WHAT BIKE FOR SHORT PERSON?
 

I am planning a 6-12 month trip leaving the UK next spring (2003). I want to get the bike I'm going to use quite soon to have a year of getting used to it, but am at a total loss as to which one. I currently ride a very heavy 650 BSA twin so that will have to go, but the more research I do the more confused I get. Factors to bear in mind are:
I'm quite short (5'4") and I want something quite light but not too underpowered. My planned route is currently Canada, USA, South America, Oz. I imagine I will be mostly riding on sealed roads but I want the option of going off road too. I would also prefer something mechanically simple. I guess ideally I want a 350-500cc dual sports bike with a low seat height so any suggestions along those lines would be gratefully received. Cheers, Lois

Look into the bmw f650-either the "old" carb version or the new f.i. GS model

Hi

I am the same height and have the F650 Dakar, but would most definately recommend the the one of the ordinary f650's they are very low and enough grunt for overlanding.

I have used them off road and although heavy they will do the job.

Julio

Lois:

Some links that may be useful to you:

Home of the Short Bikers

Short Bikers Mailing List

Note also that you can take your motorcycle seat to a company that does custom saddle work and very often have 1 to 1.5 inches taken off the saddle height, with an increase in comfort. At the same time, the saddle can be narrowed if you wish. These two actions, combined, can make a big difference. You might find that you can comfortably handle a heavier motorcycle if the seat height is lower. To test this theory, just go to a Harley dealership and try (in the showroom) throwing a leg over one of their models that has a low seat height. The 886 Sportster is a good example.

FWIW, although I am 5' 10", I am having the seat height dropped by an inch on my ST1100 PanEuropean, to make handling easier when I am stopped or moving around in parking lots.