Bike Size Question (for a short guy)

[lamorder]

A friend and I are getting our trip together and are just in the beginning stages. He's not the sort of guy that's gonna spend hours looking on the web scouring sites like this, so being that I am that kind of guy, it has fallen to me to get the info together.

anyway, from everything I've read it seems like something like the KLR650 is the usual sort of and size of bike that is used on these sort of trips (we are going to south america) My buddy is sort of short (around 5'7", I think) and I'm wondering if a smaller guy would want to go with a smaller bike. any thoughts? I'm over six foot myself and have very little perspective on the limitations of having shorter limbs (that is, you know, not since I was a kid).

[Smokin' Lizard]

lamorder,

I'm not much bigger myself and have no problem with managing an XT600 in all riding situations. My wife who also rides her own XT600 is a mere 5' 5" and manages. It's all about riding with confidance.

[lamorder]

Thanks! I've heard of people doing well on something like a Honda XR 250, but I understand the limitations of the smaller bikes. Just trying to sort out all our options before making some serious decisions.

[Ned Flanders]

One answer is the much-underestimated DR650. I'm 5'7" and have lowered the bike (it's a built in feature - no need to buy any parts). While I could cope with the bike in its heightened state it was a struggle to keep upright in difficult terrain. Since I use the bike mainly for touring, I've been glad of the lowered seat, especially at the end of long days in the saddle when I'm stiff and tired - very easy to drop the bike in those circumstances. Lowered the bike handles better on the road too - less yawing.

[oldbmw]

Some will say , if possible get two bikes the same. It helps with parts and repairs. It is also better if your bikes are compatible in performance.
Some bikes offer a 'low' sometimes described as 'lady' seat Moto Guzzi for instance. But given that you are likely to be loaded with gear, I think you ought to be able to -easily- support your bike on an uneven surface. Unless you intend lots of offroad I would take a road bike. Also one than can handle and maintain slow speeds comfortably. Remember too that fuel economy often equates with range.

[Nigel Marx]

I'd go along with what oldbmw says, take two bikes the same. To me, it's probably item one on the check-list. Also, don't be afraid to consider smaller bikes. Once you are south of the boarder, there will be more times a small bike is an advantage over a bigger bike than vice versa. XR250 Honda, TTR250 Yamaha DR250 Suzuki are all bikes with long development times and even longer pedigrees.

Regards

Nigel in NZ