I'm only 4 ft. 9 in, can I still ride on a motorcyle?

Question

One of my goals is to ride on a motorcycle, but I'm not sure if they make bikes for shorter people like me. I'm not a midget, but just a very petite female. I weigh approximately 97 lbs. I plan on taking courses to learn how to ride one, but not sure if they have bikes to accomodate my size. I am interested in crotch rocket type and not the Harley type. I would just like to find out as much as I can about bikes before I jump into it because I am also scared that I cant' hold it up when I stop.

Answer 1

They make kids bikes and I am sure if yo went to a dealer they would have some good recommendations for what bike would be best for you.  I like Honda's nice and quiet ride.  Make sure that you take a class on how to ride it will save your life!  Good luck!

Answer 2

Theres a really short guy at my church who does it, no 2. I'm sure you can find one to accomodate you!

Answer 3

I would offfer none of the crotch rockets will fit you. Best to learn on a cruiser type anyway. Go to a dealer of Japanese bikes and look at the cruisers. Honda's Rebel and the Yamaha Virago are both nice 250cc bikes. Look for a 2 - 3 year old used bike and this ought to be around 1500$-$1800. Sit on bike until you find one that fits, Both feet flat on the ground with boots on is important when you are learning, more so if you are afraid of dropping it. Later you can move up to a larger, but still a cruiser, bike.

Answer 4

The bikes used in the training courses are small, you'll do fine. When it comes time to get your own go to a motorcycle show.     http://www.motorcycleshows.com/     There are other shows besides these but these are the biggest and EVERY bike manufacturer will be there. Do a Google search.

At these shows you'll see just about every new bike available in the U.S. Try them all on for size. My wife, who is only a bit taller than you, found 2 midsize bikes that fit well and we bought one of them (an 800 Suzuki). There were plenty of small (under 500cc) bikes that fit her.

You may not do well with the "sport" style bikes as they tend to be tall. Both of the ones that my wife found were the "cruiser" style. There is one company that custom makes small cruiser type bikes. I don't remember the name but they were basically cramming 700-800cc engines into 400cc frames.

Try to buy used bikes for your first few. That way you won't waste too much money finding out what you really like or what really works for you. A friend of mine went through 4 brand new bikes in 3 years before he found one he was happy with. Very expensive way to do things!

Ride safe!