JackTradeI have one, and they are indeed a good fit for the vertically challenged. The low-profile seat option is only 25.5 inches off the ground, so it’ll fit most any one. Also is very light weight.
Engine is a 500cc single, but it’s a “cruiser” 500ccs (it’s 1/2 of a Sportster 883 motor), so it’s not exactly comparable to a sportbike 500…but it does have a decent amount of off the line torque, so it definitely moves around town just fine. But it’s hard to overwhelm yourself, and the power is very linear.
They’re standards in style/riding position, so about halfway between the sportbike crouch and the cruiser layback. Handling is exceptional…almost telepathic.
Overall, they’re great beginner bikes…very forgiving, extremely simple to maintain, and start-it-and-go setup. Sounds like a riding lawnmower on steroids…sorta a weaker-toned sport V-twin rasp like Ducatis and the bigger Buells have….imagine something between the cruiser rumble and the sportbike whine.
On the con side, they’re not powerful, they have almost no bells and whistles, they shake like a paint mixer at idle, and build quality is famously hit or miss.
You can easily get one used w/low miles very cheaply, as they’re not longer-term keepers like say a Ninja. I’ve had mine for about 8 months now, and will likely sell it before the end of the year. For someone just getting into riding (like me), it was a great choice and I’d do it again.
BTW here’s a more complete review, with good pics:
