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Bike for a short chick?

makanahnl
Wed, 23 Mar 2016 21:00:16 GMT

Hi ladies! I'm new to the world of motorcycles though I've been meaning to take the plunge for some time now. I have my permit, gear, and am signed up for my BRC. I really want a Harley and I've been to the local dealership here a couple of times. First time, I was just browsing. Second time, I talked with a salesman and sat on a couple of bikes. I really like the Sportsters (Iron 883 is my fave). Most recently, I went to a different dealership that I happened to have been in the area of. Sat on a couple bikes again and a salesman came over. This time, he actually had me try to stand them up. That's when we figured out that I'm pretty short (really I am, coming in at a whopping 5 foot nothing). He then proceeded to parade me around to nearly every bike there and have me try to stand them up. After trying pretty much every stock bike there, his general comment was "Well. Sucks for you. Maybe a trike?" He had me talk to a tech, but that guy barely looked up from the computer to say anything about shaving the seat or suspension. I really want to make this happen and I'm s o ready. But that last experience kind of shook my confidence to go back into a dealership. I have an appointment with a dealership manager tomorrow who is a friend of a friend. I hope it goes better. Has anyone had a similar experience or can offer advice? There have to be options for the vertically challenged right? Thanks Ladies!

nancybell
Sun, 31 Jul 2016 18:10:27 GMT

I'm 5'4" and just bought the Indian Scout. I got the extended reach handlebars & I have no complaints. The scout is nice for the short statured with a 25" seat height and the tank isn't up high like the HD which makes it a much better balanced bike.

gmdahl
Mon, 29 Aug 2016 19:53:58 GMT

Hi, most of the Harleys can be lowered. They're lowered using a kit, not just shaving the seat. The kit lowers the suspension and a different seat an be put on the bike that brings you forward so that it's easier to reach the ground. If your handle bars are too far away, they can change those out too. I would suggest for your first bike to get a used one for the first year or so. You learn a lot the first year and you want something that you're not going to be too worried about if you drop it. After you've gotten some miles on, then I would say go get what you want. Forward controls, have the bike lowered, get everything you want on it. After riding around for a year you'll get a better idea of what you want and what you don't want. Oh, and as an afterthought, if you're looking at the Sportsters, I would suggest the 1200. The 883 just doesn't have enough umph at the top end. You'll be struggling at higher speeds.

rhondacollinsshort
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 00:11:46 GMT

Hi, I'm 5'2". I ride a Knightster Sportster. First I had the 883 which was a little higher than the Sporty, I rode it with no problem but traded it for a sportster because I needed a bit more power. My husband rides a Softtail Deluxe which I can also ride. You can have the bikes lowered if you need to. Something as simple as changing your seat can also help. Where there's a will there is a way. My bike is stock with no adjustments. I bet it would work for you too. Look for a Knightster!

carrielan
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 23:12:25 GMT

Hi ladies, total clueless newbie here. My question re the used bike for a 5'0" shortie like myself - is it worth it to buy a new bike if one doesn't want to put any work into maintaining the bike other than lubing the chain, etc?

tanya
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 23:51:33 GMT

I'm 5,1 and I started in a Yamaha vstar 250 ! Seat is super low ! The even smaller entry level and low cost cruiser is the HONDA REBEL! That's as cheap and as low as it's going to get ! Super easy to maneuver bike super light and petite! I did my motorcycle course with it and loved it ! 2 years later I ride an Indian scout sixty !! But it's pretty heavy so more pricey! If your tiny and want something slow seat height and economical I strongly suggest a Yamaha vstar 259 or Honda rebel 250 :) hope this helps

tanya
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 23:52:48 GMT

Vstar 250 ^** sorry for the typos ladies

jenhrocker
Thu, 01 Dec 2016 17:57:36 GMT

I'm also a shorty, I started out on a XG500, which was perfect for my height and a great starter bike. The soft tail silms at Harley are a pretty great next level, short without having to get the kit to lower it and bad ass. [Snapchat-2353736304145653352](//muut.com/u/thelitas/s2/:thelitas:OtEe:snapchat2353736304145653352.jpg.jpg)

tinydancer88
Mon, 05 Dec 2016 17:06:47 GMT

I'm 5'2" and I ride a Yamaha VStar 650 - it's my first bike, and it's really manageable. Also, it was one of the only bikes that I tried out where I could put my feet flat on the ground without my leg touching the exhaust pipe.

matildaquist
Sun, 11 Dec 2016 07:36:20 GMT

I went from Yamaha Virago 250 until I gained experience to a Yamaha V Star 650 then when I got my full license finally got my Harley Sportster 72 1200cc

gretavalenti
Thu, 15 Dec 2016 17:09:27 GMT

I couldn't stay away from the vintage bikes so I got a Honda CM400 (I tried others and they were too tall..the 350s/400s were okay) and I put 1" shorter back shocks on it. An I'm not even 5'1". But works great.

tinydancer88
Wed, 21 Dec 2016 20:01:11 GMT

Another note - if you're looking at a brand new bike with a bigger engine (like I will be when I upgrade my VStar), the Victory Gunner is a GORGEOUS machine, and it's the most comfortable bike I've ever sat on. Perfectly low to the ground, and relatively narrow - no legs hitting the exhaust, even when my knees were bent with my feet flat on the ground. Someday it will be mine... <3

Joëlle Michaela
Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:37:16 GMT

I ride a '95 Suzuki GN125 and its perfect for me - I'm 5'3. [Capture](//muut.com/u/thelitas/s1/:thelitas:XuEj:capture.png.jpg)

loriweiniger
Fri, 03 Feb 2017 19:34:20 GMT

There are a number of ways to lower a bike. You can change the seat or change the stuffing in the seat so that when you sit down it sinks. You can lower your front forks and put on shorter shocks. Also, I get inches put on my riding boots. I'm 4'9" and i ride a 900 Ducati Monster and I am NOT a new rider. Shoe makers who make orthopedic shoes can add as many inches as you need to your boots. [IMG_2987](//muut.com/u/thelitas/s3/:thelitas:uAdP:img_2987.jpg.jpg)

psalmbird
Tue, 07 Feb 2017 22:03:41 GMT

I'm 5'1, just over 100 pounds, I just started riding this past year, and I had a really hard time finding a bike. But in April I bought a new Indian Scout Sixty. It's 1000cc and before it, I could hardly touch the ground on any other smaller engine bike I tried, let alone lift any of them. But this Scout Sixty is incredible. I feel like I have control, I can touch flat footed (my legs are super short), and can maneuver it with ease. This bike was made to fit all sorts of people; the vertically challenged included. I got an extended reach seat to bring me closer to the pegs since they're far up front, and it's really perfect. I've attached a picture to show you. It's worth a look. [Indian Scout Sixty 999cc](//muut.com/u/thelitas/s1/:thelitas:EbHF:indianscoutsixty999cc.jpg.jpg)

staceysaito
Sun, 12 Feb 2017 05:27:07 GMT

I'm 5'2" and love my 2013 Harley Davidson Softail Slim. It's the most well balanced, low seat and easy to ride HD. I even added a HD seat that pushed me up an inch. The floorboards are comfortable and it's easy to shift and brake. So easy so you can truly enjoy riding. If you like a vintage and clean look it's the way to go.

carbtacoma
Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:05:00 GMT

I had the 883 Iron, great starter bike. Reach seat made it very comfortable for my 5' height. Just recently upgraded to the 2017 Dyna Lowrider also with a reach seat. Loving it!

ifor
Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:00:36 GMT

Most of the Harley are low, spostster XL, Hugger, iron883, nightster... The Harley Softail Slim is one of the lowest I think.... (low bike with a small seat), Harley Dyna Low Rider and even Harley Dyna Street Bob are low (you might want to change the seat for that last one because it's large but the seat it's low).

joeybel
Tue, 31 Jul 2018 16:40:28 GMT

I really wanted a Harley for my first bike but because of cc restrictions in Australia I could only go for a new street 500 - but I wanted an older custom bike so I could learn to fix it myself. And then along came the '91 Yamaha XV535 custom. Sure it's not as cool as a Harley but its got loud custom pipes and a low single seat. I just scrape 5'3" and both feet are flat and a bend at the knee. It's only 180kgs so its a bit less scary to push around. It's so much fun to ride! Sometime you gotta compromise. [IMG_20180212_152238_835](//muut.com/u/thelitas/s3/:thelitas:PPy2:img_20180212_152238_835.jpg.jpg)

destinyburnette
Fri, 12 Apr 2019 02:14:54 GMT

I'm 5'4" and my starter bike was a Suzuki S40 650. Very nimble. I've since upgraded to a Triumph, Bonneville Speedmaster. 1200... the center of gravity and balance doesn't make it feel so heavy.

mountainkat17
Fri, 12 Apr 2019 09:04:43 GMT

Sounds like you talked to a terrible salesman. Just about any bike you want can fit you with the right adjustments. Whether it be lowered, ‘reach’ seat, bars that come further back, etc. Get some boots, and get the bike you like! Get it from a better salesman though, and tell the other one “sucks for you” lol. BTW, I’m 5’1” and ride a street bob.

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