Help me out: Bike for the girlfriend

[random hero]

Short version of the story, girlfriend wants to ride on the track, only problem we're having is her size, she's very small (5'2") I bought a pair of r6's, but even with one lowered 3" she still isn't comfortable, and has trouble reaching the bars/controls etc.. We've tried it 3 times, all ending in her being very nervous and not feeling comfortable... So, where do I go from here. I've looked at the possibility of a Ninja250, but don't know physically how much smaller it is than a big bike, entertaining the idea of an RS125 or even supersingle (I have an RMZ450 I could convert). You guys have an idea of what my best option would be, she'll be doing just track riding.... I'm open to any suggestion. :?:

[WolFeYeZ]

Try shaving down the seat too. Should give you just over an inch or more. :)

[random hero]

Try shaving down the seat too. Should give you just over an inch or more. :)

The real issue to just the size of the machine, she's a petite girl, and can't get past the weight issue, as well as not being able to reach the bars & controls.

[The GECCO]

I'm sure there are plenty of 250 riders that wouldn't mind letting her take a test ride, or at least sit on the thing. I would think that's your best bet, the 250's have always been marketed to women riders and are smaller/lighter. I've seen more than one really tiny lady on a 250 on the street.

[jmaher]

I'm not even sure if you can race one in the MRA, but the Buell Blast with a short seat is pretty short. I've got a friend who took a riding class a few years ago and it fit her well. She is 5'1" and maybe 100 lbs. I've ridden one and it was a fun bike. Plus they are pretty cheap. There is one in Manitou Springs (craigslist) asking 1500.

Joe

[AdamandNoahsdad]

Adam is 5 feet tall (he just turned 14)and while he hasn't ridden it on a track yet, so far he doesn't seem to have too many problems riding his 250 ninja around in front of my house. The little guy hasn't even dropped it yet. The Buell has an even lower seat height. The last one I looked at about a month ago struck me as too small for my kids and Adam raced a KTM65 last year. The Buell seemed shorter than that!

[Bueller999]

The Ninja 250 is a smaller bike for sure, my wife is 5'2" and she was able to touch both feet (not flat foot but still touch) There are very cheap lowering links available also. She never had a problem with having to lay out to reach the controls. My race bike is in Aurora if she wants to sit on it, and she could ride it around the storage lot a little, otherwise I have it up @ IMI on a semi regular basis.

[oldtimer]

Luke have her try a Ninja 250, I've sat on them and they're substantially smaller than a 600. I think it's a good option.

[random hero]

Luke have her try a Ninja 250, I've sat on them and they're substantially smaller than a 600. I think it's a good option.

Yeah, this is the avenue we'll pursue... now just need to find one, anyone have a race prepped bike ready for 2011??

[rforsythe]

Luke have her try a Ninja 250, I've sat on them and they're substantially smaller than a 600. I think it's a good option.

Yeah, this is the avenue we'll pursue... now just need to find one, anyone have a race prepped bike ready for 2011??

It's not prepped, but I have one I am probably selling if you're interested. PM for info. Wouldn't take much to prep since they have to be stock anyway, and well, it's a 250.

[random hero]

Can anyone tell me the size difference between a ninja250 and sv650, seat height, distance from controls... etc. Took the girly to sit on a ninja 250 yesterday, it'll def. work, but I'm also open to the idea of picking her up a twin. Just not sure how the seat height, weight difference would work.

^^^ and sent you a couple pm's

[chris nami]

get the 250!!

[jbnwc]

get the 250!!

Agreed - there is no downside to going with the 250. They don't depreciate, don't cost anything, are super lightweight, bulletproof, easy to find, easy to sell, easy to ride, will instill tons of confidence in her abilities, etc etc etc. She can always upgrade to the 650 next year if she outgrows the 250.

My neighbor has a 250, 1098R, 1198, 1098, RT, CBR1000, 2 CBR600's and he still spends most of his time on the 250.

[Bueller999]

The SV is 31.5 in the Ninjette is 30.5, The SV is a wider bike so the stand over clearance will be less. It is also full size so reaching the controls will be almost the same as the R6.

[TransNone13]

This might be shrugged off as silly, but KTM is releasing a 125/250/300 Duke. Maybe just give it a glance?

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/667/8117/Motorcycle-Article/2011-KTM-125-Duke-First-Look.aspx

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2011/146_1101_2011_ktm_duke_125_kit/index.html