Low seat height beginner bikes

[Vladimir]

Hello people.

I want to run something by you guys.

What are some good bikes out there that are good for beginners and have low seat heights?

First of all, all I have done so far has been a CBT. I am slowly but surely getting round to training for a full fat licence, and hopefully I will do it this year. So far, various things have been getting in the way such as my own wedding and the hair-tearing but exhilarating experience that you get when you're trying to buy a house (still in progress - but almost there!).

I would be riding this bike in London. What I want from the bike is good handling and a low seat height so that I can put my foot on the ground without having to lean the bike. I am around 5 foot 10 in height and my inseam is around the 29 inch mark (for trousers). Now, I know that means that there is a couple of inches of foot to take into account, as well as gaining an inch or so via the boot heel, but at the same time, as I'm straddling a bike, some of that inseam length will be taken up by the straddling, so I'm thinking 29 inches is a good guideline. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

For ages I've thought that the suzuki marauder 125 is the bike of my dreams after sitting on one. the reason for this is that I absolutely hate any kind of racing position. I am really into my cycling (do it every day, it's how I commute) and I hate leaning forward excessively while riding, and if I can avoid leaning, I will take the chance! I've ridden lots of different bicycles and always preferred the ones where I was able to stand up more or less straight or maybe even lean back (like the dutch bikes, for example) I've always imagined that I would need a nice harley style cruiser to ride on, but I appreicate that is not strictly necessary.

Anyway, as much as I like the positioning and the low seat height of the suzuki marauder, I don't think I want a geared 125 to use daily. I would want something bigger. I've also got my eye on the inazuma 250; it appears to be a sit up and beg bike, full of features, liquid cooled, and 250cc should see me for a few years - seeing as I'm commuting in London, at low speeds due to traffic. This appears to have a low-ish seat height 780mm - although nowhere near as low as the 680mm of the marauder 125...

I also quite like the look of the GSX650F ABS - but that has an even higher seat height (but not much more compared to the inazuma - 790mm).

I did my CBT on a van van, which has 770mm seat height, and I was ok with it, but was wondering what it'd be like to have it even lower...

So I am quite confused about the whole thing. Maybe seat height isn't even that important and I am worrying over nothing? The riding school where I plan to do my training uses honda hornets, I believe, so I will have to deal with training on them anyway.

Thanks for reading my rambling essay and all input appreciated.

p.s. I am only considering new bikes - that's one of the conditions imposed by the wife.
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Honda GLR125 (finally)

[C1REX]

I know a girl who had a Van Van with lowered seat.
Truly wonderful bike that is worth to keep even on a full licence IMHO.


Her bike
https://s6.postimage.org/45v9l5crl/image.jpg
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MCForum meetup - One of the biggest motorcycle clubs in UK

[Vladimir]

Looks good, thanks!

So, how did she sort this out? Is it something that suzuki will do for you for an extra cost or something?

tbh my bike is going to be a suzuki, most likely...
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Honda GLR125 (finally)

[Billo63]

It's not just seat height that you need to think about, but also seat width.

Saddle widths do vary an awful lot & whilst you may find a bike that looks right, if you end up struggling to straddle it comfortably it'll end up as another to cross off your list.

Low cut saddles are available for many bikes which can help overcome your issues.

You are virtually same size as me, I've not had many issues with getting on/off most bikes I've tried out - except an fjr1300, that was just too much effort to make it worth considering.
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[Efes123]

Have you read this sticky:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=230544
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Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Cuchulain]

I have a Yamaha YBR Custom 125cc and it sounds pretty spot on for you.

I'm shorter than you and can get both feet flat on the ground easily.

The riding position is really natural. It's not a proper cruiser so it's not feet forward type thing, which I hear can be uncomfortable.
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CBT 15/6/2011 Theory Test Passed 6/2/2012 Module 1 Passed 11/6/2012
Module 2 Passed!!! 19/6/2012

[Rogerborg]

[matto]

Just posted this in another thread but it seems reasonably relevent here too https://cycle-ergo.com/ it'll give you a very rough idea of posture while seated on a whole bunch of bikes.

[Cuchulain]

[C1REX]

[Vladimir]

ok so the question is, is being able to put both feet on the ground all that important? or is it more of a thing that people think they need, but in reality nobody does it?

I mean, obviously reversing your bike out, you need to use your feet, but how often do you reverse your bike out and when you do, do you use your tip toes?

what would be a narrow saddled bike that is aroud the 3-4K mark then, if the inazuma is so "horrible"? and what is so bad about the inazuma, exactly?
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Honda GLR125 (finally)

[Vladimir]

[Vladimir]

[Polarbear]

Your best bet is to go to one of the big motorcycle dealerships and sit on some bikes you like the look of.

However you aren't short and you will easily be able to manage any of the 600/650's. My wifes ER6-N is feather light, narrow seat, low and feels like a pushbike to move.

Really, once you ger used to a bike you will be fine. I'm only and inch taller than you and ride a Tiger explorer. I have to get on by standing on the pegs but can still manage to manouever it OK. It is just getting a case of getting used to how to handle it.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[banditjohn]

Hi and welcome