unrelated question

[Mich]

I was wondering if any of you could help with some information. I have searched the web but can't seem to find anything. I have always wanted a bike. My mom had a Harley when I was very young and I have her spirit and the feeling of having a bike just for myself wont die! I need a bike. I am planning on taking lessons and would like to have something by the spring. The thing is I am a shorty. I am only 5"3. Can anyone let me know if there are bikes that would be better for me due to my height. Anys suggestions?
Thanks
Michelle

[lonlion]

Hi Michelle, Yes I shopped for a bike last spring and found the Honda Shadows are a very good bike for women. I am 5' 4". I wound up buying an older honda CB650, which was a good size for me. I took the course 2 years ago, and also had a spirit for riding. I was in an accident this past july and have been in wheel chair ever since. Please ride safely.

[best]

Hello Michelle

Harley Sportster, Kawasaki Vulcan, Honda Shadow are just a few. It is more of what you can support/balance as once the bike starts to move, size doesn't matter all that much.
Have seen small women ride bikes bigger then mine as well.
Not sure what protocol is here but if wanted I could ride up and let you see what an 800 Vulcan feels like to sit on. I live on the south shore but work on the north shore so Boston is not a problem for me.
A lady at my church has a Honda 600/650? She is all of 98 lbs at about 5'2".

Also from what I have seen of teachers and the courses available... cycles128 in Beverly, has a great set of instructors. Others may be as good or better but the few I have seen ...128 was the better one.
http://www.motorcycleridingschool.com/

[Gooch]

There are a lot of decent used smaller bikes out there that are great for developing your riding skills and confidence on. I've seen 5'3" 100 lbs with rocks in their pockets gals riding some major sleds.. Most of riding a bike is a process of learning how to intuitively apply the principles of dynamic Physics. Same goes for shooting billiards.

[tramp]

i have acouple bro's who are about your height, they are riding dyna lo riders and superglides.....

[BillJ]

Just FYI: reports on the '05 Sportster 883L say it is very friendly to the vertically-challenged among us. The MCN reporter said she was 5'3", and she loved everything about the bike, including its get-up-and-go.

If you're just starting out, your first step is an MSF Basic Rider Course, to teach you how to ride and, more importantly, how to survive riding. Your local motorcycle shops should have info on where the courses are offered. Harley dealerships offer a "Rider's Edge" course, but it's usually more expensive than the standard MSF Basic Rider Course.

Two additional benefits to taking the MSF course: in most states, passing the course means you need only take a written test to get your motorcycle operator's license, and, with your license, you can rent motorcycles. That way you can find out which ones really work for you!

It's a win-win proposition. Take the course.