Starter bike
#1
04-27-2006 | 10:20 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Starter bike
Hey all, my wife has asked me if she can get a bike and start riding. I told her after she takes the MSF course then we will get her one. Here is my question. My wife is about 5' tall. What kind of bike should i get her? What are some good 500cc or 250's? Any help would be great.
#6
04-28-2006 | 06:20 AM
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Posts: 5,432
From: Roswell, NM
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RE: Starter bike
The 250 has a seat height of 29.3"
The 500 has a seat height of 30.5"
That is for the new models off of www.kawasaki.com .....I am not sure how much they changed over the last years..
The 500 has a seat height of 30.5"
That is for the new models off of www.kawasaki.com .....I am not sure how much they changed over the last years..
#9
04-28-2006 | 04:10 PM
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RE: Starter bike
I'm 5'4" and have a 500. I have no problem with the height of the bike, I can get both feet flat on the ground. You might want her to go sit on a 250 and/or a 500 and see which one she feels more comfortable with.
#10
04-28-2006 | 08:43 PM
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Joined: Apr 2006
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RE: Starter bike
Hey fizzy,
I'll give you waaaay to much of my humble opinion (and there are plenty of better sources in this furum!) cuz I'm about 2 months ahead of you in the process. My gf (5"3') is just starting out and having some problems with balancing her bike, she's got a Ninja 250. I actually think it's a great starter bike that she'll get used to.
She took the MSF course on a cruiser, and the taller style feels alot different to her. I'd say have her sit on every kind of bike she can and see what she feels comfortable with, height & weight. Secondly, while riding it is kinda fun, I feel a little more vulnerable on the freeway on the 250. I'm a little biased, but for freeway riding (God Forbid!), I wish it had quicker acceleration, also, I've noticed the light weight and small tires have tended to track in some of the SoCal weather grooves on some of the freeways (not a deal killer, but a little uncomfortable). I think Bluebird's ride (Ninja 500) is perfect, more power, more options, more substantial if the height/weight aren't a problem. Also, I'm finding out lowering a 250 Ninja is doable, but not the easiest thing.
Here's a site that may offer you some insight...
www.vtwinmama.com/short_riders.htm
Sorry, this post was wayyyy to long, just been living these questions lately.
Where you livin/ridin in SoCal?
I'll give you waaaay to much of my humble opinion (and there are plenty of better sources in this furum!) cuz I'm about 2 months ahead of you in the process. My gf (5"3') is just starting out and having some problems with balancing her bike, she's got a Ninja 250. I actually think it's a great starter bike that she'll get used to.
She took the MSF course on a cruiser, and the taller style feels alot different to her. I'd say have her sit on every kind of bike she can and see what she feels comfortable with, height & weight. Secondly, while riding it is kinda fun, I feel a little more vulnerable on the freeway on the 250. I'm a little biased, but for freeway riding (God Forbid!), I wish it had quicker acceleration, also, I've noticed the light weight and small tires have tended to track in some of the SoCal weather grooves on some of the freeways (not a deal killer, but a little uncomfortable). I think Bluebird's ride (Ninja 500) is perfect, more power, more options, more substantial if the height/weight aren't a problem. Also, I'm finding out lowering a 250 Ninja is doable, but not the easiest thing.
Here's a site that may offer you some insight...
www.vtwinmama.com/short_riders.htm
Sorry, this post was wayyyy to long, just been living these questions lately.
Where you livin/ridin in SoCal?