Discussion
It's a confidence thing in my opinion. Don't forget, a lot of us "burly blokes" can't actually pick up our bikes should we drop them 
Seriously though, quite a few bikes have fairly low seating positions and you can always have some of the padding removed to lower the seat, as a mate of mine did.
I used to know a girl who was about 5' to 5' 2 who used to ride a GSXR1100L and rode it like she stole it!
Seriously though, quite a few bikes have fairly low seating positions and you can always have some of the padding removed to lower the seat, as a mate of mine did.
I used to know a girl who was about 5' to 5' 2 who used to ride a GSXR1100L and rode it like she stole it!
staceyb said:
I've always been interested in learning to ride a bike, but one thing has always concerned me and that would be my height and the non-length of my legs. I'm only 5ft tall and an inside leg measurement of 26". Now they question is would I actually be able to find a bike to fit?
My inside leg is only about 2 inches longer than yours staceyb and I currently run an SXV450 which has a very high seat height, taller than my inside leg in fact. It's more about practice, skill and confidence than being able to flat-foot the bike.
Apart from my SXV I've ridden quite a variety of stuff from BMW's, Jap sports bikes, cruisers and muscle bikes. Providing you stay away from bikes that are heavy *and* tall (GS series BMW adventure bikes spring to mind) you should be OK. I'll bet you could even get used to a GS with enough practice!
I've heard about people lowering the seat height through suspension adjustments and having seat foam removed...seems to be mixed views on that one but it's something to consider. Most important thing is to get started with your lessons!
FrenchTVR said:
It's a confidence thing in my opinion. Don't forget, a lot of us "burly blokes" can't actually pick up our bikes should we drop them
Seriously though, quite a few bikes have fairly low seating positions and you can always have some of the padding removed to lower the seat, as a mate of mine did.
I used to know a girl who was about 5' to 5' 2 who used to ride a GSXR1100L and rode it like she stole it!
Seriously though, quite a few bikes have fairly low seating positions and you can always have some of the padding removed to lower the seat, as a mate of mine did.
I used to know a girl who was about 5' to 5' 2 who used to ride a GSXR1100L and rode it like she stole it!
i picked up my 954 RR Fireblade off the floor with a smashed collar bone, not quite sure how i managed it now,my first reaction at the time was to get my bike out of the road so i picked it up got it on the pavement at thought
my arm doesnt feel right 
i may be a weird mis-shapen freak, but i only have 28" legs (well, trousers) and i'm 5'11" 
i can't get both feet flat on the floor on my blade
anyway, mostly it's not so much the seat height as such, but the width and shape of the seat, and you can have some foam cut away from the seat pad
edit: plus the archetypal "big" learner bikes, like GS or GPZ 500s or SV 650s have pretty low seats
i can't get both feet flat on the floor on my blade
anyway, mostly it's not so much the seat height as such, but the width and shape of the seat, and you can have some foam cut away from the seat pad
edit: plus the archetypal "big" learner bikes, like GS or GPZ 500s or SV 650s have pretty low seats
Edited by hugoagogo on Thursday 19th October 00:34
Didn't anyone see in MotoGP a couple of weeks back when Pedrosa got on the podium, when he got off his bike one of his mechanics put a little wooden step at the side so he could reach the floor.
A mate of mine is a 'short-arse', he could just 'tiptoe' his 748 but he had to hang off the seat of his KTM when he stopped, unless he was near a kerb has no problems riding though.
A mate of mine is a 'short-arse', he could just 'tiptoe' his 748 but he had to hang off the seat of his KTM when he stopped, unless he was near a kerb
has no problems riding though. 
I always really fancied a VFR400 until I stood near one and thought even if I could contort my 5'11" frame to fit, my big flabby belly would clash with the tank!
If you like the style, most cruisers have the seat a lot closer to the ground and the Yamaha XV535 is meant to be quite a nice bike.
If you like the style, most cruisers have the seat a lot closer to the ground and the Yamaha XV535 is meant to be quite a nice bike.
staceyb said:
I've always been interested in learning to ride a bike, but one thing has always concerned me and that would be my height and the non-length of my legs. I'm only 5ft tall and an inside leg measurement of 26". Now they question is would I actually be able to find a bike to fit?
Do it Stac!! Pop down to your nearest training centre and jump on a few...piece of cake
chilli said:
staceyb said:
I've always been interested in learning to ride a bike, but one thing has always concerned me and that would be my height and the non-length of my legs. I'm only 5ft tall and an inside leg measurement of 26". Now they question is would I actually be able to find a bike to fit?
Do it Stac!! Pop down to your nearest training centre and jump on a few...piece of cake
I'm going to next weekend, all excited now
cheers guys.staceyb said:
chilli said:
staceyb said:
I've always been interested in learning to ride a bike, but one thing has always concerned me and that would be my height and the non-length of my legs. I'm only 5ft tall and an inside leg measurement of 26". Now they question is would I actually be able to find a bike to fit?
Do it Stac!! Pop down to your nearest training centre and jump on a few...piece of cake
I'm going to next weekend, all excited now
cheers guys.Great stuff....Too few lady bikers IMO!!
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