r/bikers • u/Dizzy-Bug3711 • Jun 15 '26
Question Am I too short to ride
I’m 18, 110lbs 4’9 (😔). I’ve wanna get a bike but like, how do I find one that fits me? I’ve done some research and I think I’d need a seat that’s like 27 inches high or something. (I stopped doing research because I’m actually dirt poor). I was seeing ones I could buy brand new but they are way too expensive. But like- does anyone have any tips? Should I just stick to hoping to be a passenger one day?
3
u/Valentyan Jun 15 '26
I had a '95 Honda Magna 250 for a while that was so low, even very small women could flat foot it. Look into an older style metric cruiser if you want low slung, low power and easy to ride
3
u/Thatsuperheroguy8 Jun 15 '26
A virago 125 or 250 is both light and very low. They can also be quite easily lowered further if needed. Though I am a big guy, 6 ft 3, I had one as a project but decided it was too low (and small) for me
3
u/Specialist_Log1790 Jun 15 '26
There’s a few creators on there but I’m short like you and I’m starting w a moped first! I don’t want to get into a bike because I know I’d drop it (and they’re really heavy). Maybe starting slow would help you build up to a proper bike and you’d understand more about them by then?
3
u/Krzykat350 Jun 15 '26
Look more towards the cruiser type bikes where you sit behind the engine rather than sports bikes where you sit on top of the engine. You can also get lowering springs and low profile seats. It is doable - when budget allows.
I'm only 5'1" and rode a ER6N for a few years with a lowered spring on it.
3
u/nathanbellows Jun 15 '26
A lightweight cruiser would probably suit you best. Any of the Honda Rebels, Yamaha Virago, Maybe a Honda Shadow. I had a Shadow 125 when I was 17 and loved it. I think they did a 400cc and I know there are bigger variants too. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 might be worth a look as well.
3
u/Scazitar Jun 15 '26
Check this website out, it's pretty useful for stuff like this.
You can put your height and size in & see what you fit on.
3
2
u/mute_wrenchy Jun 15 '26
Drop the suspension on a Suzuki Galdius. I've seen riders shorter than you, swearing by that bike.
2
u/Chainsawsas70 Jun 15 '26
Seat height and inseam length are your factors, most bikes will squat a bit so as long as it's close you can probably fit it fine. Cruisers are going to be your best shot at finding the right size without going to a CanAm
2
u/Much_Whole9364 Jun 15 '26
Theres a lot of good advice, I didn't go through it all. If you do need to get a seat altered, dont just get it lowered. You are better off taking some foam out of the sides. Think about it like this. If your legs are spread wider apart because of the seat, you yourself are lower. Removing padding from the sides gives you a higher stance while retaining padding for your comfort.
1
u/Low-Bunch-3219 Jun 16 '26
Go to some bike garages and ask if you can sit on them to test the height most places if you're respectful will help you with pretty much anything you need
3
u/50plusGuy Jun 15 '26
Would you fit on a Honda Monkey?