Which BMW do you suggest for a vertically challenged lady?

[lovetotravel]

Hey ladies,
I am female, 5'2" and want to move up to a 650 next year. I am new to riding and got my 250 "starter" bike in July. I would like to have a BMW. Which models do you suggest that have a standard low seat height? Did any of you lower your bikes? If so, how did that work for you? Suggestions/tips are welcome. Thanks!
Safe and happy riding to you.

[pffog]

Wife is 5' 1-1/4" tall. she rides an 02 F650GS, custom seat (which helped a lot) Front forks slid up about an inch, and rear lowered 1-1/2"

She can ride a standard height, but feels more confident when she can get both feet on the ground firmly. She loves the bike, and we do a lot of sport touring on back roads. A well ridden one will stay with the big boys on most back twisty roads.

[Voni]

A well ridden one will stay with the big boys on most back twisty roads.

Or lead them . . .

:bikes

Voni
sMiling

[85138]

You mentioned 650 but I'd suggest also looking at the F800ST with factory lowered suspension and low seat (or extra low seat) or F800S similarly modified.

[cbcK1200S]

Hey ladies,
I am female, 5'2" and want to move up to a 650 next year. I am new to riding and got my 250 "starter" bike in July. I would like to have a BMW. Which models do you suggest that have a standard low seat height? Did any of you lower your bikes? If so, how did that work for you? Suggestions/tips are welcome. Thanks!
Safe and happy riding to you.

My wife and I have been looking for a bike for her for a few months now. We test drove a Ducati 696 Monster and she liked it but it was gutless and ran out of gears at 5. We tried a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 but had the same results. We then tried the 800 and what a difference. The bike has tons of power, great feel and the ride position is very comfortable.

Andrea, my wife, is around 5'5" or so and while the regular height bike fit her Ok we ended up getting a lower suspension bike and swapped out the low seat for a regular height seat. She was on the cusp, so to speak, height wise and could have gone either way. We'd highly recommend taking the bike for a spin and compare the two supsension models. I have a feeling the low model would probably do the trick. A big mistake a lot of new riders make is they insist that their feet must be firmly planted on the ground. When you consider how much time you really spend in that position if becomes a moot point. As long as you can touch with the balls of your feet and jockey the bike around that's all that matters.

I don't think you can find a better all around bike out there.
Regards,
Colin & Andrea

[ovetsphx]

Don't overlook the BMW F650GS with the 798cc. My wife has a 2009 with the factory lowered suspension and she loves it. I ride the standard and we go everywhere. The additional horsepower adds little or no weight and is there when you want it on the hiway etc. The lowered suspension can be combined with a lower seat to really get it down there. You will find a low center of gravity that makes the bike feel much lighter than it truly is. FYI...You have to be 2008 or newer to get the 789cc F650 however...She told me to add...its a scream when the ABS kicks in on a really hard stop too....

[PGlaves]

I shake my head in wonderment when I read advice to buy a new 800 cc motorcycle offered to a person who has about 5 months riding experience and is coming off a 250.

These are all fine bikes - I may buy one - but they are not my idea of a good next-step bike for a new rider.

[From MARS]

Andrea, my wife, is around 5'5" or so and while the regular height bike fit her Ok we ended up getting a lower suspension bike and swapped out the low seat for a regular height seat. She was on the cusp, so to speak, height wise and could have gone either way. We'd highly recommend taking the bike for a spin and compare the two supsension models. I have a feeling the low model would probably do the trick. A big mistake a lot of new riders make is they insist that their feet must be firmly planted on the ground. When you consider how much time you really spend in that position if becomes a moot point. As long as you can touch with the balls of your feet and jockey the bike around that's all that matters.

Regards,
Colin & Andrea

I avoided buying a GS for years because I thought they were too tall for my 30" inseam! After a couple of weeks on one, I didn't even notice the added height since the balance is soooo good. Of much greater importance are the ergonomics of the bike while underway. In a ten hour ride, my feet may be in contact with the ground for a total of 15 minutes. Overall weight, balance, and fit is more important than being able to plant my feet, IMO. I dropped mine a few times during the learning process, but I can pick it up.

Paul has a point. I've managed to control bikes who's specs were way beyond my capabilities. That is not to say I didn't scare the heck out of myself a few times while learning to control my throttle hand, but I survived and "grew" into them.

Tom

[Newstar]

My first bike was my F650GS. I jumped from that to the 1200 Norge, then traded the Norge for a 1200 GS.

I love my 650GS and still can't bring myself to part with it even though I rarely ride it anymore.

More to the point, i have a friend who is vertically challenged. I believe she is 5'. She loved her 650GS with a lowered seat and just jumped to the new 650/800 GS with a lowered seat. (sorry, I can never remember the proper name for it.) At 5'2", you should definately give it a try.

[85138]

I shake my head in wonderment when I read advice to buy a new 800 cc motorcycle offered to a person who has about 5 months riding experience and is coming off a 250.

These are all fine bikes - I may buy one - but they are not my idea of a good next-step bike for a new rider.

My first bike was a 700cc. Bought after taking the MSF and one afternoon of road test practice (w/ a 250cc). I'm not that unique in such an experience. Some moments but never dropped it. Ideal? Perhaps not, but with requisite care and practice ...

A 600cc I-4 would be more of a challenge IMHO.

[SUNRIDER711]

My first bike was a Honda Shadow 600cc, rode that one for about 2-1/2 months... bought a BMWR1200C. I think I put on about 15,000 miles that first year riding all over the country.

[ultracyclist]

I am with Paul on this one.
An F800 has 85HP on a light package. One could easily go from zero to trouble in about 1.1 seconds.

May I suggest that you consider riding a bit longer as a newer rider on 250 and really getting your skills down. There is always a used bike deal out there somewhere, used (with lowered suspension) 2001-2007 F650's do regularly come to market.

By the way, your insurance company may rate you differently if you are a newer rider on a bike above a certain engine displacement.

Keep the rubber side down.

[Firebird]

I took the MSF course and my first bike is the BMW F650CS. Because I didn't take into account of the difference from the 250 and 650, there were a total of 4 drops involved. Those drops were at extremely low to no speed coming to a stop on a incline hill in a parking lot. :doh But I was happy with my purchase and still happy with my choice in bikes. I called those drops, birthmarks. The forth drop couldn't be helped due to the area, weather and how I was stopped in order to make a turn. Let's just say, I wasn't about to walk over to the back gate of Camp David to ask for help.

Check out the the models of BMW that can be lowered for you. I chose my 650 because I felt I wasn't ready for the 800 yet. Chose your bike with care and remember that the power displacement will be totally different then that of the Honda Nighthawks or Rebels. Be prepared. Good luck on your choice and have fun. :clap

I now teach MSF.

[rtdirks]

I have a 74 R90/6 which when I ride the balls of my feet touch. Two years ago I bought a 97 650ST and love the ride! At 5'3", I can almost flat foot when stopped, but as so many others have said, how long are your feet on the ground anyway. The 97 has a factory lowered suspension and some foam was removed from the seat by the prior owner. The bike handles wonderfully, whether for travelling and loaded or just out enjoying....Terry

[jaherbst]

Paul, what would you suggest after the 250? My wife went from a 200cc provided by MSF and her first bike was a Harley Dyna Low rider. She has been riding it with few problems for six years now but would love to see her on a lowered, low seat R1200RT. I have a new RT and a new F650GS (twin). I can't get her to even try the 650.

[lkchris]

My suggestion is an old R65 Airhead (or even an R80ST).

The beauty of the boxer twin and laid-over K-bike engine concepts is the low center of gravity.

My wife--agreed a little taller than average--started on my R80G/S and never had a problem.

The Airheads seldom suffer much injury in tipovers, as the cylinders keep the bike from falling very far and the low center of gravity keeps the momentum low when falling.

Plus, the two-cyl boxer is a comfortable engine rather than the intimidating "buzzbox" that is a cheap single.

In the long run, safe motorcycling is about how to deal with curvy roads at speed and NOT not tipping over when parked, and the suggested bikes can give the real world experience of going faster than you should. And, avoidance of the problem of keeping up in most cases, i.e. you're just another rider and not the center of attention--which I think females may wish to avoid.

More than cc displacement and more than total size, I think the major "moving up" experience in motorycling is moving to narrow handlebars. Start with wide ones.

[bmwgsrider]

I am 4' 11" with a 26" inseam and ride a lowered F650 GS.

[lovetotravel]

Thank you everyone for your advice!

[Bullett]

Hi, lovetotravel,

I am also 5'2" tall. I ride an '07 R1200RT with the low seat, that I lowered one inch last Fall when I replaced the stock shocks. I also ride a standard suspension '09 F658GS.

I have discovered that I am a lucky short person with long legs. I have friends who are my height, but have shorter legs, who couldn't touch the ground on my RT, even after I lowered the suspension.

The main disadvantage of the seat height is that you have less power to stand the bike up off the side stand if you can't get much foot into moving the bike upright. Before I lowered the RT, I could only get my toes down.
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/170990209_5av7C-L.jpg

I was nervous about dropping the RT at gravel and dirt pullouts and occasionally on dirt roads. It was very difficult to back the bike using my toes, and I worried about dropping under those circumstances as well. Suffice it to say that I dropped the RT twice and neither drop occurred because I couldn't get my feet down, both drops were the result of brain cramps. Also the suspension was too stiff for my weight unless the bike was loaded.

The following picture is demonstrative of the lowered RT, but my rear foot is not flat on the ground.

http://twisties.smugmug.com/photos/631413770_nPdei-L.jpg

I have a slightly better reach to the ground on the F658 with the low seat and standard suspension when compared to my RT with the low seat and standard suspension. The seat on the RT is wider than the seat on the F658 and I suspect that is the reason.

http://twisties.smugmug.com/photos/429851229_vyN4y-L.jpg

Having said this, I would recommend one of the older single cylinder F650 bikes, with lowered suspension if necessary. One disadvantage of the lowered suspension is reduced carrying capacity. If you are going to ride one up, its probably not an issue. If you plan to go off road a lot, the lowered suspension has less ground clearance.

Another option might be a R1100, 1150 or 1200. I don't know if they come with a lowered suspension option.

With regard to lowering, my recollection is that I spent about $1,300 to lower my RT, the cost of the shocks (Works Performance) then about $250 to $300 to have the center stand and side stand shortened.

Perhaps you can find some bikes to try or at least sit on to get an idea what you think you will be comfortable riding.

[650flutterby]

My suggestion is an old R65 Airhead (or even an R80ST).

The beauty of the boxer twin and laid-over K-bike engine concepts is the low center of gravity.

My wife--agreed a little taller than average--started on my R80G/S and never had a problem.

The Airheads seldom suffer much injury in tipovers, as the cylinders keep the bike from falling very far and the low center of gravity keeps the momentum low when falling.

Plus, the two-cyl boxer is a comfortable engine rather than the intimidating "buzzbox" that is a cheap single.

In the long run, safe motorcycling is about how to deal with curvy roads at speed and NOT not tipping over when parked, and the suggested bikes can give the real world experience of going faster than you should. And, avoidance of the problem of keeping up in most cases, i.e. you're just another rider and not the center of attention--which I think females may wish to avoid.

More than cc displacement and more than total size, I think the major "moving up" experience in motorycling is moving to narrow handlebars. Start with wide ones.

I disagree with your comment about the singles. :cry I ride an 07 F650GS and rode 2300 miles this summer in 13 days.

I don't have a problem with seat height, but preferred a lighter weight bike at first. After a year of riding my 650GS I am fairly comfortable on an RT except for low speed maneuvers. My husband just brought home a 74 R90/6 because I always missed the first BMW I rode which was an R75.

The best suggestion I can give a beginning rider is to sit on several and ride what YOU are comfortable with.:clap

[PattiB]

For what it's worth I have a '99 F650 that I had lowered with the factory kit. I am about 5'3". I can get both feet on the ground plus this bike is so light compared to my lowered R1100R that it's really fun to ride.

If you're a novice, take your time and don't go with a bike that is too big to handle. My other half did this and became fearful of riding because of the big jump from a 650 Savage to a 800 Boulevard.

Take your time and have fun too....

[kbasa]

I would recommend a Suzuki GS500 or a Kawasaki EX500. These are fantastic motorcycles that can be purchased used for very short money. They're very simple motors and are stone reliable. Ride one of these around for a year and get comfortable with a larger machine. These bikes are about 7/8 scale and are lightweight and easily managed by a new/smaller rider.

Buy one of these, ride it for a year and then step up to a newer BMW. You get a whole bunch of motorcycle drops out of the way, you'll gain more confidence as your skills develop and you'll be able to sell it for what you bought it for.

Then, when you go look at a bike, you'll know what you want when you go look for a BMW. With increased confidence from managing a smaller machine, you'll have the skills to manage stops and parking lots on a larger/taller bike.

[Becky973]

Remember after you lower the bike you must also change the center stand. If you use the one that came with the bike it will be very difficult to put it on the center stand. I have a K12RS that has not been lowered and I can put it on the center stand very easily but the K100RS (1st owner changed it) that has been lowered I need help most of the time.

Becky

[Semper_Fi]

Remember after you lower the bike you must also change the center stand. If you use the one that came with the bike it will be very difficult to put it on the center stand. I have a K12RS that has not been lowered and I can put it on the center stand very easily but the K100RS (1st owner changed it) that has been lowered I need help most of the time.

Becky

+1 on that, my wife has a lowered R1200ST and if I leave it on she would drag it in turns.

Since she does not want it i only put the centerstand on to service her bike.

And depending how much you drop it you may need to adjust the side stand as the now lower bike may be too upright with the stock side stand down.

If you need to cut either down your local dealership should be able to advise you

Cheers

[PlaneGeek]

I shake my head in wonderment when I read advice to buy a new 800 cc motorcycle offered to a person who has about 5 months riding experience and is coming off a 250.

These are all fine bikes - I may buy one - but they are not my idea of a good next-step bike for a new rider.

Heck, I went from a ten speed bicycle to my dad's 650 in high school...:whistle

[Becky973]

Saying a rider can change to a bigger cc or a taller bike by just knowing how long they have been riding totally wrong way to go about it. Each person is totally different. It doesn't matter if they are male or female. Everybody has different riding styles with their strengths and weakness. You need to keep your weakness as a rider (ie. u-turns, curves speed) and the bike's weakness (ie. top heavy or height) to a minimum to have a great ride. I feel that a bike is as personal as eye glasses. One size, shape or color does not fit all. But this does not mean that you can not learn to ride most bikes with the proper instruction and time/miles.

Becky

[cbcK1200S]

Saying a rider can change to a bigger cc or a taller bike by just knowing how long they have been riding totally wrong way to go about it. Each person is totally different. It doesn't matter if they are male or female. Everybody has different riding styles with their strengths and weakness. You need to keep your weakness as a rider (ie. u-turns, curves speed) and the bike's weakness (ie. top heavy or height) to a minimum to have a great ride. I feel that a bike is as personal as eye glasses. One size, shape or color does not fit all. But this does not mean that you can not learn to ride most bikes with the proper instruction and time/miles.

Becky

Exactly!!!

I've known guys that can drive down the street doing a front wheel stand but to my mind that doesn't make them good bike riders. Fearless, possibly....crazy, certainly....dangerous...absolutely.

Experience is gained over time but then again sometimes experience isn't enough. There are all sorts of "experienced" drivers out there that scare the hell out of me.
cbcK1200S - Colin
:bikes

[kbasa]

Saying a rider can change to a bigger cc or a taller bike by just knowing how long they have been riding totally wrong way to go about it. Each person is totally different. It doesn't matter if they are male or female. Everybody has different riding styles with their strengths and weakness. You need to keep your weakness as a rider (ie. u-turns, curves speed) and the bike's weakness (ie. top heavy or height) to a minimum to have a great ride. I feel that a bike is as personal as eye glasses. One size, shape or color does not fit all. But this does not mean that you can not learn to ride most bikes with the proper instruction and time/miles.

Becky



I think we can all agree that a bike with 85hp is a bit much for a new rider, hence Paul's comment. It wasn't that long ago that race bikes were just struggling over the 100hp barrier and the big literbikes of the time had 85hp.

In my humble opinion the more time you spend on a small bike as a beginner, the better you'll be able to manage a larger bike later. The skills you need to develop in parking lots, Uturns, throttle and chassis management are simply easier on a small bike. When those abilities become habits, it's time to move up to something a bit bigger. This is why MSF uses 250s. Note that I said "a bit bigger". It's folly to go directly from a 250 or 500 to a liter plus bike.

[lkchris]

I disagree with your comment about the singles. :cry I ride an 07 F650GS ...

Not a bike I'd call a "cheap single."

[lkchris]

Saying a rider can change to a bigger cc or a taller bike by just knowing how long they have been riding totally wrong way to go about it.

Back in 2002 I rode an R1100RT from Washington state back to Albuquerque for a friend of mine.

It was his first-ever motorcycle and the second he'd ever ridden following the little Buels at Motorcycle Safety.

He's under six feet tall but I'd call him fairly athletic (and self-confident) and he's been riding this bike ever since and has never to my knowledge had any problems.

So, I don't subscribe to the "start small" school but rather to the "start smart" school.

Building some upper body strength seldom is a disadvantage and there's no need to become muscle-bound, but it helps in motorcycling.

Here in the BMW world I think (hope) the empasis is more on touring than commuting, and IMHO the #1 requirement for a touring bike is comfort. This means an engine that isn't a buzz bomb single or cheapo vertical twin and a bike that isn't trying to be a mini chopper. Seems to me that if a tour of any length is an uncomfortable experience, the liklihood the person will continue at all with motorycling is severely affected. Starting cheap and small is a pretty poor introduction to touring.

It's also realistic as opposed to fantasy world to understand that motorcycling is an expensive hobby. To this end, I'd recommend the starter-outer start with all the nice, safe clothing required, and not, for example, a cheapo rainsuit that will blow away with any wind speed. Also, get gloves and boots that can stand up to some water, too. Good earplugs. Wouldn't it be nice, too, if the "starter" bike had heated handgrips? I wouldn't be without them and why would I think a beginner should be? Heated clothing.

Also part of this is some useful luggage. Again, should a beginner be required to have to bungee stuff all over a little bike and have the possibility of stuff falling off be yet another thing to worry about?

[lkchris]

I think we can all agree that a bike with 85hp is a bit much for a new rider ...

No agreement here.

New rider doesn't have to use it and the bike isn't going to run away all by itself.

My Airhead has horsepower in the 60s somewhere and there are plenty of times it will go faster than I can ride it and I've been riding for 30 years. Have no fanatasies that I can give King Kenny Roberts a run for his money. No interest, either--I'd miss the scenery.

[12bswayed]

I agree with Kbasa and Ikchirs....avoid the F800ST; and I'll tell you why.

Two of my good friends wanted to get motorcycles. Neither had rode. After taking the MSF course, they went shopping.

One was 5'8 and the other was 5'0. Both just had to have BMW's, specifically the F800ST. Against my advise, they both bought F800ST's. One was factory lowered for my shorter friend....even so, my shorter friend was tip-toed on her bike. She was very uncomfortable riding it, and in fact tipped it over the first time she went out on it. She never gained confidence on it and it's now sitting at the local dealership on consignment.

I rode both bikes and found the throttle on both difficult to contend with. It was very "twitchy"... for lack of a better word...it seemed just a little throttle sent you off and flying. Not good for a new rider!!

Keep your 250 and master your skills...give some thought about what kind of riding you want to do. Look around at different bikes. Go to one of the mortorcycle shows. Sit on all the bikes you like. And then make your decision...

[wezul]

I agree with Laurie about agreeing with Dave and Kent.
I rode a smaller bike for 5 years until getting talked into jumping the BMW herd. Glad I had those 5 years or I could have been discouraged like Laurie's friend.

And Laurie is again correct about the F8ST's throttle. I don't know if I'd call it "twitchy", maybe "sensitive" or "responsive". It's right there right now and you'd better know it.

Anyroad, there is a quite a bit of sage advice here in this thread. Words of wisdom to be heeded.

[85138]

And Laurie is again correct about the F8ST's throttle. I don't know if I'd call it "twitchy", maybe "sensitive" or "responsive". It's right there right now and you'd better know it.

Anyroad, there is a quite a bit of sage advice here in this thread. Words of wisdom to be heeded.

Say what??? I don't find the F800ST 'twitchy' nor do I recall that opinion prevailing on the F800 board that I frequent. Don't get me wrong, the bike has other areas that can use improvement. My R1200C on the other hand was twitchy especially at low gear/low rpms which is not atypical of some early FI twins.

Interestingly, I don't recall seeing a post from the original poster after the intial inquiry. Is she taking this stuff in?

[cbcK1200S]

[QUOTE=12bswayed;523282]I agree with Kbasa and Ikchirs....avoid the F800ST; and I'll tell you why.


I rode both bikes and found the throttle on both difficult to contend with. It was very "twitchy"... for lack of a better word...it seemed just a little throttle sent you off and flying. Not good for a new rider!!

QUOTE]

I disagree with your assessment of the F800ST. You call it "twitchy"...I call it responsive. If you want twitchy, I'll agree my K1200S with all 167 HP is TWITCHY!!!:thumb

It sounds like your 5' friend had height and confidence issues right off the bat and I'd wager that regardless of what bike she purchased she would have had issues. Maybe your negativity eroded her confidence and once that's gone...you're out of luck.

My wife's first bike after her cycle course was a 900 Vulcan. She road it for three years but decided it was too heavy and she wanted something lighter and more responsive. She test drove a bunch of bikes....Ducati Monster 696 (gutless) Moto Guzzi Breva 750 (gutless) BMW R1200R (nice but a tad heavy) and she settled on....you guessed it, an F800ST...she loves it
cbcK1200S - Colin
:bikes

[Bullett]

As has been said before in this thread the selection of a motorcycle is a very personal decision. For me, my height and ability to reach the ground as needed was a significant consideration I also wanted a bike that I could tour on. I was pretty sure that I "could never" ride an R1200RT. Geez, just look at them; they are tall with lots of stuff to scuff or break; they look really big, too.

I sat on the RT with the low seat in the dealer showroom for 45 minutes (with my husband shaking the bike by the luggage rack to prove to me that I wouldn't drop the darn thing on the test ride) before I would even take it out. I think the sales guy was convinced that I was a good rider because I didn't drop the bike on the test run. :dunno

Once I rode it, I had to have it. Once I had it I didn't want to drop it. Its embarassing. I really love my RT. :heart

BUT, having said that we all must remember that the selection of a motorcycle is a very personal decision. We all consider different factors. My husband wasn't concerned about how heavy his bike was or whether or not he would drop it. He's dropped his bike (also an RT) a lot more that I have dropped mine, and the reason for this IMHO is because I am more mindful of what I am doing because I have less margin for error than he has.

This leads us back to the issue facing the OP. She is short and a relatively inexperienced rider. Girlfriend, you are in the risky zone. You may get a bigger bike capable of touring and have no issues or, you may get a bigger bike capable of touring and hate it. You might drop the bike a lot. You might get hurt. You might just feel nervous about dropping the bike and getting injured. This won't account for how you ride and respond to the challenges of riding a more powerful motorcycle that is capable of, well, a lot more than your 250 could even dream of.

Bottom line, your choice of an appropriate motorcycle for you will depend on your confidence, skill and comfort level. The decision should not depend exclusively on what other "apparently similarly situated" riders ride because we are all different and bring different levels of experience, skill, confidence and fearlessness to the task. You might consider checking out VTwinMama's forum and her table of bikes for short riders. http://www.vtwinmama.com/motorcycles_for_short_riders.htm

I wish you well in your search for the "right" bike. Let us know what you decide to do. :lurk

[womanridge]

I think the original poster had her question answered with some great advice. I also think this thread got off track and a bit personal. I might remind all that the intent of the womens form was to create a comfortable room for all to discuss Women's issues. Confrontation is one reason some members choose not to post.
This thread is now closed. Thank you everyone for posting.