First Bike for a Shortie

[firebird]

Hi all

This is my first foray into the 2 wheeled department. I am normally under a different username on PH but as the OH doesnt know I am going for my bike licence I want to stay undercover as they read these pages.

I am soon to book my Theory/CBT and as I am way over the age of 21 will be doing the Direct Access course as well.

Now the problem I have is I am just over 5 foot 3 and fairly slight so am wondering whats the best bike. Would love an R1 or a Fireblade but not sure if I can get my feet down and how heavy these bikes are.

So basically I am just looking for suggestions - want to stay in the 500cc+ sports bike range.

TIA

[mtbr]

Inside leg notwithstanding, before you go too far down the R1, Blade, Gixer line of thought, have a talk with a few insurance companies. It's not that the premiums may be a bit on the high side, you will struggle to even get a quote for a full on 1000cc sports bike.

I'm inclined to agree with Black-k1's opinion (in another thread on BB/PH) that it shouldn't make any difference whether you start with a 600cc or a 1000cc sports bike, you are no more or less likely to come off the thing. Unfortunately the insurance companies do not see it that way.

I would worry less about your height, there are plenty of people your size who manage fine on sports bikes.
Mostly what they do is shift their weight over to one side before they pull up to a stop and plant one foot firmly to support the bike, the other stays on the peg. (Much the same as almost every one who has ever ridden a Dakar rally-raid bike has to do.)

You will need to get off and push the bike backwards, rather than "paddle" back with both feet on the ground, but otherwise you should be fine.

The weight of the bike is just something you will need to learn to manage, there are girls your size riding Harley Davidsons that must weigh half a ton. (The Harley not the girl!) The difference in weight between the 500 you will do your DAS training on and a sports bike, is too small to make any difference.

Some people will suggest lowering the suspension on a sports bike, personally I would try to avoid this, as it stuffs up the balance and handling of the bike, however removing a bit of padding from the seat, to make it narrower can help make a bike feel lower without compromising the dynamics.

[scoobz]

Buell do a range of 'Low' sport bikes which look pretty cool. Kind of a cross between naked and sports...

[Al_g]

My Mrs is a short arse 5'4 i think and she has a ZZR600, nice and low, but a bit heavy. Have you considered an SV650? popular with short arses and can really be hussled about in the right hands!

[Firebird]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Insurance doesnt bother me as I am paying over 1K for my current mode of transport.

Always loved a certain model of bike (if I say what it is it will give it away but think Suzuki and a funny name) which is what I am ultimately aiming for.

I stupidly thought a R1/Blade would be an easy (as in ok to handle) first bike, I dont particularly want to drop below a 600 if I can help it.

I am a great beliver in the more power you have it is easier to get yourself out of situations (yes I know you shouldnt get into them in the first place but sometimes they aer unavoidable).

My main concern is the weight of the bike and the height - During the DAS and I am on a 500 I am worried about stopping etc cos of my size and the balancing if I can only put one foot on the floor - will I loose marks for that..?

Right - off for a few beers and to browse the bikes for sale.

Thanks again

FB

[Rawwr]

Firebird said:

I am a great beliver in the more power you have it is easier to get yourself out of situations (yes I know you shouldnt get into them in the first place but sometimes they aer unavoidable).

Modern 600s will stay with a McLaren F1 to 100mph. How much power do you need?

[carinatauk]

I have just gone through the experience of choicing my first bike. Would have loved a Hayabusa but having riden it I opted for a "softer" option and bought a VFR 800 so that I can build my confidence. Why the VFR? well it has the speed and capability of two up but more importantly I want to be able to control a bike better so that I can reduce the risk of dropping it or losing it on a corner. I wish you well your quest and keep us up to date

>> Edited by carinatauk on Thursday 13th April 10:24

[petclub]

I recently learnt on a Kawasaki ER5, bought a GS500ES and 2 months later an SV1000S. The bigger bike weighs about 10k more than the 500 but the balance is better and so it is easier to handle (both on anf off it). Although a novice myself, I guess visiting showrooms and testing out a range of bikes is good sense. Although, the problem is you visit a showroom, see one you like, convince yourself (in about 2seconds) you must have it and away you go! I suspect you're thinking of the Bandit, a good choice, but also check out the SV (650/1000), similar but different characteristics. Dave

[black-k1]

petclub said:

..... I guess visiting showrooms and testing out a range of bikes is good sense. .....

Best advice you can get. Go and try out a few bikes as you will find that some of the "taller" bikes will work for you while some of the "shorter" ones won't. Make sure you actaully ride the bikes in as close to "real" conditions as you can.

Sports bikes are great fun but can be hard work on the arms if you do a lot of town work. Likewise, unfaired bikes give a great feeling of "raw" motorcycling but can be hard work if you do a lot of fast motorway work.

Big twins are great if you want loads of torque but smaller four is just as fast if you enjoy listening to "howl" all the revs give.

Use the "head" to draw up a short list then the "heart" to make the final decission and you wont go far wrong.