[No Worries]

I've seen a bunch of threads about lowering the seat or suspension so that the rider's feet can be flat on the ground. How about buying a bike with a lower seat from the beginning? No, not a cruiser.

Looking at some of the (2004) magazine tests, you probably don't want a KTM 950 (36.7 seat height) or Suzuki V-Strom (32.7). Aprilia doesn't make a street bike under 32 inches. Here's some good choices: Honda's 599 is like a sensible CBR, with a ride height of 30.5, and so is Kawasaki's Ninja 500. Suzuki's 600 Katana is 30.9, and their 600 and 1200 Bandits are 31.1. Triumph's Thunderbird Sport is 30.5 and Yamaha's V-Max is 30.1. Yamaha's older YZF600R is a half inch shorter than their R6 (32.3).

Most aren't beginner bikes, but some may want to look at the Honda 599, a naked bike which is very popular in Europe.

 

[itgirl25]

those are all great suggestions, but i still vote for buying what you really want and spending the $75 for links to lower it. that's just my opinion though. it's great to know us short people we have so many options without having to go cruiser. :dthumb:

 

[ShanMan14]

those are all great suggestions, but i still vote for buying what you really want and spending the $75 for links to lower it. that's just my opinion though. it's great to know us short people we have so many options without having to go cruiser. :dthumb:

:iagree:

 

[pobrediablo]

:scratch: I have a spear seat that I use to go racing I I have shave it myself and lower the seat, and it works really great and still comfortable :cheers:

 

[jeeps84]

those are all great suggestions, but i still vote for buying what you really want and spending the $75 for links to lower it. that's just my opinion though. it's great to know us short people we have so many options without having to go cruiser. :dthumb:

:iagree: That says it best.

 

[R1up0n1]

those are all great suggestions, but i still vote for buying what you really want and spending the $75 for links to lower it. that's just my opinion though. it's great to know us short people we have so many options without having to go cruiser. :dthumb:

:iagree: get the lowering links....that's what I'm going to do when I buy the R1.

 

[talisman_13]

I almost started on a Hornet...Honda 599 I think it is in the states? I also test drove the Bandit 600, and a savage. Ok the Savage was too small and yeah, it's a cruiser but...none would be considered a slouch by any means. Buying one used would be cheap and a great starter bike. I ended up buying a GS500 with restricted carbs 34 hp (previous owner was young and it saved on her insurance). I'm 71" and that bike was GREAT to learn on.

 

[Gas Man]

You have a good point NW. But my bike will have a 25" seat height... so that won't be a problem.

 

[jeeps84]

You have a good point NW. But my bike will have a 25" seat height... so that won't be a problem.

Nope but, that reach to the bars and pegs will be a stretch.

 

[R1up0n1]

Nope but, that reach to the bars and pegs will be a stretch.

:iagree:

 

[Gas Man]

Nope but, that reach to the bars and pegs will be a stretch.

Not really... my elbows aren't locked out unless I lean back and my knees are bent with my feet in front of me...

 

[No Worries]

Not really... my elbows aren't locked out unless I lean back and my knees are bent with my feet in front of me...

I don't think I could ever get used to riding with my feet in front of me. Then it's getting too much like a car.

 

[jeeps84]

I don't think I could ever get used to riding with my feet in front of me. Then it's getting too much like a car.

Its different but, you get use to it. Still nothing like a car.

 

[R1up0n1]

Its different but, you get use to it. Still nothing like a car.

I feel weird when I get on my dad's intruder. the pegs aren't too much in front, but its bad enuff. When I stick my legs way up on the cruising pegs then it's really bad.. A chopper would be like that all the time.

 

[Gas Man]

It's all good as long as its on 2 wheels!

 

[jeeps84]

It's all good as long as its on 2 wheels!

:withstupi