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What bike for a girl of 5'2 ...almost What bike for a girl of 5'2 ...almost
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 26 Mar 2009
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What bike for a girl of 5'2 ...almost
We want to tackle South America on some bikes ınstead of our 4wd. I've got no problem wıth height but Mrs Pumbaa ısn't so lucky!!!

What bıke can be lowered to accomodate vertıcally challenged (she ıs almost 5'2 - (152cm) people?

Cheers
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Old 26 Mar 2009
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Are you sticking mainly to Tarmac? If so what about something like a Honda CB400? Comfortable, small (seat height 760mm) powerfull enough to ride without thrashing it to bits and easy to handle. My other half used to love hers, she bought it after a bike accident when she was seriously lacking in confidence, she's about 5'4 and never had any problems with it.

Linky to a bit more info and a pic
Honda CB 400 vtec | Aerostich Tours - Motorcycle Tours::
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Old 26 Mar 2009
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Road conditions
Forgot to mention...will use ıt on tarmac and gravel/off road as well.

There are 2 bikes she really like the look of (her comment - looks are more ımportant - luckıly the 2 she likes are both very capable). The xt660 and the kle500. Luckıly I lıke both of these as well . Me beıng a bıt bıgger (6'2) would prefer the xt660. We would lıke to have the same bıkes (engıne/performance wıse)
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Old 26 Mar 2009
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Companies like Hyperpro make lowering kits for loads of bike, including the XT660 and the KLE500

Hyperpro | Suspension Technology

Obviously if the bike is lowered you do limit it's off road ability to some extent as most lowering kits work via the suspension. Maybe it would also be worth looking at something with a lower seat available also?
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Old 27 Mar 2009
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DR350 can be lowered and is easy to handle for smaller women...

XT225 and XT250 Serrow are lovely bikes and great for the vertically challenged too.

Personally, I think the Serrow would be PERFECT !! Its what Lois price used.
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Old 27 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
Good luck!
Thanks, thats why I thought i would try and help out with choosing the correct bike
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Old 29 Mar 2009
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Suzuki dual-sports are usually the easiest bikes to lower--they are usually made to be lowered right at the dealership without needing blocks or new springs. Start with Suzuki is my suggestion--go to the dealership and see what they say, then go on from there.
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Old 29 Mar 2009
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I'd agree with Ted - the Yamaha XT225 (or newer 250) Serrow would be a great compact trail bike...

I have a number of friends with them and they go anywhere, and are dead reliable, and will still cruise at 60-70 mph if needs be... (although admittedly probably not at the top of the Andes x) - low seat height, electric start (and kick start option) - they are also light weight which is another consideration, and compact enough to hang on a (motorcycle) bike rack on the rear of a car or 4x4 if needs be...

If I was going exploring at a sedate pace, I'd even consider a Serrow myself...

xxx
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Old 29 Mar 2009
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The newer FI serrow though as the FI copes with the higher altitude much better than the old carb version.
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Old 29 Mar 2009
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Honda CRF230f with Kouba lowering link. Will cruise at 60mph, better on the dirt than a Serrow, very reliable.
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Old 30 Mar 2009
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Originally Posted by DavePortugal View Post
Honda CRF230f with Kouba lowering link. Will cruise at 60mph, better on the dirt than a Serrow, very reliable.
I'd agree the CRF230F is a great 'little' bike (I have a friend with one that has the Kouba lowering link too - it's tiny!) and I love my Hondas...

However the CRF does not come street legal without a few modifications (unless you buy the new 230L version you can now get in the US) - of course you can get a standard one converted with a dual-sport kit, but things like a steering lock and the rack/grab handles are handy on the Serrow too? certainly for a travel bike, I'd say the Serrow has the edge in that respect?

I also think that back to back, there wouldn't really be that much difference between a Serrow and a CRF off road anyway? - they both have 'limited' suspension (regarding travel and lack of adjustment), similar ground clearance, same size wheels, similar power output - in fact the latest Serrow also has EFi now of course?

xxx
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Old 3 Apr 2009
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I am a girl of 5'4" and 125lbs. I own an XT-225, love the bike for the trails and short jaunts to town and back. It is light and nimble and you can throw it around like a big girl. However, I live in the Okanagan Valley, BC Canada, an area of the world that is not very populated and the roads are not that busy compared to many of the places I have travelled. The little XT is exhausting to ride on highways even with posted speed limits of 90 km's an hour. I know Lois Pryce did it and I have nothing but praise for such a strong and determined woman, however, I would not want to ride a little bike like that on a highway with semi-trailers and maniac SUV's and Pickups.
I have done it a few times and ended up going out and buying a 2001 BMW F650GS. Yes, it is painful to work on but it has a low seat height, keeps up with highway traffic and is very easy to ride. It is heavier then the XT but if I only had one bike to ride I would take it and hope for the best mechanically and stay away from single track and sand.
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Old 3 May 2009
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A popular bike here in South America is the Honda Tornado 250. Good bike.
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Old 3 May 2009
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I own a CRF230 and have a Kouba lowering link that I fitted when using the bike in 'Long distance trials', although a very good bike it does have its short comings, No way is it comfortable enough for doing any distance on, or able to carry much luggage, then due to lack of oil filter(only a gauze) the recommended distances between oil changes is only 600miles(1000kms).
I would personally go for the Serow but don't overlook the Beta 200cc(Suzuki engined) Alp,If I was to buy new again,given the choice between the 3 I've mentioned, it would definately be the Serow.
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Old 3 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by redsun View Post
I am a girl of 5'4" and 125lbs. I own an XT-225, love the bike for the trails and short jaunts to town and back. It is light and nimble and you can throw it around like a big girl. However, I live in the Okanagan Valley, BC Canada, an area of the world that is not very populated and the roads are not that busy compared to many of the places I have travelled. The little XT is exhausting to ride on highways even with posted speed limits of 90 km's an hour. I know Lois Pryce did it and I have nothing but praise for such a strong and determined woman, however, I would not want to ride a little bike like that on a highway with semi-trailers and maniac SUV's and Pickups.
I have done it a few times and ended up going out and buying a 2001 BMW F650GS. Yes, it is painful to work on but it has a low seat height, keeps up with highway traffic and is very easy to ride. It is heavier then the XT but if I only had one bike to ride I would take it and hope for the best mechanically and stay away from single track and sand.
Says it all really.
Well done redsun, can I extend to you my "round of applause".
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