I am in the market for either a scooter/moped or street motorcycle (my first) and need advice for shopping.?

I would like to get a street bike but I am a very small person and am afraid I wont be able to handle it. Im only 5' tall and weigh 95lbs. Bikes and cars are another language for me and I was wondering if someone has any suggestions (makes, models, decent price ranges, etc)

Hi. Go for a scooter.

1. Lots of rain protection.

2. Protection from Mud on road

3. Easy, forgiving handling, but can be lots of fun.

Id go for a Gilera Runner 125 , Vespa GT125 or any Honda 125. All are fun, reliable,nippy, good on fuel economy etc etc. Make sure the bike has a full service history,and why not have a look at your local Piaggio scooter dealer to check them out. Stay AWAY from 2 stroked and cheaper CHINESE brands of scooters.

Youll need to pass a CBT test beofre you ride a bike/scooter under 14.6 BHP, so you could organize one through your dealer, or find a motorcyle test centre in your local directory.
You could ask a dealer to throw in a free CBT test course if you agree to buy a bike and a helmet? The CBT course is easy and you will pass first time, unless your skills need a bit of polishing.


Scooters are designed for the smaller person, so you should be ok, and youll be ableto handle a 50-125 cc bike easily. Allow yourself to feel relaxed about this concern. I wouldnt recommend a 50cc though, as they can be a bit underpowered for todays roads.

Your size may limit a few choices, but there are still many that can work for you. Most important is that you can straddle a motorcyle and still have both feet flat on the ground. This is a safety/control issue. Even if it's a moped or scooter. If it's a close thing you can always change the seat or have it altered to be a couple inches shorter for you. Worry about that when you find the one your body feels at home on!
You don't need tons of engine power if this is going to be used in town at less than highway speeds. Agreed that you want more than 50cc. 100cc + is better. Don't go to the 600cc unless you will be doing major highway travel.
Go to every dealer you have in town and sit on all the different makes/models available. This will let you see what fits, what is comfortable, what you absolutely don't want to ride. Don't plan on buying the first couple trips to different dealers- you are LOOKING only. Number one issue is how comfortable you feel on the bike/scooter. Any salesman that can only sell from the standpoint of how good/cool/sexy you look on the machine is playing on your emotions and not practicality.Not all dealers care if you are safe and happy with your purchase, they just want you to buy from them. Keep ego and money at home when deciding what you want and what is best for your needs. And DON'T let anyone tell you that you are too small to ride! I've seen smaller folks riding and riding competently and very well.
If you know anyone who rides responsibly, ask them what they think would work best for what you plan to use the bike for. Ask the shops for any local riding groups that you may contact for getting info from experienced riders.

Welcome to the world of 2 wheel freedom.. the ideal size to get around on is 250cc ... this will let you roam and be big enough to stay out of traffic trouble.... ( ihave a 250 and have put some 30000mls on it in 16months) I would recomend a scooter,, 1. easer to mount . 2. you will have better protection. 3 I foind them more comfy on a long run ( yep i got the skinny bum syndrome) 4 also more forgiving and you have more storage room than a normal bike..
Makes; I'm not biest here but honda are as good and sturdy stead as you will get, just nake sure it has a fuel gauge ( bikes are a bastard to push when u run out of fuel)
Other wise go and TEST ride them all,,,, and dont be pressed into some thing your not 1000000% happy with,,, colour and all.
welcome to a new world and enjoy,,, stay safe and up right.. cheers bob

go to a shop and set on the bikes i think you shoud look at a 450 to 600 cc bike