Shaft drive-Sport touring bike for a medium sized female??

[captmikejd]

I'll probably go with a medium sized interim street bike for a confidence builder while I continue the pursuit of the ultimate bike for the wife.
She really likes the VT1100 Shadow and it would be OK to keep up with her light weight but they no longer build the bike?
 I ride an ST-1300 and she wants to come along on her own ride. I have seen some Honda VFR suspesion height kits that bring those bikes into her reach, but I am wondering if anyone out there has some suggestions/ options for me to consider?
Cheers,
        Mike

[Fourstring]

Not shaft drive, but the Beemer ST800's belt drive would also be a good fit if you're looking for low maintenance.

Any reason it has to be a shaftie?

[Scubadvr]

Have you looked at the Honda NT700V yet?  Might be a good fit for her.

[Wockman]

+1 on the Honda NT700V   It has a 31.7 inch seat height which might be a stretch, but it should be easy to shave down or swap with a lower aftermaket one, if you need to.  I sat on one at the dealer. Its tiny compared to the ST1300...

[sammyseaman]

+1 on the Honda NT700V   It has a 31.7 inch seat height which might be a stretch, but it should be easy to shave down or swap with a lower aftermaket one, if you need to.  I sat on one at the dealer. Its tiny compared to the ST1300...

They're a bit tall and a bit pricey.

How tall is a medium sized woman? Here in west Michigan a medium sized girl is about 5'8", a medium sized girl on the east side of the state is about 5'5"  

[1KPerDay]

Have you considered any of the multitude of shaft-drive or belt-drive "cruisers" from Japan (or Harley)? Does it HAVE to be a "sport touring" bike? How often is she REALLY going to use that last 8 or 10 degrees of lean angle?

Low COG, low seat height, inexpensive, easy to ride.... low maintenance...


http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Boulevard%20C50/2009/C50.aspx?category=cruiser

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Boulevard%20M50/2009/M50.aspx?category=cruiser

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/21/0/home.aspx

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/21/0/home.aspx

http://powersports.honda.com/2009/shadow-aero.aspx

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/superlow.html

[FiremanBob]

The shaft-drive requirement is a huge limiting factor.  You might try a Honda V45 Sabre or Magna. The Sabre might be a little tall and the Magna looks slightly cruiser-like, but both handle extremely well and can fit serious luggage, unlike  the small cruisers. Being V4s, they have more power and are smoother than even the Japanese V-twin cruisers. The 3rd Gen Magna (1990s) is also a good performer but even more cruiser-like and may not have the luggage capacity you want.

If those seats are too high, then I recommend a used VFR with lowering kit. It's a chain, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a better all-around medium sized bike. And it wont break the bank.

[Kneescrubber]

Not shaft drive, but the Beemer ST800's belt drive would also be a good fit if you're looking for low maintenance.

Any reason it has to be a shaftie?

I was wondering the same thing.

Lots of missing information. Is she an experienced rider? What has she ridden before? When you say "on her own ride" are you talking about a Sunday afternoon ride or an overnighter or a cross-country haul? There are as many options as there are specifics.

[photomd]

K75S, C, RT, whatever. They have low seat kits if the standard height is too tall for her. They're reliable enough that you see them escorting the Tour de France. They come in lots of configurations: touring, sport, standard. There's tons of info on them as well...'n obviously, I'm a little bias...have fun shopping.  

[bluepoof]

.

Lots of missing information. Is she an experienced rider? What has she ridden before? When you say "on her own ride" are you talking about a Sunday afternoon ride or an overnighter or a cross-country haul? There are as many options as there are specifics.

This.

[JamesG]

For a learner bike any cheap GS500 or EX500 will do.

If she's ready for "her bike", look at the Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie.   Really good build quality, low seat height, and it handles very good, don't let the styling cues fool you.  My 5' 4" wife loves her 2004 and she refuses to even think about replacing it.

[Kneescrubber]

This.

Shirley this deserves a +1.  

[captmikejd]

Hi guys,
 Sorry I was not more specific, I am still just a newbie on this site!But thanks for the input to date.
Answers to some of your questions:
She has not ridden for quite a while, but was an accomplished street rider albeit on smaller bikes and on the wrong side of the road downunder.
Just finished her course in Florida and got the new license.
Does not HAVE to be a shaft, but as her mechanic they are pretty bullet proof. Belt was a good idea thanks!
Also, I have a personal Honda bias, sorry.
Weekend rides for the next year or so until she gets the confidence to ride farther afield with a heavier bike.
She did like the NT700V and I had not thought about lowering it, not sure why?
Cruisers should have been in my original post as one would work very well for her knowing she will probably never need that extra 8* to 10* lean angle.
Best idea forming so far is the medium sized 450 to 650ish used ride that she can drop and I won't cry about.
Also I need to get my personal bias out of the equation and your replies are helping me to do that. You see I will be left with the hand me down bike which if it was a VFR800 would keep me off of my ST around town, scratches and dents included! Thanks again!!

[FiremanBob]

I forgot about the Guzzi Breva. That's an excellent choice.

[spd2918]

Sounds like a fair trade, but we will need to see photos and a resume.

[Kneescrubber]

Honda Shadow; cheap, low seat height, shaft drive, Honda

[bluepoof]

Shirley this deserves a +1.  

Done!

[Baz]

Not shaft drive, but the Beemer ST800's belt drive would also be a good fit if you're looking for low maintenance.

Any reason it has to be a shaftie?

I am with Fourstring

[sammyseaman]

Hi guys,
 Sorry I was not more specific, I am still just a newbie on this site!But thanks for the input to date.
Answers to some of your questions:
She has not ridden for quite a while, but was an accomplished street rider albeit on smaller bikes and on the wrong side of the road downunder.
Just finished her course in Florida and got the new license.
Does not HAVE to be a shaft, but as her mechanic they are pretty bullet proof. Belt was a good idea thanks!
Also, I have a personal Honda bias, sorry.
Weekend rides for the next year or so until she gets the confidence to ride farther afield with a heavier bike.
She did like the NT700V and I had not thought about lowering it, not sure why?
Cruisers should have been in my original post as one would work very well for her knowing she will probably never need that extra 8* to 10* lean angle.
Best idea forming so far is the medium sized 450 to 650ish used ride that she can drop and I won't cry about.
Also I need to get my personal bias out of the equation and your replies are helping me to do that. You see I will be left with the hand me down bike which if it was a VFR800 would keep me off of my ST around town, scratches and dents included! Thanks again!!

I've got nothing then  

[FiremanBob]

There's a CX500 Honda Interstate advertised on advrider.com.  That might be perfect, and it fits in almost any budget.  Looks beautiful in the photos.