Girl needs bike...... suggestions please !!

[Gertie]

I passed my test at the end of November and a few days later I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. So, mixed in with bad weather (too cold for me…I’m a wimp I admit) and feeling crap I haven’t ridden since.

I’ve been taking Methotrexate for a couple of months now and they’ve made me a different sort of crap, but I’ve just got to get on with things. I’m trying to man up here!

Apart from when I did my DAS on a XJ6, I’ve mainly only rode a YBR125. At 5’4” the YBR125 was great for me in size/weight but just lacked oomph when I needed it. I want to get my next bike but have no idea what to look for or anyone to ask, so I’m hoping for some suggestions please.

I’ll mainly use the bike to get to work (M11 & A12) but when riding for pleasure I don’t need to go at warp speeds. Obviously, the weight & height will matter, is there a larger version of a YBR? I prefer sitting fairly upright rather than laying over a tank. I’m just hoping I can find a bike that’s comfortable to ride really.

Secondly, I was wondering if anyone else has experienced RA, and if so anything you could recommend?

Thanks muchly x

[andyscooter]

I do believe there is a ybr 250
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[MahatmaAndhi]

Good on you for carrying on, despite the diagnosis. Where abouts is the arthritis? Hands, knees? It would perhaps influence the choice of bike. You don't want your knees near your earholes if you're suffering in them.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

[Pigeon]

KTM 390 has to be worth a try. They look similar size to a YBR, are incredibly light (140kg) but with 44bhp to a ybr's 10.

Downsides are apparently a hard seat and questionable build quality.

Got to be worth a look though.

[6r4h4m]

Hi OP, hope you find a belter!

I came across a blog by a woman whose boots made a big difference to being able to ride a wider size range of machines. If you're interested, it's here: https://shortgirlonamotorcycle.com/2016/11/14/a-love-letter-to-my-ladystars/

[NJD]

I would have said CBF600S because 0.5 cm higher, on paper, than YBR and when I looked at one in person was tiddly although 218kg, according to one website, it's probably not the lightest thing on the planet.

CB500F? 78.5cm seat height, on paper, and weighs 190kg.

MT-07? 80.5 and 182kg.

I feel like I'm just reading out spec sheets. Pop down to a local used bike dealer and see what they've got in and what you'd feel comfortable with and perhaps that would allow for a better idea in the route you'd like to take.
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[SophR so good]

Er6? You can get them lowered, I did my test on one. Id not recommend a ~300 for your use, I have one and its great for A roads but isn't much fun for motorway, unless your commute only has 5 minutes of motorway!
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[Rogerborg]

A 250/300 will be OK at speeds up to (real) 70 / (indicated) 80. It's the light weight and weavy-weavy in high winds that would bother me.

Since that's OP's criteria though, we're at an impasse. Weight is your friend when you emerge from behind an artic into a side gust.

If it's more the height than the weight, I'll have to give a nod towards the F650/700GS which has proven to be a surprisingly good distance bike when fitted with an 800GS screen. The factory lowered versions are truly low, like MSX125 low. They carry their weight down low too, and are very stable and confidence inspiring. Frugal, comfy, cheap on consumables: I just cannot find a good reason to change mine, and I've tried.
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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

[stinkwheel]

[Rogerborg]

The 800 twins aren't small, as such. There's a fair amount more bike there than (e.g.) an ER-6 or MT-07. But they hide it well - the lowered versions seem to vanish when you get on them.

My MOT chap was just after remarking on how light mine was when he was paddling it around for its brake test. Again, not the case, you're looking at over 200kg, but it's all where you want it, under the seat, or mounted down low. Positive stability, I'd call it.

I don't want to wax too lyrical, but a big factor in buying mine was when I sat on it for the first time and pulled away into an effortless, wobble-free u-turn. The dealer had one in that had all the lowering options (suspension and seat), and I watched this little lady sit on it, she was well short of 5' even in her boots. The look of delighted surprise on her face when she realised she'd found a big bike that she could easily flat foot and paddle was a joy to behold.

Good call on the rekluse, although the standard clutch is light to begin with. You could also try an easy pull clutch widget which would reduce the pull even further.
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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

[chris-red]

I rode a Suzuki Inazuma on holiday, 250 That was a decent bike, I even looked at buying one but realised I had no use for it.

Powerfull enough, I think I hit 130kph 2 up and it had more to go. Really good on fuel and surprisingly good to ride.
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[owl]

no blade yet? get a blade

or a street triple
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Observation is the greatest source of wisdom.

[Rogerborg]

[angryjonny]

Mrs angryjonny had a YBR125 and loved it. She's had a variety of bigger bikes since then (GS400, SV650, XJ6n) and hasn't warmed to any of them like she did the YBR.

So she's been looking at a YBR250. Then she saw the MT03. I suspect she'll end up getting an MT03.

[hedgehugger]

I was diagnosed with RA between my CBT and passing my test in 2008.
Methotrexate sucks! Don't think it did a thing for me, apart from making me vilely nauseous. Leflunomide was better!
The only thing you can do is ride when you can and don't when you can't. I used to get super frustrated when I wanted to ride but was physically impossible.
My RA is more prevelant in my wrists and hands. My fingers are travelling sideways, which can make gloves interesting. Because the one finger is twice the size I have to wear bigger gloves than I would otherwise need.
If your having a 'good' day then anti inflammatory up before riding.
I found that the first couple of years I would get a lot of flares, but for the past 5 or so they have been less, but the hands are damaged. Doesn't stop me riding though.

I ride an ER6n, which is lowered, but I also ride an MT03 which isn't.
Can flat foot with bended knee on the ER6, but have to tiptoe on the MT. Am also 5ft4" with a 31 in leg.
First bike I bought after passing my test was an ER5, height wise that was fine too. Have also owned a BMW F650, that was super comfortable too. Ninja 250r was also an easy ride.

[Snowdonia Rider]

Duke 390 is a good shout, lightweight so not too taxing with the RA. They're quite affordable these days too.
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[owl]

wouldn't the 390 single be a bit uhh ... aggravating ?
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Observation is the greatest source of wisdom.

[Bald_Eagle1]

[Rogerborg]

[chris-red]

[owl]

[Tony009]

I am also a newcomer to the cycling and also did not give up on recommendations:) I have the same situation with the roads from home to school, so I choose mountain bike for me. I'd like Schwinn Protocol 1.0 (26-Inch Wheels). It is not much expensive, but I think it's really comfy, especially for not perfect roads like ours. This article about top mountain bikes helped me, maybe it will be helpful for you too, just take a look https://bestadviser.net/mountain-bikes/top-mountain-bikes-helmets-and-clothing-review/. If you have your opinion about it, I would like to hear.

[Andy_Pagin]

https://cycle-ergo.com/ if you want to get an idea of riding position for your height/inside-leg.
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[Alpineandy]

I did read something about whipping yourself with stinging nettles being good for RA, but never fancied trying it.
Mine isn't too bad, so the most important bit is to keep my hands, knees and ankles warm...

As for bikes, you really need to sit on a bike to know if its OK.
I've a Honda Transalp for pottering around and a few people have asked how I can ride such a big bike but as soon as my weight goes on it I can very easily flat foot.
I'm not recommending a Transalp especially as they're quite heavy but just using it as an example of the affect weight has on a bikes height.
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[Gertie]