Motorcycle.com

xxfallen2deepxx · 10-03-2011, 11:36 AM

So I have a problem, I currently ride a Kawasaki Ninja 250r (first bike). I love it because it is almost the perfect size, but I hate the engine noise (it sounds too much like a dirt bike to me) and I want more power/speed, so I am looking for a bike to upgrade to.
I definitely want a sportsbike but I have a few problems. 1) I am only 5'3'' so seat height is an issue (I cannot even flat foot on my 250) and 2) I only weight 100lbs so weight of the bike is an issue as well (I can barely back up/move my 250 around/up a driveway).

Any suggestions would be really helpful! Thank you!

The Spaceman · 10-03-2011, 11:50 AM

You can't change the physics of the bike; anything much larger than a 250 is going to be 400 lbs and up.

You can lower most bikes by either putting in a shorter (or sometimes longer) suspension link (aka: dogbone), and moving the front forks up in the triple clamps. Every bike has a safe limit; once you have a few possibilities picked out, see the bike-specific websites for details from experienced owners.

Lower and/or thinner seats are also available for most bikes.

Some bikes have very narrow areas at the front of the seat, which helps, so sitting on a lot of bikes is a good idea.

The SV 650 series might be a good next bike for you. Its a good step up from the 250 without going overboard, and can be lowered at least an inch at both ends without too much compromise in rideability.

xxfallen2deepxx · 10-03-2011, 11:59 AM

Lowering a bike scares me because I have heard that it compromises the stability and handling (everyone seems to have a different opinion on how much but some have told me it is best not to touch it at all)

I am trying to find something with a lower seat height stock as well as lowest possible weight. I understand the bigger engine you put in a bike the more it is going to weigh. I would just like something that is already lower and weighs less than most without having to alter it.But I am not sure if that even exists?

The Spaceman · 10-03-2011, 12:26 PM

You're right about lowering, but, everything is a compromise. Harley makes some very low bikes, for instance, but they're heavy as hell.

My advice: find a "multi-line" dealer, or a used bike dealer with a lot of bikes in stock, and start trying them out.

pushrod · 10-03-2011, 01:57 PM

Sporty-type bikes tend to be taller, because they 'need' to have the cornering clearance. If not for the mechanicals, at least the rider's footpegs.

So you're going to have to look for something that's close, and then (as Ken said) look in that bikes forum(s) to see what folks say about lowering them.

Welcome to the site!

12er · 10-03-2011, 02:24 PM

I saw a ninja 250's seat modded to where the owner removed all the padding and just spray glued a thin piece of neopreme for a pad after bondo'in the seat pan flat. This may be an option once you find the bike you like. Drop the seat foam a few inches and gain the access to the ground without lowering the bike. Keep a mod like that in mind when shopping, look to see if the seat can be cut down and still be semi comfortable.

seruzawa · 10-03-2011, 03:28 PM

A friend of mine is only 5ft tall but rides a Ninja500 with lowering links. She uses it for touring and loves it.

xxfallen2deepxx · 10-03-2011, 03:40 PM

That makes sense about cornering/foot peg clearance. I've heard about the modifications for the seat as well as lowering the bike entirely, I was just hoping some manufacturer somewhere had designed just one motorcycle for petite women. I guess I am out of luck?
Thank you both for the input!

I know shaving the seat down will not be enough so I'd have to lower the suspension as well. I just do not want to compromise my safety, as I do not know exactly how it changes the bike (other than lowering of course).

xxfallen2deepxx · 10-03-2011, 03:49 PM

Seruzawa: did your friend notice a difference in handling? And how much did she lower it?
I am looking for something in the 600cc perferably though.

12er · 10-03-2011, 04:51 PM

I found this for you after thinking about a Monster. Old info, but may be a good way to go.

Ducati Monster List FAQ

10-03-2011, 11:36 AM	#1
xxfallen2deepxx Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 6	Need help upgrading to a bigger bike So I have a problem, I currently ride a Kawasaki Ninja 250r (first bike). I love it because it is almost the perfect size, but I hate the engine noise (it sounds too much like a dirt bike to me) and I want more power/speed, so I am looking for a bike to upgrade to. I definitely want a sportsbike but I have a few problems. 1) I am only 5'3'' so seat height is an issue (I cannot even flat foot on my 250) and 2) I only weight 100lbs so weight of the bike is an issue as well (I can barely back up/move my 250 around/up a driveway). Any suggestions would be really helpful! Thank you!

10-03-2011, 11:50 AM	#2
The Spaceman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,352	You can't change the physics of the bike; anything much larger than a 250 is going to be 400 lbs and up. You can lower most bikes by either putting in a shorter (or sometimes longer) suspension link (aka: dogbone), and moving the front forks up in the triple clamps. Every bike has a safe limit; once you have a few possibilities picked out, see the bike-specific websites for details from experienced owners. Lower and/or thinner seats are also available for most bikes. Some bikes have very narrow areas at the front of the seat, which helps, so sitting on a lot of bikes is a good idea. The SV 650 series might be a good next bike for you. Its a good step up from the 250 without going overboard, and can be lowered at least an inch at both ends without too much compromise in rideability. __________________ The Texas DOT has announced that: "Traffic accidents are caused by skid marks." The state DOT researchers found and documented a near-100% correlation between traffic accidents and skid marks. "Wherever we find these cars colliding," he explained, "we also find these skid marks."

10-03-2011, 12:26 PM	#4
The Spaceman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,352	You're right about lowering, but, everything is a compromise. Harley makes some very low bikes, for instance, but they're heavy as hell. My advice: find a "multi-line" dealer, or a used bike dealer with a lot of bikes in stock, and start trying them out. __________________ The Texas DOT has announced that: "Traffic accidents are caused by skid marks." The state DOT researchers found and documented a near-100% correlation between traffic accidents and skid marks. "Wherever we find these cars colliding," he explained, "we also find these skid marks."

10-03-2011, 01:57 PM	#5
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	Sporty-type bikes tend to be taller, because they 'need' to have the cornering clearance. If not for the mechanicals, at least the rider's footpegs. So you're going to have to look for something that's close, and then (as Ken said) look in that bikes forum(s) to see what folks say about lowering them. Welcome to the site! __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

10-03-2011, 03:28 PM	#7
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	A friend of mine is only 5ft tall but rides a Ninja500 with lowering links. She uses it for touring and loves it. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Motorcycle Forum Advertisement

10-03-2011, 11:59 AM	#3
xxfallen2deepxx Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 6	Lowering a bike scares me because I have heard that it compromises the stability and handling (everyone seems to have a different opinion on how much but some have told me it is best not to touch it at all) I am trying to find something with a lower seat height stock as well as lowest possible weight. I understand the bigger engine you put in a bike the more it is going to weigh. I would just like something that is already lower and weighs less than most without having to alter it.But I am not sure if that even exists?

10-03-2011, 02:24 PM	#6
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,702	I saw a ninja 250's seat modded to where the owner removed all the padding and just spray glued a thin piece of neopreme for a pad after bondo'in the seat pan flat. This may be an option once you find the bike you like. Drop the seat foam a few inches and gain the access to the ground without lowering the bike. Keep a mod like that in mind when shopping, look to see if the seat can be cut down and still be semi comfortable.

10-03-2011, 03:40 PM	#8
xxfallen2deepxx Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 6	That makes sense about cornering/foot peg clearance. I've heard about the modifications for the seat as well as lowering the bike entirely, I was just hoping some manufacturer somewhere had designed just one motorcycle for petite women. I guess I am out of luck? Thank you both for the input! I know shaving the seat down will not be enough so I'd have to lower the suspension as well. I just do not want to compromise my safety, as I do not know exactly how it changes the bike (other than lowering of course).

10-03-2011, 03:49 PM	#9
xxfallen2deepxx Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 6	Seruzawa: did your friend notice a difference in handling? And how much did she lower it? I am looking for something in the 600cc perferably though.

10-03-2011, 04:51 PM	#10
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,702	I found this for you after thinking about a Monster. Old info, but may be a good way to go. Ducati Monster List FAQ