First Bike for a Shortie

[Littlered]

I am looking to purchase my first bike (Woo!) but would like others opinions on what they would recommend. I have looked at

Honda CBR 125 after 2011
Aprilia RS4 125
Grom (my father's idea who rides a Fire Storm and a Grom)

I am looking for a bike for a shortie (I am only 4'11) but I would like either a naked or a sport. I have also considered a cafe racer

I would love for your helpful opinions!
Thank you!

[Rogerborg]

Hello, welcome to BCF.

First, good call on not settling for a cruiser.

Second, height isn't as important as inside leg. Are you a stork or an otter?

Third, are you UK based or a Furriner? And intending to get licensed up, or just to tool around on a 125 for a while?

If you're UK based, your initial problem is to complete a CBT course - you'll need to be able to get on with the training school bikes. They tend to be YBR / CBF style commuters with fairly narrow seats in the 775-795mm range. Bear in mind that an MSX/Grom is 765mm - it's not a million miles away (it's 10mm, actually). If you can ride a commuter 125 on the CBT, you can ride one anywhere.

Apologies for the Too-Tef-Didn't-Read. The answer you're looking for is:

Pre-2011 CBR125 - the seat is 20mm lower, and it's narrow too.

Grom/MSX, not necessarily just because it's short, but because so many riders love them. I quite fancy one.
____________________
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

[Pjay]

I too covet the Grom.

They just look so fun. The reason I don't have one is that I would spend stupid monies on customising it into something like this:
https://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/features/grom_fever/76371408+w620/mcy0814-grom-thai-repsol-msx125.jpg

Good lord, I want one even more now...

[grr666]

[kgm]

I also really fancy a from but suspect I would waste a fortune on it.

Anyway, I agree with Roger's comments.

[Littlered]

[kgm]

In terms of bigger bikes the er6/z650 is quite low and can be lowered further. There's plenty of tiny people that manage, even if it requires some unusual techniques and extra care so don't be discouraged. Provided you can reach everything it doesn't make much difference once you start moving.

[wr6133]

For a proper recommendation we require pics.

[Rogerborg]

Ah, good, you can just get a LAMS bike and ride it?

Except, uh...

[Littlered]

[Rogerborg]

If you can't trust a bunch of random strangers on the intertubes to not photoshop dic- actually, never mind.

Sure, nothing wrong with 125s, I had great fun on one for a year. And as you've heard, the Grom is one that people actively choose to ride. And at least you won't look like a bear on a circus bike like most riders do on one.

Another candidate might be the Suzuki Van Van 125, or the 200 version if you can find it.

You'll want boots with a thick sole at the toe rather than the heel.
____________________
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

[Nobby the Bastard]

Fucking hell. Someone shorter than me...
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[pudder]

If you keep quiet, and watch carefully, you are very likely to spot the greater spotted Tef in his natural habitat.

He will typically approach unnoticed, until BAM, the signature wall of text appears. The seasoned Tef-spotter will extend their encounter by replying to dispute the validity of his points, or by calling into question his level of riding experience.

In this case, you can be sure he will lecture you that reaching the floor with your feet is for losers, and in fact putting both feet down at the same time should be a crime punishable by death.

Beware Littlered, over the years many have succumbed to reading his post in their entirety, only discovered as corpses months later, having neglected eating or drinking until they reached the end.

You have been warned.
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1993 Kawasaki AR50 (In bits) - 1984 Suzuki GP125 (Sold, but still ridden) - 1954 Matchless G3L (Being restored) - 2007 Suzuki Bandit 650

[Polarbear]

My wife had these when she first started riding her bandit because she couldn't get her feet flat down on a bike. She had them made to measure by Daytona for that sort of money. You can get them cheaper off the shelf.

https://www.ladybiker.co.uk/daytona-lady-star-gtx-waterproof-ladies-motorcycle-boots-with-hidden-heel/
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[grr666]

[grr666]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Grom-MSX-125-2015-CUSTOM-LOWERED-ZOOMER-RUCKUS-/262373037480?hash=item3d16a6d5a8:g:x6gAAOSwGYVXBWKL




____________________
Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[wr6133]

[Hong Kong Phooey]