I'm around 5'2 and I really want to buy my first motorcycle, what kind could I get & ride safely?

I know I'm short but I really want a sport bike around 600cc. This would be my first bike. Is that out of the question? Price doesn't make that big of a difference. I just really want something that I could control and ride safely. And I do not want a cruiser. Anyone that knows about motorcycles could you please give me some specific sport bikes to look at?? =) Thanks!

I am 5'4. I started out on a 1992 Ninja 600. Older bikes don't have the acceleration of newer ones, so if you want a sportbike, start out on an old one. You will drop it several times because you have to learn how to accomodate for your short legs. When you are in forward motion, short legs have nothing to do with anything. Sport bikes can be lowered if you need them to be.

I now have a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600. It was the most comfortable for my height and strength. I absolutely love it and took it out last weekend when it was 35 degrees outside.

Speed is all about self control. There is nothing wrong with starting with a 600. It is definitely helpful to take a class. I took the MSF class and you will learn way more than you can learn from a friend and will be much safer and more confident. http://www.msf-usa.org/

Depends on what you'e looking for in a scooter.

If your looking for the approval of friends, you'll need to get what they believe to be the slickest thing out there. Probably a Harley or a crotch rocket.

If you're simply looking for a great time riding, consider something light with a low center of gravity, a decent power band and a comfortable seat.

Personally, I need something that I think has a good look. I wouldn't buy the most competent bike in the world if it looked like crap. So many of the Japanese bikes just look like crap.

My main ride is a '55 BMW. It has everything I want in a scooter except horsepower, but it fits the bill in every other category so well, when I want speed, I'll ride one of my British bikes.

See you at the Rock Store, or the Ortega lookout.

it would be good to start buy sitting on different 600's to make sure you can touch the ground with you feet. that is the main thing. motor size does not really matter. smaller motor would work also because of your weight. it will still go as fast as you need to. all bikes have different seat weight. then find a color you like. on the model you can stand up on.
good luck

Okay, I've only a 27" inside leg - which is the key measurement and I've ridden some really tall bikes - however, I compensate with strength.

I can't recommend anything, except try bikes until you get one that fits your current needs. At the moment you need a relatively low bike, so may need to go 250 - 400. As your skill and strength develop in bike handling you will be able to move up, using your developed skill to handle larger and larger bikes.

Many years ago the trend was to work your way up (50-125-250-400-500-750-1000). Now it seems that people want to go straight to 150 mph 600s. Put it another way - the acceleration on a 400 will be better than many sports cars. Would someone passing a car test expect to go straight to an audi TT?

Don't follow fashion - reflect on what will be best for you long term.

I have bad news for you. Pilgrim is 100% right. You should not buy a 600cc anything, yet. He mentions buying a straight street motorcycle. You could buy a Buell Blast. It is a terrible motorcycle for power, sexiness and resale value. It is semi-sport (forward tilt) and is very easy to handle and stop. You may get some cat-calls, you may not. Doesn't matter, once your ten miles into your ride, you'll feel only love for that little machine. Once you are really proficient, then you can get you a head turner.

Regardless, take a motorcycle safety and riding course.

my advise is if you have never riden a street bike start with something smaller like a 250cc Ninja ride it for a yr then move up to the 600cc bike ,most riders go down within 6 months of getting there license and starting to ride, how fast do you want to be going if you go down at slower speeds you will still get a little roadrash if you don't have the gear on but you'll probably walk away from it ,another thing to think about is most motorcycle accidents are caused by the rider going over the line into on coming traffic in a turn or striking a fixed object after leaving the pavement on the shoulder these things take a lot of riders lives

the only person who knows what type of bike you need is you. All bikes are different. Go visit different deals and seat on bikes. See what feels comfortable. Go test drive the bikes.

My mom is 5ft nothing and rides a Harley Fatboy, but that doesn't mean it would fit you. The only way to really tell is go over and try them out. You don't go buy a pair of designer jeans without trying them on...right?

If you are a new rider I would take the MSF course, before buying. This why you can see if its something you really want to do. Trust me, I see it all the time. A new rider goes out buys a BRAND NEW bike, takes the class, and then realizes they hate it, and now are stuck with a bike they don't wont

I agree with the other's a 600 is not the bike to start out on. You should start smaller and for your first bike get one both feet will touch the ground on. You want to be comfortable and safe. After you get comfortable on a smaller bike you can move up. I am not sure where your from but some places require you take a motorcycle safety course and you need a special drivers license. The DMV will test you with a written and driving test, driving around cones and safe braking. Another thing to look at is a 600 will get from point a to point b really fast, so you need practice in response times to avoid accidents, and last you really need to watch out for the other person.

Stay away from the sport bikes. Start with a cruiser style motorcycle. Check out vento.com. Affordable, light weight bikes. Made in the U.S.A.

As for first time on sport bike, That is not good ideas. Because sport bike have more powerful engines. And it will make you to unable to control . At first, I want you to look up motorcycle class like community colleges. Dmv, or Motorcycle class at private owner or public. You can contact by Phone book under " motorcycle class" at your areas. The motorcycle class provide alot of 250 cc motorcycle for beginner. Because 250 cc is realizable for beginners and feels light.
Also I have Honda CB450 SC Nighthawk motorcycle, That is comfortable ride. I also own a FJ600, That is sport bike, Its alot different feeling between both of my bike.
Go and start with motorcycle class, Then when you pass. Then you can contact nearest motorcycle dealer from your home. Ask motorcycle sales that will help you to pick the correct bike for you. When you build up experiences with regular bike. like a year or so, ( depends how much you will ride) Then you can go upgrade motorcycles in future. I did rode with sport bike 1000CC engine like Suzuki GSXR1100. I was very scared and I was shaky arms and legs. That is about 10 times powerful than my FJ600. Very quick ride and powerful. I wont ride on it again. Stick with my FJ600.
Also Start with used bike. If you got fell down with your bike, You will be upset with new bike. Scratchy, Broken parts,

Take your time and visit the various dealers. The bike on which you feel the most comfortable is the right bike for you.

Take the MSF class, they usually teach you on 250's. See how you do with that, I ride with plenty of women your size who started on 600's, some even on 750's. Or even try a suzuki gs500f. Practice your clutch control and be easy on the throttle.