Tpoppa Posted June 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 5"2" lady learner and non-cruiser and occasional 2 up probably spells scooter.I've never owned one, but I am not totally opposed to something like a Burgman or a Silverwing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smccrory Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Vstrom and Versys are decent lightweight 2up bikes. But are probably a little tall for most newbie women to ride solo. Seems something like a Ninja 650 or CB500F/R is a reasonable compromise. An NT700v is probably more comfortable for passenger but maybe hard to find. I agree about the V-Strom 650 (aka "Wee-strom" or "Glee" with the Gladius engine). I own one, am completely in love with it solo, my GF really digs it for 2-up and I couldn't recommend it enough as an all-arounder but still would be pretty tall for anyone under 29-30" inseam. An FZ6 would be a great choice if set up with a backrest or top box and a pad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smccrory Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 I've never owned one, but I am not totally opposed to something like a Burgman or a Silverwing. Indeed. If you're willing to consider a scoot, you could do a lot worse than Suzuki's Bergman 400 or the larger Honda Silverwing 600. Sometimes they even come up for sale on Craigslist, but people tend to hold onto them. Also like CBBaron said, there's Honda's CB500X/F/R but I don't think DCT is available for it, so you'd wantto look to their NC700/750 or CTX line if auto-shifting is important. They'll be even harder to find used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollnhot Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Not to thread-jack much....but whats the word on FJR's? I've been looking at Sport-Tour styles for the Gf and I also. Seat/comfort, suggested upgrades etc?Own a 08 love it good for two up, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollnhot Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 FJR has no soul in my opinion, the concours 14 is where it's at. I'm sure the fjr's are great bikes it just didn't to anything for me. I actually test rode the fjr first and it almost turned me off to sport touring, but then I rode the connie and never looked back.Your one of those guy's who trailer your ST bike to Deals Gap. Don't be dissin my Cock Hauler. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie14 Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 I don't think you can go wrong with any of the STs for two up riding, but I doubt a 5'2" female could handle it on her own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pokey Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 FJR has no soul in my opinion, the concours 14 is where it's at. I'm sure the fjr's are great bikes it just didn't to anything for me. I actually test rode the fjr first and it almost turned me off to sport touring, but then I rode the connie and never looked back. They are so close on paper, it is hard to believe you felt that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 They are so close on paper, it is hard to believe you felt that way.not sure why, but when i rode the fjr my thoughts were "i can live without that" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
granda080 Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 Fz6. Buy Corbin Street-fighter and lady seat. All set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smccrory Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 Fz6. Buy Corbin Street-fighter and lady seat. All set.That's the winningest vote so far if my informal count is right. Take your gal with you to a dealer who has one and test the ergos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFlash Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 ... passenger comfort is high on the list. I don't think we'll be spending more than 2 hour on the bike.The 2nd statement may offset the first one for you. She may nothave time to get uncomfortable, especially if you stop for a small break or some ice cream after an hour. Pillion comfort may be less important if she is going to be riding solo. >> Something lightweight that she could ride solo once in a while would be a bonus. << >> I just can't bend my mind around buying a cruiser or cruiser gear. Outside of a cruiser, bikes for shorter riders, and bikes suitable forriding two-up seem to occupy two separate lists without crossingpaths. I've spent some time browsing the internet in search of ananswer to your question. She is 5' 2"... That's pretty close to the ground. 5"2" lady learner and non-cruiser and occasional 2 up probably spells scooter. And this is what I've read, seems to lean towards. A bike she would be comfortable riding alone, in seat height, and a bike for two-up riding is not coming up on the radar inmy Google search without leaning towards the cruiser category. Here is one place I looked around.http://www.visordown.com/features/10-best-motorcycles-for-women/22057.html . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpoppa Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 A bike she would be comfortable riding alone, in seat height, and a bike for two-up riding is not coming up on the radar in I am am leaning... 1st choice CTX700 - Kind of scooter/cruiser hybrid. I'll bet you can buy them deeply discounted.2nd 400-600cc scootor. Who knows, it could even be fun.3rd some crappy cruiser that isn't super heavy & with reasonable ground clearance. M50, 883R, Shadow Phantom, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) Put her on the back of your sport bike and keep insisting that you will buy something more comfortable soon...and don't. Not that I know anything about that. But if you insist, there are bikes like the BMW K1200S or a VFR that would be the best of both worlds. Those are really at the top of my 2-up list, along with the Sprint 1050's. Edited July 1, 2014 by Triumph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad324 Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 VFR is a great suggestion except for the fact that she's only 5'2" and these bitches are top heavy. She wouldn't have a shot in hell to touch the ground as a rider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollnhot Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 not sure why, but when i rode the fjr my thoughts were "i can live without that"The bags are a little wider on the FJR making it harder to fit on the trailer. ST = Sport Trailering sorry Tim I couldn't resist. I rode the Connie & ST 1300 both and the FJR just worked best for me. Not to mention its so damn sexy lookin. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollnhot Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 not sure why, but when i rode the fjr my thoughts were "i can live without that"The bags are a little wider on the FJR making it harder to fit on the trailer. ST = Sport Trailering sorry Tim I couldn't resist. I rode the Connie & ST 1300 both and the FJR just worked best for me. Not to mention its so damn sexy lookin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 The bags are a little wider on the FJR making it harder to fit on the trailer. ST = Sport Trailering sorry Tim I couldn't resist. I rode the Connie & ST 1300 both and the FJR just worked best for me. Not to mention its so damn sexy lookin.They are sexy, love the look and I thought it was comfy as hell, just wasn't feeling it. I hate the ST, hate the look and the feel from the saddle, never rode one but I've heard they are not the most exciting either. I deserve the trailer comment, but after the sorebuttapaloza that will prob change. If you ever get the chance Paul you should check out PhilDo's FJ he had that thing set up nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAC Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 Another thought is the Shadow 750RS. These are a sportster-type cruiser that borders on a standard. Low seat height, enough engine to do two up for short stints, and available as new non-currents at fairly low prices, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 I was gonna suggest shadow 1100. I had one for a while, decent power, low seat height and comfy 2 up. Lighter and quicker than it looks and silky smooth shaft drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 the shadows are everywhere, and seem to be pretty cheap. That's what the deputy at our security desk rides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojocho Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 YZF 600R. Aka Thundercat. Huge banana boat seat that is plush. Sportbike style. Great first bike. Great commuter bike (50mpg). Can lower an inch and not compromise handling too much. Can still have fun in the twisties. I think this meets all your requirements. One of the best model specific forums on the web. Can be had for $3k. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted July 2, 2014 Report Share Posted July 2, 2014 Again, not the torque curve I would find ideal for a 2-up machine, but I agree with the remainder of the assessment. At that point though, a pre-'98 Katana can probably be found for less money, and be 85% as good... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calinazaret Posted July 2, 2014 Report Share Posted July 2, 2014 Put her on the back of your sport bike and keep insisting that you will buy something more comfortable soon...and don't. Not that I know anything about that./quote]Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoop Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Here's my vote for an FZ6 with a Corbin seat & backrest. Low and can be dropped a bit. Good ergos and very handle-able in the parking lot. Yes it's an I4 but its got good torque above 3k and doesn't get crazy power unless you take her above 8k and then you quickly get to 90+ HP. Quirks: The clutch friction zone is narrow and the FI makes the throttle a bit twitchy, but you get used to those things quickly. Quit the hand-wringing and go see this guy at OSU. This bike plus $750 for the seat & backrest and you're set - In RED. Bet you can get the bike for a bit under $3000. http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/4550483402.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeansZG Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Don't forget about Vintage Days @ Mid-Ohio to demo bikes also!Demo'd a BMW one year & had to get to the gates by 'o dark thirty to get a spot on the list though. The sign-up list was all full 15 minutes after the event was open for the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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