Cheap, around £1000, commuter for those with short legs

[rykard]

Hi,
with the advent of spring and the possibility of road charging I am looking into the viability of commuting by bike. I don't want to spend too much but the biggest issue will be size(height). I am 5' 7" but have shortish legs. What models should I look at?

cheers
Rich

[Pravus1]

My old hornet was low enough that my 5' 3 OH could ride it easily

[CAPP0]

Are you commuting into London? If so don’t forget the ULEZ thing. Whether you’ll get much for £1000 which conforms, I don’t know.

Conversely if you’re not in London but hapoy to travel to the South East to buy, there will be a lot of cheap bikes for sale very soon!

(No use to you but I pulled up alongside my old TDM on the commute last week. The guy riding it said it had been great but had to go as it’s not compliant from next month).

[rykard]

I am in Leicester. Commute is 3-4 miles each way, injuries put a bike out of reach atm.

[Krikkit]

For 3-4 miles I'd be looking for a twisty scoot I think, assuming you won't ride for pleasure of course.

[rykard]

i am a little on the large side, do you think they would be up to it?

[Krikkit]

You should be able to get something over 125cc assuming your licence would allow it, that should be plenty for zipping about.

I only suggested a scooter because the weather protection will be better really.

[Trevor555]

Try a Honda PCX125

It'll cruise comfortably at 50mph.

It'll stretch to 60mph.

120mpg

I'm 75kg, but I often take my lad on the back +45kg. It'll then cruise at 45mph and very slowly stretch to just above 50mph.

[LuS1fer]

Weight is a consideration. I am 5'6" with a 30" inside leg and my SV650S is fine although the riding position, for commuting, is not ideal so an old naked SV650 might be in budget (haven't looked TBH).