Looking for a Bike for my wife....

[Rob Ray]

I sold my Wee about a year ago...regret it and will get another...but here is my question for the girls....
My wife is 5'5", about 117 lbs....29 to 30 inch inseam...she has been riding a cruiser for a couple of years and I'd love to get her on a Wee....she wouldn't try mine when I owned it because she thought it too tall....

Now that she has more experience maybe she could handle a Wee and I'd love for her to see how much more fun they are than a cruiser....Do you think at her size she can handle a Wee on pavement? Are legs 29 to 30 inch inseam long enough to be comfortable on a wee....can you girls reach the ground when stopped without leaning over to one side...do you lower your bikes...what's the scoop?

Thanks,
Rob Ray

[CanadianFZ6]

Without lowering it, she will have trouble... Yes, the V-strom is fun, but only if one is comfortable on it. She might be telling you something when she refused to ride yours when you had it. Maybe you should let her decide what bike she wants. Sounds like you are forcing the Wee on her to satisfy your own agenda...:D

[Mercenary]

I'm sure if you were to go lurking in the female threads (does that make him sound like a cross-dresser?) you'd find discussions of what you are asking about.

You're looking to get 2 Wees? One for you and one for the wife? Or do you have a HD you don't want to give up but you want to get her a Wee so you can ride it? She gonna ride off road? If not, why not have 2 different bikes? Get her that cute little Gladus and ride it once in a while.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeruqwx/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cycles_usa_animated.gif R.I.P. (Retire In Peace, thanks for the great ride.)

[Rob Ray]

Hey,

I went by my dealer at noon and they have a yamaha FZ6 R(I think that's what it's called) that is cool....white with female graphics(not like nude women...I mean pink and grey!)...low seat height...and looks small enough for her...

I just want to get her off a crusier....I rode them for years and didn't know what I was missing....she'll never get rid of her crusier....I was just thinking of a second bike for her....

Take Care,
Rob Ray

[rfulcher]

My wife has a 2006 naked SV650 with a corbin seat. Except for the reach to the handlebars she loves the bike. We are working on the handlebar thing. We initially had lowering links but we replaced the front springs and rear shock with a Penske. By the time we did the suspension she no longer needed the lowering links. This bike is an anti-cruiser. It is narrow, light, more powerful than a cruiser with twice the displacement and goes thru the twisties like a sport bike.

I like the SV engine better than the WeeStrom and the size of the bike suits a smaller person better than the Vstrom.

[chris swann]

the suzuki gladius is made for women

[janiceclanfield]

the suzuki gladius is made for women

And how is that? :p

[rjwinz]

I sold my Wee about a year ago...regret it and will get another...but here is my question for the girls....
My wife is 5'5", about 117 lbs....29 to 30 inch inseam...she has been riding a cruiser for a couple of years and I'd love to get her on a Wee....she wouldn't try mine when I owned it because she thought it too tall....

Now that she has more experience maybe she could handle a Wee and I'd love for her to see how much more fun they are than a cruiser....Do you think at her size she can handle a Wee on pavement? Are legs 29 to 30 inch inseam long enough to be comfortable on a wee....can you girls reach the ground when stopped without leaning over to one side...do you lower your bikes...what's the scoop?

Thanks,
Rob Ray

Have her try the new Yamaha FZ6R, the Kawi Ninja 650 and ER-6N and the Gladius. All easier than trying to wrestle a Strom.

[Mercenary]

And how is that?

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/suzuki/2009-suzuki-gladius-review-88110.html

With its rounded edges, flowing lines and friendly ergos, the Gladius is also an attempt by Suzuki to capitalize on the growing U.S. female rider segment.

To dispel any idea the Gladius is “a girl’s bike,” Suzuki’s Glenn Hansen points out that through a host of updates...


If they need to dispel the idea that it is a girl's bike, it's obviously a girl's bike.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeruqwx/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cycles_usa_animated.gif R.I.P. (Retire In Peace, thanks for the great ride.)

[CanadianFZ6]

And how is that? :p

Pretty colours... Just go look at it... It's like a volkswagon rabbit... no (real) guy would be caught dead driving it...

[Stromin'Nroman]

I sold my Wee about a year ago...regret it and will get another...but here is my question for the girls....
My wife is 5'5", about 117 lbs....29 to 30 inch inseam...she has been riding a cruiser for a couple of years and I'd love to get her on a Wee....she wouldn't try mine when I owned it because she thought it too tall....

Now that she has more experience maybe she could handle a Wee and I'd love for her to see how much more fun they are than a cruiser....Do you think at her size she can handle a Wee on pavement? Are legs 29 to 30 inch inseam long enough to be comfortable on a wee....can you girls reach the ground when stopped without leaning over to one side...do you lower your bikes...what's the scoop?

Thanks,
Rob Ray


You may want to contact Dirt Dad, his wife made the Cruiser to DL650 transition about a year ago.

[Mercenary]

Pretty colours... Just go look at it... It's like a volkswagon rabbit... no (real) guy would be caught dead driving it...

What if you plainted it flat black? :cool:

Engine seems decent, upright riding position, I like the instrument cluster layout...

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeruqwx/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cycles_usa_animated.gif R.I.P. (Retire In Peace, thanks for the great ride.)

[garandman]

What if you plainted it flat black? :cool:

Engine seems decent, upright riding position, I like the instrument cluster layout...//It is available in black with silver trim.

Seat height is 30.9" versus 31.5 for stock SV650 and 32.3 for DL650. Should work for a 5'5 woman as a 5'7 woman bought my 05 DL650.

Same advice as always - you gotta ride 'em.

Kawasaki ER-6N is a Gladius competitor, basically a naked Ninja 650. Seat height 29.7.

[Mouse]

I am 5'7" and have to tip-toe my Strom. Given her height, I think that it would be safer to look at a few different motorcycles. Rode the Gladius, but was not impressed. Maybe a Ninja 500. It's perfect for a person of her size and plenty of power. Had one as a demo and liked it very much. Just an idea. I really think that she would enjoy it. Just my .02. :mod2_yes:

[garandman]

And how is that? :pYou got pink stuff festooning yours and you gotta ask?

Too bad the SV400 one of the women in your bike club has isn't on the market any more: it was sharp looking and seemed sporty enough.

[fe-strom]

Quite honestly, I wouldn't suggest a strom for your wife. I technically own a wee (which bugs my husband no end) but almost never ride it. I have a 32" inseam and I CAN ride it but it has me a little nervous all the time and especially when coming to a stop. Yes I can come to a stop, but if there's anything out of balance, or a pot hole where my foot comes down etc. then I know that I can't hold it up. As it is I wear the Icon bombshell (hooker) boots with 3" heels to feel comfortable on it.

I rode a lowered strom with normal shoes in the Dom Rep (ride report by Thor Hiney) and that was quite OK, but there's a difference between feeling totally comfortable and in control and *sufficiently* in control. I handled dirt and gravel roads but 3 times we struck gravel piles with large, loose stones and 3 times I went down because once it starts to go, I can forget about doing anything to save it. On my own bike (which my husband owns!) the Suzuki GS500F I believe I'd have saved 2 out of the 3 falls.

I feel that you could put your wife off non-cruiser bikes with a strom. The Versys might sit a little lower, and I find the BMW F650GS a way better size fit than the strom. Not such a good fit for the wallet though....

But I much prefer the forward seating style of my bike - the handlebars aren't down around the tank. They're nicely positioned so you're in the "monkey" seating position where all jolints are loose and you're sitting squarely on your hips so there's no back strain. The SV650 someone mentioned may be like this.

Let us know what she ends up with!

[rjwinz]

Quite honestly, I wouldn't suggest a strom for your wife. I technically own a wee (which bugs my husband no end) but almost never ride it. I have a 32" inseam and I CAN ride it but it has me a little nervous all the time and especially when coming to a stop. Yes I can come to a stop, but if there's anything out of balance, or a pot hole where my foot comes down etc. then I know that I can't hold it up. As it is I wear the Icon bombshell (hooker) boots with 3" heels to feel comfortable on it.

I rode a lowered strom with normal shoes in the Dom Rep (ride report by Thor Hiney) and that was quite OK, but there's a difference between feeling totally comfortable and in control and *sufficiently* in control. I handled dirt and gravel roads but 3 times we struck gravel piles with large, loose stones and 3 times I went down because once it starts to go, I can forget about doing anything to save it. On my own bike (which my husband owns!) the Suzuki GS500F I believe I'd have saved 2 out of the 3 falls.

I feel that you could put your wife off non-cruiser bikes with a strom. The Versys might sit a little lower, and I find the BMW F650GS a way better size fit than the strom. Not such a good fit for the wallet though....

But I much prefer the forward seating style of my bike - the handlebars aren't down around the tank. They're nicely positioned so you're in the "monkey" seating position where all jolints are loose and you're sitting squarely on your hips so there's no back strain. The SV650 someone mentioned may be like this.

Let us know what she ends up with!

Good post. I again recommend the new FZ6R. For a standard bike it is lower than anything in its class and is developing a good following of women owners. They like it a lot.

[ann_tn]

I am 5'5" and 129lbs. Went from Shadow cruiser to my Wee last fall and have not looked back since. I did put dog bones on it and lowered it about an inch. my russell seat forced me to drop another inch while breaking it in. Raising the bike back up an inch soon. The lighter weight offsets the height issue for me. Also the performance is so much better on the wee too.

Let your wife decide. What kind of riding does she want to do? I dont ride off road or do much gravel. But the wee is perfect for the not-so-perfect paved back roads that I find myself on frequently. The Honda Shadow 600vlx outweighed the v-strom 650 about 100lbs. That's a lot weight for me. I enjoy riding all day so the larger fuel tank was a plus for me too. The great thing about so many bikes around. There is bound to be one to fits her needs and size.

[Redbeard]

I just want to get her off a crusier....I rode them for years and didn't know what I was missing....

Rob Ray

Well - that says it all.

She enjoys riding & She enjoys a cruiser.

You went from a cruiser to a Strom and liked it, so now you want to show her it's better.

Get over it. Motorcycles are different for every rider. If she is comfortable, and smiles every time she throws a leg over her bike, she is doing it right! If there was one "perfect bike", we'd all be on it - and while I love my Strom, it's not for everyone.

Be happy she is out there with you - enjoy the miles together.

Safe roads,
Bob S.

[silverstrom]

Be happy she is out there with you - enjoy the miles together.

That's the important thing. You're lucky to have a spouse that wants to ride. I've talked to my wife about learning to ride and getting a new bike but she wants no part of it. If your wife feels comfortable on a cruiser then she'll probably feel more confident on a cruiser. Enjoy riding together. As long as you're both on two wheels it doesn't matter what the bike looks like.


SS

[McJamie]

The red colour for the Gladius is very Metro-Sexual.
The Kawasaki Versys has a surprising low seat height. Because of the "cantilever" style rear suspension, lowering it is more difficult than most bikes.Awesome bike.
Remember too that sometimes a narrower seat( towards the front) is better than just a lower one. You still keep most of the support, but have a slightly shorter reach to the ground.

[fe-strom]

Having suggested not getting your wife a v-strom, I just spent the weekend with a woman who started riding this year on a v-strom and is loving it, and amazingly competent already. She is actually a bit shorter than me but has a longer inseam and can comfortably flat foot the bike, which I think is key for her.

So it can be done!

[LA Strom]

Having suggested not getting your wife a v-strom, I just spent the weekend with a woman who started riding this year on a v-strom and is loving it, and amazingly competent already. She is actually a bit shorter than me but has a longer inseam and can comfortably flat foot the bike, which I think is key for her.

So it can be done!

Yes, it can be done. :-) I started riding this year, too, & the Wee is my 1st motorcycle. Plus I'm "50-something" so not a fearless kid. I'm "balance-challenged" and it's been a longer learning curve for me compared to others who are more natural athletes. I spent a lot of time on neighborhood roads the 1st few months. I'm now a lot more comfortable on my Wee and enjoying it on mountain roads as well as freeways :hurray: I look forward to the challenge of twisties which I used to fear. I know I can handle them .. afterall there's always 1st gear when they get really tight! ;-) Having said all of that, I have have long legs so that helped me a lot. If someone is shorter or balance challenged, they can do it if they have patience, are willing to work at it and not let other more experienced, well-meaning people push them into something they may not be ready for -- like my husband who pushed me onto the freeways before I was ready (I live in the Los Angeles area). I survived that ride, but dropped the bike at the bottom of an exit ramp. I was mentally exhausted. He's ridden 35 years and has difficulty relating to newbie-itis although he really tries to relate and help. My advice to newbies -- take it at your own pace. This is supposed to be fun.

I have a friend who is vertically challenged and she bought a Ducati Monster and loves it. She said she didn't buy it for its power, but because it was about the only bike that fit her.

[09TrooperFL]

I am 5'3" and have a 30" inseam. I installed Vortex LL544 lowering dogbones on it. You have a choice of a 2" or 4" lowering status. I also installed the Rox 2" handle bar risers. The bike is actually low for me now. I will probably raise it to the 2" rather than the 4" lowering position. It has not affected the ride, per my Susuki tech. The other item you will have to address is the kick stand length. But that is easy. For $77 the Vortex can be bought and the Rox are around $95. I bought the Vortex from Vortex out of FL and the Rox from Adventure Design. I have two Harley's a Low Rider and a Fatboy. The "wee" is smooth and sits me vertical and is very comfortable. This is from a female that owes what you are looking for and has made it work without compromising the look or ride.

[ChelleStrom]

How nice it is to see a female riders thread - wait a minute, most of these posts are from men?? Hmmm....

I own and ride a DL1000. I also own and ride a DR200SE, CBR1100XX and sometimes the CX500. I need my boots with heels on the CBR and the 200, prefer them on the 500. Now to the Strom..... it has been lowered and I have a custom seat. I have had the handlebars adjusted. I wear standard street boots on that bike. I also have gone down on that bike while on a gravel road.

What bike will work best for your wife? Whichever one she feels most comfortable on. Most can be adjusted, but caution is the word as one adjustment can effect many more aspects of the bike. It may be a case of trial and error - that might get expensive. But, if she loves to ride......

I like to go fast at times, and then again I like to pack 'er up and go for thousands of miles. I am lucky - my hubbie knows a lot and caters to my riding wants and needs. He and I both learned the hard way that to put me on the wrong bikes hurts everyone. He, at 6'3" and 280 can never, never understand my 5'4" and 160 perspective (yeah, I am on the fatter side).

I take offense at the commentary about a "girl" bike - give me a ****ing break! You really measure your masculinity with CC's and paint jobs? Sorry for those who are so shallow.

Passionate riders focus on the ride - no matter who is doing it and on what bike. Insecure riders focus on the rest of it....

To the nameless and faceless wife I suggest her, and her alone, talk to real female riders - who ride all sorts of bikes, of all sizes and all colors. Who love to ride and who she can talk to without any interference.

Well wishes.......

[ZG-MAC]

My love going to Alaska spring of 08 and 8 times over the divide 09 she is 5'6" and on a 04 wee and a 05.

[ep!c]

I recently picked up an 09' KLX 250 supermoto for my girlfriend. I was planning to build a small set of panniers and to install a short windscreen on it-sort of make a small displacement adventure toring bike out of it. Well, she ALMOST made it out of the driveway on her first ride, but insted we ended up spending the rest of the day in the E.R.. Bummer, huh? She's okay now, but has decided that she'd rather ride three-up, with me and the dog.:thumbup:

[vdum]

Yamaha TW200. Got one of those or my wife, she's 5' 2". I lowered it 2" and she can flat foot and loves it. Have ordered Happy Trails panniers for it and she can hardly wait. All you have to do to lower one is remove the Swing arm and drill a new hole for the shock mount about 3/4" lower, then raise the front forks in the tubes.

[veg63]

I have just bought my wife an Aprillia Pegaso 650, see picture below, she is about the same height and petite, the seat is low and she has no problems handling the motorcycle. She is very happy with the bike. She has just got her learners licence has no problems with it at all. Costing me a fortune in riding gear and accessories though.:headbang:

[PeteW]

Have her try the new Yamaha FZ6R, the Kawi Ninja 650 and ER-6N and the Gladius. All easier than trying to wrestle a Strom.

Not the FZ6R if you plan to ride with her.

I waved one past along with a group of other sports bikes and followed them for about 10k's -- mwaaawp, mwaaaawp, mwaaaawp .....

Sounded like a very sick 2 stroke ;)

Pete

[PhilinAZ]

I like the Aprilia, but it looks like it is not offered here in the states. But I like the Dorsoduro being offered here. :thumbup:

[veg63]

I like the Aprilia, but it looks like it is not offered here in the states. But I like the Dorsoduro being offered here. :thumbup:

Sounds good Phil, I think the Pegaso and the Dorsoduro a similar look. I think the Dorsoduro is 750cc correct me if I am wrong. If it performs and handles as good as my wife's Pegaso then you are laughin :thumbup:

[PhilinAZ]

If they offered it in a 1000 might have to say good bye to the Vee. Sorry for Hi-jacking the thread but the Aprilia really looks nice.

[CoastalDefender]

Pretty colours... Just go look at it... It's like a volkswagon rabbit... no (real) guy would be caught dead driving it...

Hey now! :thumbdown: