Short biker

[bignige]

Hi,

I am 54 years of age, male and (honestly) 5 foot tall, 7.5 stone and very slim build.

I have not had a bike for 12 years and have never attempted the full bike test because I have always felt I am too short and not strong enough (7 stone weakling and all that!) to hold up and manage a 500cc bike.

Last bike I had was an Aprilia RS 125 having passed the CBT - which has now expired. Struggled like hell with the bike as it is the same seat height as a CBR600 - so I had a cobbler build up the heels on my boots - even then I could only get one foot down so it was dodgy riding in wind etc!

Would I be able to take the full bike test? If so on what bike? Anyone else my height done it?

I am not a fan of cruisers etc - only want a sports bike.

The real shame is that I can just about get both feet down on a 400 baby blade - but they are not suitable for taking a test on.

I get people all the time saying 'So and so has passed his test and he is only your height' - reality is that often these people are, say, 5 ft 2+ - those extra couple of inches make a difference - but I am only 5 ft exactly.

Got the bug now to get back on a bike so any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Nige

[petalbriefs]

Hi Nige,

I say I am 5"0 but in actual inches I am 4"11 3/4
I weigh a little more than you to be honest ( ) but still, that shouldn't stop you altogether.

I passed my test on an ER6F that had been lowered and now have a Yamaha R6 (also lowered)

If you want to ride a bike, you will learn to deal with your shortcomings ( ) as I have.

Just persevere, in all honesty, once you've done it and you start building some confidence, You'll be fine.

I started off on a CBR125 and I am now as confident handling the R6 as I was that.

Confidence really is the key.


*My inside leg is only 28" and I can only get one foot down on the R6, you have to learn to shift about a bit when you stop.
____________________
Proud owner of an R6 + ZXR400
Honda CBR 125 R - Stolen

[UncleFester]

It's inside leg length, not height that you need to quote.

My YBR125 fitted fine as does my CB500 - as do Monster 696/796

Have a look on www.cycle-ergo.com

Don't forget some bikes have the right seat height but the seat may be the wrong profile so you still end up wobbling from one side to the other.

5'8 / inside leg is around 28"
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2017 Z1000SX

[doggone]

You don't absolutely need to be able to touch both feet down, a lot of trail bikes unless your 6ft plus you just have to get used to it and slide one way or the other in advance!
Good point about seats, a narrower profile e.g. SV650 might make it easier even though it isn't particularly low.

[Rogerborg]

[bignige]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I have met an instructor today and he has advised me to buy or borrow a bike that I can ride comfortably- over 35KW and use that for the test.

Ultimately I only want a sports bike - but could use some other bike for the test. He suggested a Triumph Bonneville?

ER 500 was far too big and heavy for me.

What is a small bike over 35KW that would be good for the test?

I could easily ride a baby blade 400 but instructor thinks they do not have the 7.5 metre turning circle needed?

Nige

[petalbriefs]

I really think you're going to struggle if an ER5 was heavy for you.
I believe its 193kg wet weight, my R6 is 200kg wet weight and I chose it because its one of the lightest 600 sports bikes.

I honestly dont know what you're going to find thats lighter than that but has the criteria for you to do the test.

Maybe someone here who is an instructor might be able to give an idea..............
____________________
Proud owner of an R6 + ZXR400
Honda CBR 125 R - Stolen

[wr6133]

[Rogerborg]

Clearly intends to do full A.

Tests, sure, you want something with a good turning circle rather than a sports bike. Bonny might be an option, but they're not the lightest of bikes.

What's your budget, and are you OK with buying a bike specifically for your tests, or do you want to have a go on a sports bike?
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[UncleFester]

See if you can borrow a F700GS with the low seat option, the bike is heavy .... but the weight is very low down.

As above, CB400 is very low ... as is the CB500 and the slightly later
CBF500 too.
____________________
2017 Z1000SX

[wr6133]

[Rogerborg]

[Matt B]

[chris-red]

A few of the girls recomend Daytona Ladystar boots. They add 2 inches to your height, without looking like it. I don't think they are too 'girlie' but they may be worth a look.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[bignige]

[bignige]

Just found the spec for the above and seat height is only 30.5 inches and very light bike.

Is there a test I can take on one of the above so I can get on the road?

Would it be OK as a bike to take a test on - thinking about turning circle etc!

N

[Rogerborg]

Might be as well to get your confidence back up.

And there's nothing stopping you from doing A1 tests on your own bike. It's the cheapest way to practice particularly just £15.50 for mod 1.

Sure, it doesn't lead to a worthwhile license, but it does prove to yourself, examiners and any potential instructor that you're perfectly capable of passing them. You just need to do it on a bigger bike, which (once you're moving) is actually easier.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[mailee]

I had similar problems when taking my lessons and tests. I am a little taller than you at 5' 2" but am only 7.5 stone and was 58 at the time of my tests. I found the 500 Suzuki heavy and a little tall for me and could only get the ball of my foot down on one side. Half way through my lessons they moved the goal posts and I then had to change to a 650cc bike for the A test and the school went for kawasaki ER6's. This bike although slightly heavier was easier to control with a lower centre of gravity and a thinner seat. I could manage to get the ball of one foot down still but the bike just seemed easier to control. After a few lessons on this machine it became much easier and I got used to sliding slightly on the seat to get a full foot down each time I stopped. I now ride a Honda hornet and am surprised how easy it now is to ride a big bike now. I know i will never be the owner of a 1000cc machine but my Hornet is more than enough power for me and always gives me a big grin after each ride. Good luck.

[Val]

[Marclev]

[Rogerborg]

[petalbriefs]

[UncleFester]

I have the same issue - whilst i'm more than strong enough to push most stuff around off the bike, leg length does not allow this on the bike.

I tend to push the bike around in 1st gear with the clutch held in - just makes it easier to stop a roll without needing to change grip.

BMW F700GS was a piece of cake to shove about, nice wide bars, narrow tank and a very low centre of gravity.

CB500 - much the same but that's lighter.

VFR800 - is a fat pig, dropped bars and without the rear rack on - hard to shove about.

GSR750 - narrow bars and a fat tank make it hard to get your weight in nice and close to it.
____________________
2017 Z1000SX

[bignige]

Thanks to all who have replied. I am overwhelmed now and don't know where to go next but I will start and try some bikes for size and weight.

Also, going to combine that with some boots with a heel or raised inner sole in them.

At the end of the day I will probably end up doing CBT again and sticking with a 125.

It seems ridiculous that I have spent around 20 years on and off riding bikes up to 125 (started on an FS1E at 16), with no accidents, I can easily ride a 400 baby blade (which I would be happy to ride for the rest of my biking days!) - but because of the regulations and my height, strength etc. I am unlikely to be able to pass the full bike test that will get me to be able to ride a 400cc bike!

When you also bear in mind that my last bike, an Aprilia RS 125 would reach 100mph it is not as if I have not been introduced to speed (although I appreciate that it is not in the same league as a 500cc plus machine).

It's a shame there is not some sort of dispensation where someone has been riding smaller machines for a certain number of years!

Many thanks again for all that have contributed to this discussion.

Nige

[Rogerborg]

You can use a CBR400RR to sit A2, although it'll 'have' to be restricted down to 35kW for for the test and post test use. By which I mean, get a piece of paper that DVSA Derek will accept.

It's not on the DVSA list of A2 bikes but I can't see any reason why not.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike