Short Rider discovering that seat height is not everything
Posted about cruisers before my MSF course.
Started the course on a Honda Rebel and was excited because it was on my specs wishlist. The low seat height was great... if all we did was ride with our feet. Truth is many of the reviewers who talk about low seat height are not short. Flat footing is good, but I found the reach over the tank to be too long and it made learning clumsy. Switched to a Suzuki TU250X standard bike and while a bit tiptoed, the upright position, bent elbows was a world of difference. Candidly, I do not think I would have passed on the Rebel.
Passed the course and now am ready for a first bike. I went to a used bike shop today and sat on a bunch. The Yamaha Bolt cruiser felt better than the Rebel but still a bit of a reach. But was shocked how good the Yamaha MT 03 fit. Also good were the Suzuki SV650 and Triumph Street Twin. I know -- all very different.
I am very honest with myself about skill level -- very beginner. I am looking for something to learn on in parking lots and eventually enjoy on the weekends. I am 90% there on the MT 03. But I waned to see if there were other suggestions for relatively low seat and more compact upright bikes I should consider.
Thanks.