Bike options for 5'1 rider

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Chineseteapot

Member
Hi everyone! I'm relatively new to riding and am looking for some bike suggestions that might fit me. I've got access to a 125 CBR, but my problem is that I'm super short (5'1) and I literally cannot touch the ground when I'm on the bike - even to properly drop the kickstand. Does anyone know if this bike can be easily lowered? If not, what other bike options are out there for someone of my height? I learned to ride on a 250 Virago, but would prefer not to go back to that bike. Any and all suggestions would be great.

Thanks!
 
Kawi sells lowering links for the Ninja 250 (saw them at Kahuna) to accommodate shorter riders, so I'd imagine Honda also offers the links for their 125R. I do recommend against lowering a bike because it alters the geometry of the bike in detrimental ways. I.e., the way the bike handles, the way it corners, etc.

If this is your first bike, I would recommend getting a small dual sport and lowering the preload all the way down. I did this with a DR200 and flat footed on it. They're also cheap to buy replacement parts for if you drop it.
 
Ninja 250R, lower it 1.5"-3". (The less, the better). Set preload to 1. Shave down the padding under the seat. Wear boots. One foot down is all you need.
 
Welcome!!
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Thank you so much for the suggestions! I also heard the Honda Rebel is another great alternative. What are your thoughts around this particular bike? I'm not a fan of shaving down the seat - it just hurts me to modify a bike that way. Thanks!
 
Chineseteapot said:
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I also heard the Honda Rebel is another great alternative. What are your thoughts around this particular bike? I'm not a fan of shaving down the seat - it just hurts me to modify a bike that way. Thanks!
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I've got a gorgeous Hyosung Aquila GV 250 for sale. Low seat height and centre of gravity and corner's beautifully. PM me if you want to know more.
 
Chineseteapot said:
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I also heard the Honda Rebel is another great alternative. What are your thoughts around this particular bike? I'm not a fan of shaving down the seat - it just hurts me to modify a bike that way. Thanks!
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If you don't mind riding a cruiser, it sounds like a great alternative.

My suggestion is go to Kahuna Powersports or Honda Powerhouse and sit on both bikes. Get a feel for what fits you. I'm pretty sure Kahuna has a lowered 250R you can try.

As for shaving the seat, I understand where you're coming from. Once you shave it down, you can't undo the mod. But out of all the mods you can do to the bike, it's one of the safer ones. You don't want to lower your bike if you don't have to, as it changes your bike's geometry. Pre-load doesn't give you much sag difference under a certain weight. A couple months ago I met a female rider who was 5'0 and she rode a stock 250R with a shaved seat no problem.
 
I'm 4'11 and I fit on a cbr125, I fit better after we shaved the seat, they don't make lowering kits for the bike, however, GP said they can get it custom lowered for $300. If you shave the seat you can always buy a new one if you don't like it. The best part of the 125 is how cheap the parts are. If your not a heavy set person, you probably won't even notice the seat has been shaved.
 
I would go with this...

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Jonnie said:
If you don't mind riding a cruiser, it sounds like a great alternative.

My suggestion is go to Kahuna Powersports or Honda Powerhouse and sit on both bikes. Get a feel for what fits you. I'm pretty sure Kahuna has a lowered 250R you can try.
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OP - They do. It's a black one in fact. I happen to see it this Saturday when I went there to pick up a part.
 
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