first bike was the F 650 GS (not lowered but on lowest suspension). The Daytona Ladystar boots were the best purchase outside of the bike. I was a bit nervous on the bike at first but I loved the bike itself. Once I had the boots the extra inch and a half made all the difference n handling and confidence. I even felt it if Patrick (my partner) took my bike and put it on highest suspension (another inch and a half), until I was really confident riding I felt that inch and a half. The boots were worth their weight in gold!

I think she should take the 650 on a test drive before she writes it off. We went on a 3 month trip from Germany to Turkey and back again and we left 3 days after I got my license. She will at least have the basics of riding down before you guys leave. And I loved my bike and will be buying a new one when we get back to Germany!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
F 650gs
My Wife is 5'2 & weighs in at a massive 48kg & rides a F 650gs, & loves it. However she baulked at riding it thru Africa where she opted for a Yamaha XT 250. She rides her 650 regularly at home here in OZ & will never sell it !!!!!

Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Feb 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: South Somerset, England
Posts: 44
Very low seat height - about 700mm?
My partner's looking for a capable mid-weight bike with a seat height of around 700mm. It'll be for doing a 30 mile, part M-Way commute and for road touring with me.

She's quite particular - she doesn't want a Harley or a Suzuki Savage (which she's had before) - and she wants to be able to be put both feet, flat on the floor.

So far we've tried, and dismissed, the Triumph Bonneville T100 (bit too high) and Suzuki Intruder 800 (seat too wide). Are there other, low bikes out there? Or bikes where lowering the seat puts it in the ball park height?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Feb 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by trailguru View Post
My partner's looking for a capable mid-weight bike with a seat height of around 700mm. It'll be for doing a 30 mile, part M-Way commute and for road touring with me.

She's quite particular - she doesn't want a Harley or a Suzuki Savage (which she's had before) - and she wants to be able to be put both feet, flat on the floor.

So far we've tried, and dismissed, the Triumph Bonneville T100 (bit too high) and Suzuki Intruder 800 (seat too wide). Are there other, low bikes out there? Or bikes where lowering the seat puts it in the ball park height?
I have a 2003 triumph Thunderbird. low seat and can flat foot it easily with my 29" legs. Also my Enfield
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12 Feb 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by trailguru View Post
My partner's looking for a capable mid-weight bike with a seat height of around 700mm. It'll be for doing a 30 mile, part M-Way commute and for road touring with me.

She's quite particular - she doesn't want a Harley or a Suzuki Savage (which she's had before) - and she wants to be able to be put both feet, flat on the floor.

So far we've tried, and dismissed, the Triumph Bonneville T100 (bit too high) and Suzuki Intruder 800 (seat too wide). Are there other, low bikes out there? Or bikes where lowering the seat puts it in the ball park height?
You may have to look more closely at the cruiser market for that height of seat.
A Kawasaki W800 is probably much the same seat height as the Bonnie, but a Moto Guzzi V7 might "feel better".
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Feb 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Macedonia
Posts: 71
All of you are wrong. Girls need storage, big storage. Fast, big scooter.
PS
Something from Honda. Maybe CB or NC.
http://cycle-ergo.com
Last edited by ccaa; 13 Feb 2016 at 09:44.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Feb 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: South Somerset, England
Posts: 44
Bikes for shorties available in the UK shortlist
There's a post with downloads listing bikes with seats heights of around 800mm over in the ladies section...

UK bikes for shorties post
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy SOUTH AMERICA 187 5 Dec 2023 13:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl SOUTH AMERICA 7 28 Dec 2008 15:06

 
 

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 18:17.

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