A question about motorbikes?

Question

I am only 5'6. Does this mean I should stick to small bikes?

I have a CBR600 and I can't put my feet fully on the ground when at standstill, is that normal?

The bike has one of the lowest seat heights of the superbikes so would it be dangerous for me to get a bigger bike?

I like the Honda Blackbird but its seat is a few CM higher than the 600. Plus does the increase in weight make a difference?

I take my girlfriend out on the bike which is the main reason I am concerned about stability and falling over at slow speeds and stuff. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I'm 5'5 and owned a H-D FXR and FXRS,go to a showroom and they'll help.They wont take the p*ss.

Answer 2

Buy some platform shoes/boots.

Answer 3

best bet is to go to a shop and ''try a few on''....superbikes are built for little legs,even the bussa is quite small.

Answer 4

seat hieght isnt the only concideration , also  seat n bike width can play a factor.

you can  either  lower or have a bike proffessionally lowered to suite your hieght.

Its not dangerous to ride a bike that you cant put your feet down, but its dangerous stoppingand strting as you really need to be able to put your foot down flat on the floor- at least one!.

Answer 5

http://www.motorcycle-road-and-race.co.u...

This is just a sample website that can resolve your problem.( Can lower a cbr600 by 40mm or a Blackbird by 30mm) Might i also suggest buying a custom seat or asking at your local dealer to have the existing seat re-sculptured to lower the seat height.It is possible on some bikes with sufficient depth of seat foam.

You could do both and practicaly sit on the road !

What bike would suit you would also depend on your build and riding ability.  

I am 5' 7'' and ride a kawasaki 1200 zrx with no probs but it is a heavy bike.

Hope this helps you  

Answer 6

To be safe, you would need to be able to keep the bike upright when stopping at red lights etc. If you can't keep the bike upright like this, you need a shorter bike. However you don't necessarily need both your feet on the floor.

Answer 7

I'm 5'7 and ride a blade with no problems, for the bird you'll have to adjust the pre-load to spec but before you buy ride it to try , get a test ride first you can always get a few cm cut from the seat. I've known riders of 5'4 ride bandits.  Don't loose confidence in your own ability its the a*****e behind you that you need to worry about.

Answer 8

The weight doesn't make a big difference, unless you can't raise it when it topples. Nothing more embarrassing than not being able to lift it,

So long as you can hold the bike (even if at a slight tilt) then I'd certainly ride it.