What is the best motorcycle for short people (like 5″3′ and under)?

Vespa.

How about a scooter or moped? Those are pretty cool and good on gas. They are good for city travelling.

Honda Rebel…..or perhaps a CBR?

i think that a 250 or 450 is good for your size. and if you buy a used one it will even be less money.

http://www.vtwinmama.com/motorcycles_for_short_riders.htm

I am also 5’3″, and I started out on a Kawasaki Ninja, and it was perfect for learning how to ride. I now ride a Honda CBR, but find it difficult at some times to actually feel secure on it.

Check out the Honda 600 VLX. 40-50 mpg. It will get up and do freeway speeds if you need it to. Low seat, handles well and is very stylish. My missus is 5′ 3″ and has commuted on a VLX for several years.

Most motorcycle companies list seat height on their “Spec” sheet. Start by checking the three Japan manufacturers, Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki. You won’t be needing anything over 500cc. More likely something around 250cc.

I ride dirt bikes and although I’m average height my legs are on the short side. For dirt bikes Kawasaki has the lowest seat height.

*******Be sure to wear a helment. I don’t want your next question to be “Why cann’t the brain repair its self?”.

Buell Blast – top speed 95, MPG 70 – built for beginners and lives up to its name!

My wife is 5’2″ and she has a Suzuki Boulevard S-40. It has a 650 cc engine, and is a great fit for her.

By the way, if you haven’t yet, take the MOST (Motorcycle Operator Safety Training.) classes. They really help you get comfortable on a bike.

Good Luck!

Harley Davidson 883 Hugger. I am 5’2 and I was flat footed when sitting on it. It also has a low center of gravity.

for efficiency, you generally want a lighter bike, which can often equate to a smaller engine…but not always. A 250cc ninja might really stretch your legs…I would go with the advice of the fella with the like-height missus. Don’t get one so heavy you can’t handle it, but definately be able to reach the ground!

You really have to try one on for size. I am 5’4 with long torso and short legs. I ride a Yamaha V-Star 650 and get about 45 mpg. Harley did start making their Sportster lower, but I tried that and was not flat-footed and on the Yamaha, I was flat-footed without any modification. Honda does also make a good beginner bike. Maybe just start going to dealers and talk to them. Of course, they will try to sell you one, but you will gain some info along the way. Try a motorcycle safety class first to see if you are ready to ride first. While it might look easy, it is very stressful to ride a bike, because cars do not watch out for you at all. Good luck!

Yamaha makes the V-Star’s, nice bikes, 650 and 1100. I know a woman who is 5′ that rides one.

I’m about 5’5″ and love Ducati Monster’s. I sit flat-footed on my 750, I bet you’d be pretty comfortable on a 620 (if you buy new) or a 750 (older). Good luck!