New Rider: finding a bike for a short guy

[dlrshort]

At about 5'7" and 170 lbs. I have been looking at bikes that not only are visually appealing but are comfortable for a short rider. I also don't want an underpowered bike but weight and handling are also going to be issues for me. I like the Yamaha VStar Midnight Custom and the Honda 750 Spirit. I also like the Harleys but not sure which one would be good as a starter. I don't want to consider an underpowered bike that I would want to trade right away. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Rickster]

Dave

Lots of good info for new riders here, use the search function, this topic has had thousands of words already written on it.

[GregR1]

harley sportster 1200 is pretty good and with some screamin' eagle parts, can put out wicked power (i like the custom and nightster)

kawi vulcan 900 is another good bike - good power, looks big, isn't a monster like the vulcan 2000000000

[raycogxxx]

When I was looking it was a toss up between the VTX 1300 or the M50 both fit me very well (I'm 5'6") ended up with the M50 partly price, partly style, and partly because I was trading in a Suzuki and the sales woman made me a good deal.

[GregR1]

honda = linked brakes = bad

pity that they insist on doing that, though...

[DrBob]

The Suzuki S50/ Intruder 800 is a good choice for shorter riders, as it is very narrow and thus easy to reach the ground. Plenty of power, good handling, and bulletproof.

The Harley Sportster comes in a 'low' version for shorter people in both 883 and 1200 flavors. Not as much power as the S50 (even with the 1200), but it IS a Harley.

The Honda VLX is a good choice also, comfortable and low to the ground. But it is the smallest motor of the three, so you may outgrow it.

Those are my top three bikes for 'shorter' people.

[DrBob]

Originally Posted by GregR1

honda = linked brakes = bad

pity that they insist on doing that, though...

Only the VTX1800 has the linked brake system, to fight rear wheel lock up. The VTX1300 has conventional brakes.

[ChicsterMG]

I'm 5'5" and I have the C50. Fits me great. I can be flat footed with both feet while sitting. Has plenty of power and runs great at highway speeds.

[Uncle B]

At 5'7" and about 190 lbs.
I ride a C50T az my 4th bike.
Started on a Yamaha 125 Enduro.

[SNAFU]

M50!

[Jerryzuki]

I'm 5' 4" and my lowered C50T is great. It fit even before I lowered it.

The 1300 VTX is another good fitting bike for us vertically challenged folks. However I don't like the carburetor.

The HD Deluxe is another great fitting bike, put damn pricey.

The best bang for the buck in the HD line is the Soft Tail Heritage Classic (IMO), comes with the w/s, backrest, bags and such, at about the same price as the Deluxe.

[Ext1jdh]

i'm 5'7" and 200 lbs. The stock M50 is great, I can keep my feet flat on the ground and my knees bent very comfortably. I have no problems reaching the bars. My dad is 5'5" and 170, he can sit comfortably on the stock M50, but feels more comfortable after I did the 3" lowering kit. He can reach the bars comfortably, but would like to sit straighter - the M50 has him leaning a bit forward and after a while he gets a crick in his back. The C50/S50 might be more comfortable if you don't like the reach of the bars.

Other bikes in the Boulevard series are of similar height and reach.

[DS06C50T]

Dave,
Either of the bikes you mentioned would work fine and are good starter bikes. I would shy away from the HD Sportster though. It's a good bike, but vibrates A LOT. I know, I rode one and couldn't wait to switch back and get back on my C50T.

The thing for you to look at is seat height. Of the bikes you consider, the websites have "specifications" that almost always include the seat height. Most in the class of bikes that you're considering will fall within an inch or two of eachother.

Not being biased, but I did my research: the Suzuki C50 is an excellent value, as is the Kawasaki 900. the Kawi has a little bit better brakes (it came out after I bought my C50T, so that's why I didn't buy that one). Pretty tough to go wrong with the Honda, too. Newbie riders, including women of your height/weight, bought the Honda 1300 as their first bike. They were scared it'd be too much for them, but it turned out perfectly: good size, GOOD brakes, dependable (like all Japanese bikes), and plenty of power that you don't grow out of it anytime soon.

I would shy away from the Honda 1800 as a first bike. VERY powerful and a lot of bike to handle. Stay with a mid-size cruiser for handling, etc until you get better at riding, THEN move up if you feel the need to.

My $.02..... hope it helps if even just a little!
Daryl

[blackie1491]

As a 5'7" rider the C50 is a good fit. I added a mustang seat as it makes me sit up straighter and is the most comfortable seat I have had in 17 years.

You will have no lack of power and $ wise is the best bang for your $.

[Dave Nadeau]

I do believe that we are missing the point here...NEW RIDER!!! Has he taken any training etc?....what no gear lecture. Boy are we slipping or what. MSF was never mentioned once....I think that we are all getting a little stir crazy here and SHOULD be out riding.

[palanon]

Am not stir crazy !! this is my recommendation for new and short riders.

Boss Hoss - V8 Powered Motorcycles - New Zealand

[robertc729]

[sinn]

I don't believe height is an issue so much as your inseam. I'm 5'8" with like a 29 or 30" inseam I think. Best thing to do is go to different dealers and just sit on everything that catches your eye. Keep in mind you want something that fits you well (height and comfort)...if you plan on being on it any length of time and enjoying your ride.

I was looking at the 750 Honda's. I was told by my uncle that in a few weeks I'd feel like I was riding a tricycle. I opted for an 1100. While a little intimidating at first (for a new rider) I'm glad I got the 1100. Plenty of power for me, I easily sit flat-footed at the lights, comfortable and plenty of power. My wife has a V-Star Custom 650. That's a real fun bike to ride but it just isn't comfortable for me. It feels way too small after being on my bike...and I've only been riding a few months now.

[dlrshort]

I forgot to mention that I am taking HD's Riders Edge Course in 2 weeks.

Dave

[Dave Nadeau]

Very good thats what we like to hear here........

For sizing I am 175#, 5'11" and the wife is 125 ish. We travel all over on our C50t with no issues what so ever. And that is at any sane speed up to 80 mph. Milage is about 48 to 51 depending on how I want to flogg it. We have nknocked of several 400 mile pluss days and the bike is all ways ready for more. As far as wanting to trade up to soon that does happen. I am playing around with trading up to a ElectraGlide classic or a Wing at the end of this summer. Only because I wand more room from Stuff. Bikes that have, in my opinion, stacked exhaust on the right side seem to have shallow or shorter bags. Exhaust on each side or Jersy straights, we used to call them back in the day aleviates this.