Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which bike for women? Which bike for women?
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 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jul 2005
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
Which bike for women?
I'm planning to tour South America in a year time and have not decided yet on which bike! My problem is that most bikes are just too high for me (I'm 1.63m). I had my sight on the F650GS which can have a lower seat at 700mm, but I've read here that it would be very expensive in repairs and spare parts. What other options can I have? Most Japanese bikes have seats at 800mm or above, I just can't drive that! Any suggestion welcome! Thanks!

------------------
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jul 2005
Riq Riq is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 246
I am currently looking at a Buell Blast for my wife. Low seat, good power and light weight, I don't know what the service network is like for them. Having said that people always find parts for their Harley's.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Jul 2005
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
thanks for the tip Riq. I do drive a cruiser at the moment (Virago) and love the very low seat (and I love cruisers!). However this would not be adequate for South America. I am not planning to do any off-road but I don't know what to expect and we may end up in gravel, or non-tarmac roads, so a HD is out of question for time being! Probably later! I need a more sporty bike but they all seem to have very high seats (80cm or more)! The only one I found is the BMW F650GS (they can get the seat at 70cm) but I would like a bit more choice. Can some Japanese bikes be easily lowered?

I will test drive the F650GS this sunday though. I might fall in love with it....:-)

Thanks,
Maria
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jul 2005
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
Actually, now I read you reply again: the Buell Blast: how does it look like? I saw couple of Buell but they look more sport/race type of bikes.... can you do a bit of off-road? Is it confortable to spend all day on it ?
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jul 2005
Riq Riq is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 246
Maria;

this is a sporty looking bike however it has an upright sitting position. The seat height is either 699mm or 648mm. Dry weight is only 163kg.

I would not use the bike for heavy duty off road racing however I believe that it has sufficient clearance for gravel roads or logging trails.

Check out the buell website.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jul 2005
Riq Riq is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 246
Did I mention inexpensive as in $6000 CDN.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Jul 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: After almost 2 years on the road back in Germany
Posts: 106
Hi, my wife is 160 cm and we lowered an Africa Twin for her. She rides great with it, also on dirt. the only problem is, that the bike is a little heavy, so when it droppes to the side she cannot hold it upright. She was riding a Virago in Europe before the AT. we are on the road now currently in Peru and sometimes on tough dirt roads we wish se would have taken a GS650 or lowered a KLR650. Just think about it, it is worth getting a new seat made for u and to change the suspension, so u have more choice for a lightweight bike. Invest the 500 Dollars for customizing!

Any more info just write an email
Martin and Katja
www.twintraveller.com
__________________
Martin and Katja Wickert
www.twintraveller.com
mail@twintraveller.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jul 2005
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,226
Maria, I'm moving this post to the "Which bike" forum as it's more appropriate there. There's also a number of threads for "shorter" people there you should read.

My main recommendaation is to just look at lowering a KLR or Transalp, or just go with the F650. All are suitable for what you want to do, and common choices for shorter riders. All can be lowered to suit just about anyone. There's a "Kouba-link" (I think that's the spelling) that lowers a KLR significantly. Modifying the seat helps a lot, more than you'd think. Narrowing the seat a little can make a huge difference.

Good luck!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
Take a look at the Suzuki DR650, a very unappreciated bike IMHO. It has the lowest seat height of an stock dual sport, and is designed to be lowered with no aftermarket parts. It has been around for several years, very reliable, and inexpensive. Also you can get a gel seat that is an inch (25mm) lower than stock I believe. There ar a couple of ladies here that went around the world on the DR650 with very little if any problems.

------------------
John
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Jul 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
My girlfriend is about the same height & rides an 1150GS, fitted with a Wunderlich lowered seat (by 40mm).

She's fine on the road but off road can be a problem for her with such a heavy bike.

Bike choice is also partially dependant on the luggage load you intend carrying. If travelling light, you could use a DR350 - inexpensive, light, reliable & easy to maintain with plenty of aftermarket support, both new & used.

Other options are later XR400's that may come with an e-start? A later fuel injected F650 that's been lowered is also a good bet.

Buell Blast is not an off road bike IMO.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
If you are planning to do also off-road , even seriuos , here is the good answer :

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Jul 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: watford england
Posts: 174
Maria, what about a Suzuki DRz400S? Many companies do lowering links, they are cheap to buy, sold all over the world and great on the loose stuff. If you are small you will not want to be wrestling with a big bike loaded with luggage. 400cc will be enough for a small person and luggage. You can kit them up "off the shelf" with a 28 litre Aqualine tank, Corbin seat, Ally luggage and racks from www.offtheroad.de. Then go anywhere you fancy!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Jul 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
The DRZ400 is still a tall bike, lowering links or not. The seats are not that comfortable IMO.

As Giorgio said, the Beta Alp 4.0 looks a good bike. The only downside is that the fuel tank looks a little small & I've not heard of an aftermarket larger capacity replacement. I think the style & shape of the bike would make it hard to do a good job of modifying a DR/XR tank to fit?
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Jul 2005
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
Wow! I did not expect so many reply! Thanks everybody! I certainly know now that I have much more choice than I first thought! I will definitely check out few of the bikes above and will discuss with dealers for lowering options.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 Jul 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Frome, Somerset, UK. Currently in Argentina.
Posts: 10
Maria, we travelled on a klr 250, 2's up plus kit. we too were in south america. the lady who owned it before was shorter than you and had a link lower fitted to it. The bike was one of the strongest bikes i have riden. it has now been around south america 3 times and still on its original rear suspension. Have a look at Peter slarke's write ups to see the bike in action. Its got plenty of power for a 250, and is light enough for the muddy stuff. Its also very simple to maintain and repair, and also cheap compaired to the others you are looking at.
what ever you choose you will have a great time!
rob
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

 
 

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 04:56.

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