Hey ladies... and short guys :D

[OreoGaborio]

yeah, get a GSXR instead.

[Garandman]

Thanks for this thread. There is a young woman at work who is 5'4 and just got her license, so she's trying to figure out what to get. She's set a budget of $3,000 or less, although there might be some flexibility.

[sully749]

My very biased vote is for the Monster. In 2002, I got a 620 for the same reason you state . . . I am 5'7" but sadly have the inseam of a 5'3" person. Loved that bike so very much and it was a great fit. Nasty ass growl that gave me butterflies in my stomach. And the maintenance is never as bad as you hear about.

People can talk about how it doesn't matter how short you are/tall the bike is, but clearly the whole experience becomes less fun if you, personally, are not feeling comfortable at weird, off-cambered, up-hill stop signs, etc. Get lots of miles in on a bike that fits you well, and then you can always re-evaluate once you feel more confident. My street bike is now a Hyper, can only touch down one big toe at a time, but it would not have been a good fit for me several years ago (and I'm sure the day will still come when I lay it down at some crazy ass stop sign!). So I think your instincts are right on the money in getting a bike that fits you well and that turns you on when you turn it on!!!