Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Bike for a shortie? Bike for a shortie?
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 Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

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


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Oct 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 79
Bike for a shortie?
I'm looking for some recommendations!! I currently own a Bonneville, which I took to Iran last year; and a Serow 250, which I took around the Balkans this year. Both had pros and cons, and now I'm looking for bike number 3!! The Bonnie was too heavy (obviously), so then I went completely the other way and bought the Serow! Which, while mostly good, is not much fun if you have to do some serious distance. I also worried about having loads of luggage on the back.
The other issue is being 5'4 with a 30" inseam. Femaleness and a dodgy shoulder mean I have no upper body strength.

So what are people's thoughts? I'm considering a DR650, but I think I'm too short!
Last edited by bonnie25; 29 Oct 2017 at 23:19.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Oct 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: London
Posts: 85
Quote:
Originally Posted by bonnie25 View Post
I'm looking for some recommendations!! I currently own a Triumph Bonneville, which I took to Iran last year; and a Serow 250, which I took around the Balkans this year. Both had pros and cons, and now I'm looking for bike number 3!! The Bonnie was too heavy (obviously), so then I went completely the other way and bought the Serow! Which, while mostly good, is not much fun if you have to do some serious distance. I also worried about having loads of luggage on the back.
The other issue is being 5'4 with a 30" inseam. Femaleness and a dodgy shoulder mean I have no upper body strength.

So what are people's thoughts? I'm considering a DR650, but I think I'm too short!
the CB500X is pretty short (31.9in), 44kg lighter than the Bonnie, and can definitely handle luggage and distance. Even though it's a lot lighter than the bonnie though, it's not the bike if you're going serious offroad and/or plan to drop it a bunch. (as even with the lighter weight it's not a bike I would want to have to try to pick up multiple times a day)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by hsinclai View Post
the CB500X is pretty short (31.9in), 44kg lighter than the Bonnie, and can definitely handle luggage and distance. Even though it's a lot lighter than the bonnie though, it's not the bike if you're going serious offroad and/or plan to drop it a bunch. (as even with the lighter weight it's not a bike I would want to have to try to pick up multiple times a day)
Pretty much what I was going to say.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 310
The DR650 can be lowered easily.

It's been designed by the factory for lowering without buying any new parts. You flip over a rubber cushion under the rear shock, and take out the spacers in the forks and re-insert them in a different position and you're done. Probably need to shorten or replace the sidestand, though.

I think it lowers the bike about 3-5 cm. (and the DR actually doesn't sit that high to begin with.)

But......you're still left with a moderately heavy bike to pick up (about 350 pounds, depending on who you believe.)

Great traveling bike, although like most bikes you'll have to change out some stuff (larger gas tank, possibly a seat, rear rack, panniers) to make it into a travel bike.

There's a huge thread on ADVRider about the bike. Just choose any spot there and read about 100 pages and you'll know a lot about it.



Mexico...........



...........shu
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Oct 2017
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
The first question I would ask is which market/ country are you buying a new bike in? Secondly Id ask where are you planning on riding it too? The DR650 has not been sold in Europe for a while and most of the ones available are well worn out or overpriced - or both.

Maybe tell us about your riding style and where you want to ride the bike - mostly dirt pistes or mostly asphalt or 50/50 etc etc and we can hopefully provide a better answer.

Much as I like the DR650 and the CB500X - (a lady friend owns a 500X and she loves it), I would avoid them both and go for something a little lighter personally - especially if you are carrying a shoulder injury. Load either of them up with gear and they can be fairly heavy.

Another lady I know rides a Kawasaki Versys 300 X which you do have to rev quite a bit, but it felt super light compared to the CB500X. She used to ride a V Strom 650 and a DR650. The only drawback with the 300 Versys is that it is fairly new out and there is not a huge range of aftermarket gear for it yet - nor has anyone I know of racked up big mileage on one yet.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Oct 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Yamaha Virago 535, Suzuki Savage 650 or Honda Shadow.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Round Africa with a Surfboard garnaro Ride Tales 185 8 Jun 2015 23:23
BMW-F800GS -adventure Snakeboy BMW Tech 71 19 May 2015 18:29
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 03:38

 
 

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 08:33.

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