What would be a good bike for a 135 lb female newbee? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

08-28-2003, 08:25 PM

Hi,
I'm going to take the MSF in a few months , but when me and my husband go looking at bikes the same question always floats in my head.
What would be a good bike for me? I'm not really interested in speeding or racing for that matter. But I don't think a cruiser would make me happy. What do you suggest?
By the way MdNightLuv is my husband i'm just using his screename to ask my question. You can call me Nanka86

08-28-2003, 08:58 PM

My wife is thinking of getting her own bike too. If she is only going to ride locally to work and around town, we're thinking of the GZ250. But, if we are going on a road trip, we're considering the 650 Savage. Mainly because she is 4' 10" and those are the only ones she feels she can handle adequately.

Mike

08-29-2003, 02:13 AM

Probably the most important thing is getting what 'feels' best to you. My wife is just under 5'2" and is getting fairly comfortable riding my (tall) DR. If you don't particularly like cruisers, they likely wouldn't make you happy. A taller bike might be a little unwieldy at a stop, but they weren't made for sitting still, were they? I've seen women, and men, who had to reach way down to put a foot down, usually leaving one foot on the peg and only one bun on the seat. It might be a little difficult to get used to, and you'll have to be more careful about where you stop, but it'll be a worthwhile exercise if it means you can ride the bike you like.

**Uncle Bob** · 08-29-2003, 09:08 AM

Well since this is The Suzuki site I would recommend the following.

Suz Marauder 250 ( cruiser )
Suz Savage 650 ( cruiser )
Suz GS500 (standard, looks a little like a sportsbike without fairing).

Up here in Quebec most instruction is given either on Rebels 250 or GS500's.

They made me start on the 250 and then moved me up to the GS500 . The GS500 is a light,nimble,forgiving and has enough power to move you at above legal limits (I weigh 220lbs and had no problems on the highway).

Only problem might be your height you don't mention how your 135lbs are distributed. If you're legs are a little on the short side the the savage would probably better suite you. Just go to a dealer and try them on for size.

Ride safe.

08-29-2003, 02:00 PM

I own a Savage and its a great bike. When I got it I have never really riden a bike before and I didn't have a problem with it. Its really light (like 350lbs). The most imporant thing though is to get a bike that fits you. Make sure that you can firmly place both feet on ground at a stop. You don't want to drop a brand new bike at a stop light.

08-29-2003, 03:11 PM

Hmmm. pa and I seem to have differing opinions. Imagine that.

Use your best judgement.

**Uncle Bob** · 08-29-2003, 09:05 PM

Yes being able to put both feet down is a confidence builder. But before eliminating a bike you really like because you're on tip toes, there are ways to get around this problem.

Boots with thick soles ( think I saw an ad for cruiserworks (could be another compagny ) that said they had come up with a boot for just this purpose and it's made to look as if the sole is regular height to avoid the frankeinstein look. ( since you should buy dedicated motorcycle boots anyway not really an extra expense ). But check that you won't have a problem upshifting ( space between left peg and shift lever, although most shift levers are adjustable up and down).

Seats can be modified ( possible DIY project or some compagnies do it for a fee (DUH!)). Basically remove seat from bike, remove cover, carve out foam with electric carving knife, add gel pad ( available from many sources) to insure comfort, reinstall cover and then reinstall on bike. Depending on depth of original foam up to two or three inches can be gained this way.

Lowering kits, different models available for different bikes. Basically reposition shock absorber mounting spots or replace stock shocks with shorter ones. This last option can be expensive and may affect comfort of bike over bumps.

10-19-2003, 11:24 PM

Let me add my vote for the LS650.

**Uncle Bob** · 10-20-2003, 07:46 AM

You got me ! Whats an LS650 ?

**Louis** · 10-20-2003, 06:56 PM

Suzuki Savage LS650

**Uncle Bob** · 10-20-2003, 08:37 PM

**Louis** · 10-20-2003, 10:17 PM

Modérateur de caltron (oui, l'orthographe est voulue).

Now, folks, don't even ask about translating this one. It cannot be done. Trust me

PerrydaSavage · 12-18-2003, 11:23 AM

I'm 5'-4", 125 lbs and own an '03 Savage ... find it perfect ... even more comfortable than my previous Rebel 250. The extra "oomph" over the Reb is nice too ... a little less "flickable" than the Honda perhaps, but the Savage can scamper up hills like a goat!

**Uncle Bob** · 12-19-2003, 08:51 AM

Welcome fellow Canuck.

reefrats · 12-24-2003, 10:16 AM

I just got my first bike - and I'm 5'6" about 140# - my husband and I decided on the Volusia 800 for me. I took the course on the Buell Blast and then jumped right onto the Volusia. Took a little getting used to - but so far so good! He wanted something that I would be happy with for a while - could keep up with him on his Yamaha Warrior - and wouldn't outgrow as soon as I got comfortable on it. He liked the fact that it is water cooled and shaft driven. Worth looking at.

Suzukiman · 12-25-2003, 12:34 AM

Im a 139pound male rider. And my Volusia is great. THe only problem is my heavy acceleration spins the back tire. Otherwise the ride is awsome and it is plenty of power.

Weazel · 01-21-2004, 12:30 PM

Thanks for the advice on the bikes, I'm looking to surprise my girlfriend with one this month (a Suzuki, of course). She's hell bent on a 250, because she's never ridden before and is intimidated by my MONSTER '82 GS-650

It is kinda heavy, and rather tall, so I understand. But at 5'8" I think she'd outgrow a GZ-250 way too fast.

I think a low seat-height is pretty confidence inspiring, so that's key (even though she's got way longer legs than me). I'm looking for a Savage 650 equivalent on the "used" and "cheap" market. Not too heavy, low seat height, but with enough power to "keep up".

I'd suggest against a GZ for all but the tiniest (or most apprehensive) folks. Fun, good looking little bike at an awesome price, but it may not be able to keep pace in hilly terrain.

LADYPMFF · 01-31-2004, 11:42 AM

I bought a '00 Suzuki Savage last year and I love it. The weight is perfect and so is the height. This is the perfect first bike for the vertically challenged woman. There isn't a long list of accessories you can put on it, but this little cruiser is very respectable.

Kropatchek · 02-02-2004, 07:21 PM

I have to agree with the former speaker she right all the way. The Savage is the bike to ride : Light weigth. low maintenance ( 1 cylinder, beltdrive) Your BEST choice

Colorado gal · 03-15-2004, 11:42 AM

I am so glad to see all the good comments on the Savage especially for us women. I haven't driven a bike since I was in the Philippines 18 years ago but bought a Savage this past weekend. I am signed up for the class in 3 weeks. My husband got a volusia so we can both save money on gas this year. We have talked about getting bikes since we married 14 years ago so I think it was time.

I am a bit nervous though but know I will do fine once I get used to the size. I rod ea scooter for a few years in HS and occasionally rode my friends dirt bike but this is my first "big" bike. I am 5'5" and about 115 pounds. I am very fit though so am not a 100 pound weakling.

08-28-2003, 08:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
MdNightLuv Guest Posts: n/a	What would be a good bike for a 135 lb female newbee? Hi, I'm going to take the MSF in a few months , but when me and my husband go looking at bikes the same question always floats in my head. What would be a good bike for me? I'm not really interested in speeding or racing for that matter. But I don't think a cruiser would make me happy. What do you suggest? By the way MdNightLuv is my husband i'm just using his screename to ask my question. You can call me Nanka86

08-29-2003, 09:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Well since this is The Suzuki site I would recommend the following. Suz Marauder 250 ( cruiser ) Suz Savage 650 ( cruiser ) Suz GS500 (standard, looks a little like a sportsbike without fairing). Up here in Quebec most instruction is given either on Rebels 250 or GS500's. They made me start on the 250 and then moved me up to the GS500 . The GS500 is a light,nimble,forgiving and has enough power to move you at above legal limits (I weigh 220lbs and had no problems on the highway). Only problem might be your height you don't mention how your 135lbs are distributed. If you're legs are a little on the short side the the savage would probably better suite you. Just go to a dealer and try them on for size. Ride safe. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

08-29-2003, 09:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Yes being able to put both feet down is a confidence builder. But before eliminating a bike you really like because you're on tip toes, there are ways to get around this problem. Boots with thick soles ( think I saw an ad for cruiserworks (could be another compagny ) that said they had come up with a boot for just this purpose and it's made to look as if the sole is regular height to avoid the frankeinstein look. ( since you should buy dedicated motorcycle boots anyway not really an extra expense ). But check that you won't have a problem upshifting ( space between left peg and shift lever, although most shift levers are adjustable up and down). Seats can be modified ( possible DIY project or some compagnies do it for a fee (DUH!)). Basically remove seat from bike, remove cover, carve out foam with electric carving knife, add gel pad ( available from many sources) to insure comfort, reinstall cover and then reinstall on bike. Depending on depth of original foam up to two or three inches can be gained this way. Lowering kits, different models available for different bikes. Basically reposition shock absorber mounting spots or replace stock shocks with shorter ones. This last option can be expensive and may affect comfort of bike over bumps. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

10-20-2003, 07:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	You got me ! Whats an LS650 ? __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

10-20-2003, 06:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Suzuki Savage LS650 __________________ Louis

08-28-2003, 08:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
MALynchNC Guest Posts: n/a	My wife is thinking of getting her own bike too. If she is only going to ride locally to work and around town, we're thinking of the GZ250. But, if we are going on a road trip, we're considering the 650 Savage. Mainly because she is 4' 10" and those are the only ones she feels she can handle adequately. Mike

08-29-2003, 02:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Anonymous Guest Posts: n/a	Probably the most important thing is getting what 'feels' best to you. My wife is just under 5'2" and is getting fairly comfortable riding my (tall) DR. If you don't particularly like cruisers, they likely wouldn't make you happy. A taller bike might be a little unwieldy at a stop, but they weren't made for sitting still, were they? I've seen women, and men, who had to reach way down to put a foot down, usually leaving one foot on the peg and only one bun on the seat. It might be a little difficult to get used to, and you'll have to be more careful about where you stop, but it'll be a worthwhile exercise if it means you can ride the bike you like.

08-29-2003, 02:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
pa.storm Guest Posts: n/a	I own a Savage and its a great bike. When I got it I have never really riden a bike before and I didn't have a problem with it. Its really light (like 350lbs). The most imporant thing though is to get a bike that fits you. Make sure that you can firmly place both feet on ground at a stop. You don't want to drop a brand new bike at a stop light.

08-29-2003, 03:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
Anonymous Guest Posts: n/a	Hmmm. pa and I seem to have differing opinions. Imagine that. Use your best judgement.

10-19-2003, 11:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
hackfoo Guest Posts: n/a	Let me add my vote for the LS650.

10-20-2003, 08:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	__________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

10-20-2003, 10:17 PM	#12 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Modérateur de caltron (oui, l'orthographe est voulue). Now, folks, don't even ask about translating this one. It cannot be done. Trust me __________________ Louis

12-18-2003, 11:23 AM	#13 (permalink)
PerrydaSavage Where Am I ? Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 45	LS650 Savage I'm 5'-4", 125 lbs and own an '03 Savage ... find it perfect ... even more comfortable than my previous Rebel 250. The extra "oomph" over the Reb is nice too ... a little less "flickable" than the Honda perhaps, but the Savage can scamper up hills like a goat! __________________ Keep On Thumpin'!

12-19-2003, 08:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Welcome fellow Canuck. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

12-24-2003, 10:16 AM	#15 (permalink)
reefrats Newbie Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 4	bike for 135 pound woman I just got my first bike - and I'm 5'6" about 140# - my husband and I decided on the Volusia 800 for me. I took the course on the Buell Blast and then jumped right onto the Volusia. Took a little getting used to - but so far so good! He wanted something that I would be happy with for a while - could keep up with him on his Yamaha Warrior - and wouldn't outgrow as soon as I got comfortable on it. He liked the fact that it is water cooled and shaft driven. Worth looking at.

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12-25-2003, 12:34 AM	#16 (permalink)
Suzukiman Newbie Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 20	Im a 139pound male rider. And my Volusia is great. THe only problem is my heavy acceleration spins the back tire. Otherwise the ride is awsome and it is plenty of power.

01-21-2004, 12:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
Weazel Newbie Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 10	Thanks for the advice on the bikes, I'm looking to surprise my girlfriend with one this month (a Suzuki, of course). She's hell bent on a 250, because she's never ridden before and is intimidated by my MONSTER '82 GS-650 It is kinda heavy, and rather tall, so I understand. But at 5'8" I think she'd outgrow a GZ-250 way too fast. I think a low seat-height is pretty confidence inspiring, so that's key (even though she's got way longer legs than me). I'm looking for a Savage 650 equivalent on the "used" and "cheap" market. Not too heavy, low seat height, but with enough power to "keep up". I'd suggest against a GZ for all but the tiniest (or most apprehensive) folks. Fun, good looking little bike at an awesome price, but it may not be able to keep pace in hilly terrain.

01-31-2004, 11:42 AM	#18 (permalink)
LADYPMFF Newbie Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 1	Perfect Fit I bought a '00 Suzuki Savage last year and I love it. The weight is perfect and so is the height. This is the perfect first bike for the vertically challenged woman. There isn't a long list of accessories you can put on it, but this little cruiser is very respectable. __________________ Helen

02-02-2004, 07:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
Kropatchek Seat Tester Joined: Jan 2004 Bike: Savage Thumper Location: Netherlands Posts: 77	What bike? I have to agree with the former speaker she right all the way. The Savage is the bike to ride : Light weigth. low maintenance ( 1 cylinder, beltdrive) Your BEST choice __________________ Never ask your bike to scream before her throat is good and warm.

03-15-2004, 11:42 AM	#20 (permalink)
Colorado gal Newbie Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Bayfield, Colorado Posts: 2	Savage I am so glad to see all the good comments on the Savage especially for us women. I haven't driven a bike since I was in the Philippines 18 years ago but bought a Savage this past weekend. I am signed up for the class in 3 weeks. My husband got a volusia so we can both save money on gas this year. We have talked about getting bikes since we married 14 years ago so I think it was time. I am a bit nervous though but know I will do fine once I get used to the size. I rod ea scooter for a few years in HS and occasionally rode my friends dirt bike but this is my first "big" bike. I am 5'5" and about 115 pounds. I am very fit though so am not a 100 pound weakling.