Cycle Recommendation

[r65lsk75c]

I've been thinking about purchasing an older small displacement BMW as a college graduation gift for my daughter. Since she is only a little over 5' tall (5'2" I think), the possibilities are rather limited. I've developed a liking for the R65LS and although I have never sat on one, standing beside the bike suggests that the seat would be low enough for her. Can anyone offer an opinion on this choice? How are these bikes in terms of parts availability, owner service, reliability, etc.? If anyone knows of a solid bike for sale, I would appreciate a referral.

Thanks,
Rick Tyson
Woodbury, MN
'87 K75C
'74 Triumph Trident
'75 Norton Commando

[BMWRich58]

May I suggest a "Honda Rebel". Great first bike especially for height challenged people. Woman love the low seat height and light weight.
Virtually,"Bullet Proof" and easy maintenence. :clap :clap :clap

....if she really likes the sport, a few years of experience, then I'd move up to a BMW.

[coyotebmw]

Just a note, if your daughter is only 5'2" the suggest about the Honda Rebel may be a good one. Most BMW's are generally tall bikes. I am 5'7" myself and I have problems with my R80RT putting both feet on the ground. If you want to find out more about specs on the different BMW's go to http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/ and pick the links that lead to HISTORY. They have a very good web page that will give you the specifications on any BMW ever made. (Fascination -> History -> Historical BMW Models).

[Braddog]

I think I see where this is going. Since you already own classic bikes, Rick, I'm thinking that you'd really like to gift your daughter with another bike that could be considered somewhat of a classic. Good for you.

That said, there aren't many non-cruiser bikes out there for the short-of-inseam. Almost any of the Japanese "cruiser" style bikes may work, but if that's not your goal, then I think your best bet may be to just take your daughter along when you're looking. Let her get a feel for it. See if she's comfortable on her tiptoes, if that's what's needed. I work with a lady that rides an R1200C, and there's no way she's over 5'2", but there's that cruiser style again. So, unless this was meant as a huge surprise, I'd take her shopping with you. I've almost bought 2 different R65LS's this past year, and they are a unique bike for sure.

Good Luck in your search...

[lkchris]

I'd think an R65 good idea, but might question the LS.

Problem is the narrow handlebars, reducing leverage--possibly not so good for someone with low upper body strength.

I cringe at the Honda suggestions. Starting someone out on a POS bike is not the way to make a long-time rider. That BMW roundel on the tank of an R65 will look like jewelry and probably inspire the desire to make it work. (Make sure it's not yellowed, then!)

As for step-over height ... just remember that the seriously height-challenged Auriol won Paris-Dakar on a raised R80G/S. All the hype about step-over is just that, IMHO. Yes, it's easier for tall guys, but it can be done. Just remember, falling over in a parking lot is the least of a rider's worries, and BMWs actually take it pretty gracefully, as the cylinders are really tough.

[dbrick]

Rick,

I've had two R65s, as well as a slew of other BMWs (/2 machines, a K, an now an Oilhead RS), and I am regularly exposed to smaller bikes as an MSF Rider/Coach. Here's my two cents:

I like the R65 machines, but I don't think they'd be the best thing for your daughter. If she's a new rider, even the weight of this small-for-BMW machine will be discouraging, and the seat height isn't that low. The brakes are not up to current snuff, and the electrical system isn't, either. I'd respectfully suggest that the choice of an R65 may be more your agenda than hers.

Its a lot easier for new riders - especially vertically-challenged ones - to start off and gain confidence if they ride a smaller and lighter machine to start. Getting used to weight (even light weight) can be hard. After six months or a year, the newer rider is more apt to be ready to move up to something more powerful and heavier.

The Honda Rebel may not be what you or I (or lchris!) would choose for a cross-country tour, but its weight and cost are significant advantages. I think that any 250 through 600 cc standard would be far more user-friendly for your daughter than an R65. (I note wryly that my wife went out and bought an R65 as soon as she learned to ride. She rode it ~`16K miles over three years, but never got completely comfortable. And she's taller than your daughter, too.) Think about your daughter's level of experience, and what sort of machine would serve her abilities.

[pmdave]

I'm wondering whether you are really concerned about an appropriate motorcycle for your daughter, or whether you're thinking about adding another BMW to "your" stable, a bike that your daughter could occasionally ride.

I can't think of any BMW machine that would be comfortable and easily controllable by a person with short legs--other than a sidecar rig. If you're willing to believe that some motorcyclists might not have the risk acceptance for a two wheeler, it would be possible to build her a nice sidecar rig that would be enjoyable and reasonably easy to handle. One big advantage of a BMW rig--say an R100/Ural--is that it's still a motorcycle, and it's a BMW with that shiny roundel on the tank.

Or, if you can't quite bridge the chasm between two and three wheels, consider one of the later scooters, such as the Suzuki Bergman. While motorcycles such as the Rebel are reliable, they are not easy to control due to some strange front end geometry, and they are horsepower limited, which would make a ride with your daughter a potentially demoralizing situation.

pmdave :brow

[donkey doctor]

Hello; Last fall I test rode a 95 K75C for a friend of mine (altitude challenged), this motorcycle has been lowered with a shorter rear shock and a lower seat. Quite frankly it was uncomfortably short for me at six feet. The fellow who was considering the K75 is 5 feet 5, I drove the bike for teh better part of a day, no previous K75 experience. By the time I was finished with my evaluation I had developed a new appreciation for the K series.

Just another consideration.

[James.A]

I cringe at the Honda suggestions. Starting someone out on a POS bike is not the way to make a long-time rider.

I know this is the BMWMOA, but don't be disuaded. Honda is a revolutionary company that produces high quality products. Period.

[r65lsk75c]

Yes, I'll admit, there is some truth in the reply suggesting that I have a vested interest in acquiring another "classic" motorcycle. I'm certain that bikes such as the Honda Rebel would probably be a better fit for my daughter. In fact, I think she took the local riding course a couple of years ago on a Rebel. I would like my daughter to get involved with older cycles with the idea that the bike is more than just something to ride. Knowing my daughter as I do, I suspect that she will not be riding all that often and very unlikely to get involved in long rides (i.e. touring). Of course, I could be wrong - wouldn't be the first time in the course of raising two kids. In any case both she and I like the look of the R65LS (we inspected one carefully at an auction in St. Paul several years ago). My daughter also has a boyfriend who is exceptionally mechanically inclined so I would have some relief from service and maintenance. If I were to predict, at some point in the future the cycle, no matter what brand or model, will likely take up permanent residence in my garage. Could this be a prime example of a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Rick T

Note: I don't question the quality of the Japanese motorcyle. I have owned Hondas, Suzukis, and Yamahas. I appreciate their reliability. Remember, I own two British bikes!

[Rbike]

I love old beemers because they are so easy to work on and very dependable even with a lot of miles...BUT to get me 5'3" wife riding we went with a Buell Blast. I also considered the Rebel but felt that the Buell would hold more resale value. I thought that was important because I didn't think anyone would want to own something that small forever...I may be wrong. She loves the Buell and enjoys riding it. I would rather see her on an airhead, but right now a low light weight 500cc bike is better for her.

Depending on the riding she wants to do you might even look at the 125cc and 250cc trail bikes that the aisan folks make...like a TTR125 or other similar one, I just don't know all the models. But I have looked at them and the small ones would be good starter bikes that could even go down some dirt roads...uhhh, can you tell I'm on a GS :)

[jgr451]

The R65 is a very atractive and durable bike.

The Rebel 250 kind of looks "all that" and is a very sanguine ride(ie undemanding).
Really,your daughter's call;show her what YOU are thinking,let her decide what SHE is thinking.


Good on ya,either way-"Thank heaven,for little girls".

[lkchris]

I know this is the BMWMOA, but don't be disuaded. Honda is a revolutionary company that produces high quality products. Period.

The "Rebel" isn't one of them.

Can you imagine BMW needing to "name" it's bikes?

And, you're not going to read 20 years from now about 20-year-old rebels.

[BubbaZanetti]

Originally posted by Ikchris
Can you imagine BMW needing to "name" it's bikes?


haha, i've always thought that bikes and cars with number/letter designation were always somehow better than "named" bikes/cars. probably more to do with high end manufactures never naming their vehicles than the actual reliability.

[bprigge]

The 250 Rebel is an OK city bike for a new rider but is working very hard at speeds over 50 mph, and lets the rider know it too.

I personally know two biker ladies that found smaller Honda Shadows to be
just the thing for them. One rides an older 700 Shadow and the other rides a
newer 750 or so shadow, might also be a 700 come to think of it. I bought my R75/6 from one of the ladies that went with a Shadow. Shadows are great for short people, are plenty reliable, not bad looking and have that
sweet V twin feel from the motor. Wouldn't mind having one to park next to my R75. Bruce

[Braddog]

The 250 Rebel is an OK city bike for a new rider but is working very hard at speeds over 50 mph, and lets the rider know it too.

I personally know two biker ladies that found smaller Honda Shadows to be
just the thing for them. One rides an older 700 Shadow and the other rides a
newer 750 or so shadow, might also be a 700 come to think of it. I bought my R75/6 from one of the ladies that went with a Shadow. Shadows are great for short people, are plenty reliable, not bad looking and have that
sweet V twin feel from the motor. Wouldn't mind having one to park next to my R75. Bruce

I have a VT700 Shadow, and pretty much what you state is true. Mine's for sale, and the person that's currently most interested is a lady that's maybe 5'1" who has to tippy-toe it. It's a good bike to cruise around on, 65 at 3500 rpm all day long in overdrive.

And I agree that there may not be much talk in 20 years about riding 20 year old Rebels, but then again, when was the last time you could buy a new Beemer for $3K list? A reliable one at that? It's a consideration.

[bikerfish1100]

Can you imagine BMW needing to "name" it's bikes?

that would explain why none of us know what "Funduro" or "SCarver" means, right? or "R100 Mystic", remember that one? how many of you remember what models "Belgian Police Special" or "Motosport" refer to? or "Paris/Dakar"? need i say more?

BMW makes wonderful bikes, they are all i owned for 20+ years. But they don't market a really good beginner's bike for vertically challenged people, and really haven't since 1970, when the /2 frame went bye-bye. even the Low seat K75 of the early 90's still had a pretty high seat- it was only relatively low, compared to other beemers. (and i wouldn't automatically call that K75 motor a "beginner's bike", tho for a newbie with good skills it would be very fine).
A Rebel is a fine beginner's bike, it's why we use them in the MSF program. Easy to handle, easy to ride, decent brakes, plenty reliable. who cares if it won't be around in 20 years? it is a one year bike, then you sell it to the next beginner who needs it for building their experience and confidence, while you move on to your next ride.

[James.A]

The "Rebel" isn't one of them.

Can you imagine BMW needing to "name" it's bikes?

And, you're not going to read 20 years from now about 20-year-old rebels.
Now I'm gonna have to buy one for myself to evaluate the product.