What would you buy?

A friend wants to get a new bike, but doesn't know what. Budget is 5k,
& she's 5'2" which obviously restricts things a bit. Her previous bikes
were a baby Blade, Kawasaki 400 (don't know which), GSXR750, Raptor,
Virargo & R6.

She found the GSXR & R6 a bit on the tall side, so wants something a
little lower. Ideally something along the sports/sport touring lines.
Any suggestions?

 

Preston Kemp emerged from their own little world to say

600 Hornet has a fairly low seat height. Half faired version available.
Early ones had a very small tank. Her budget will buy a new one which has a
bigger tank.

VTR250 (grey/parallel import) has about the lowest seat height I've come
across. I know a 5' lady with one. Bit underpowered though.

 

Platform shoes.

 

Good thinking - a Hornet S may well fit the bill.

Not such good thinking ;-)

 

This is serious you know - she's got some other people trying to
convince her to get a Harley ffs!

 

I've got a CBR600 that has had a smaller after-market shock put on,
going down that route (albeit it does add to the purchase price of
whatever she decides to buy) means she will have a wider choice.

--
Lesley
CBR600FW
SBS#11 (with oak-leaf cluster)
BOTAFOT#101A UKRMHRC#12
BONY#54P BOB#18
Real burds don't take hormones, they rage naturally

 

I sat on the new CB500F in the shop the other day, could touch the ground
solid with both feet in trainers, and I'm 5'5. Had a hornet previously.
that was pretty low too, crap choice for touring though - tried it.

 

So were you telling porkies in the 'Dipping my toe in France' post when
you said touring would be a new experience for you?

 

Yes and No - I tried going to Skegness from West Sussex on the Hornet,
didn't enjoy the ride at all...

 

I don't think I would either if I knew Skegness was at the other end...

 

Skegness no, But there was lots of other bikers and beer when we got there.

 

Well, taking ths subject question literally, if _I_ had that much dosh
lying around then I'd buy either a Buell or a Guzzi V11, but then I
have quirky tastes.

 

I was going to suggest a Guzzi Breva, either 750 or 1100.

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My bike 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr
M'boy's bike 2003 Honda NSR125R
Spare Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X
BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005), DIAABTCOD #26, BOMB#18 (slow)

 

The 750 Breva I found to be a little uninspiring, although the engine
noise was nice.

 

Preston Kemp says...

In all seriousness, Daytona make a boot called the LadyStar GTX which
has an inch high platform built into the inner sole of the boot. The
built up section isn't noticeable when looking at someone wearing them
as it uses a standard looking Daytona outer sole and construction. I
know a few women who've bought them and having them has given them a
much wider choice of bikes they can comfortably ride.

http://www.glfuk.com/product_info.php?cPath=8&products_id=33&osCsid=
845b126e6a1d6d672c87f6587d7b985d

HTH

 

ogden says...

Daytona make a mens version, called the M-Star GTX.

 

ogden says...

And I'm ignoring you.

 

http://www.increasingshoes.com/detail.asp?id=117

Poifect.