Hi Guzziguy, I don't have the link for the inserts as I have decided to go for the Daytona Lady Pilot boots. http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/98252 I've also decided to go all or nothing and go down the DAS route so wath this space!!!
I got my inserts from eBay. Search for shoe inserts.
I do agree that leg length isn't necessarily a problem if you have confidence, but from personal short arse experience it is how you feel on the bike, if you don't feel confident then adding the worry of tip toeing can make getting out on the bike a nervous and unenjoyable experience.
Hey guys, I did my homework and have today put a deposit down on a Kawasaki GPZ 500 S, seat height 27 inches so no need for those inserts :) You were right RB I should just go straight for direct access, I'm going to take as many lessons I need and just keep going until I get there. Thanks for all your help guys
You will enjoy that, easy to ride, easy to handle and move about with a great engine that has plenty of torque and is nice and thumpy with plenty of go for when your used to it. Very capable but at the same time tame enough to learn on.
My sister had one. She misses it and i dispatched one for years as a spare bike, there good tough fun bikes.
Glad my choice in bike has met with your approval Stuie ... here she is in all her glory http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502160993242/sort/default/usedbikes/make/kawasaki/model/gpz/cc-from/500cc/cc-to/500cc/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/bs151df/quicksearch/true?logcode=p
Good choice Firesign with the GPZ500, and with is been an older bike it won't be the end of the world with a topple
If you looking for newer bikes later on, as mentioned earlier, Honda CBF500, 600 and 1000's can be lowered to grasshopper height without bankruptcy or ruining the handling.
A few people have mentioned the one foot down is OK thing. It is to an extent but bear in mind that most blokes have a lot more leg strength than women meaning they can recover a topple easier.
Now crack on with the DAS and we'll see you at KISS
As with the Hondas many people don't know that the complete BMW range has had a factory fit option for low seat and lowered suspension.
That means there are plenty of used ones out there that have extremely low seat heights and your insurance company can't get funny about it as its a factory build. There lowering kits can also be retro fitted, but that's isn't so cheep.