Not too tall trail bike suggestions please

[Ducati girl]

Hi,
I have a Ducati 600SS which I won't ride on the filthy lanes which surround my house. I would like a trail bike to use in the bad weather, mainly for road use, but all I have seen so far are very tall so does anyone know of any bike with a lower seat height? I am 5' 6" tall, inside leg about 30" My budget is up to £1000 and I would like something with a bit more guts than my old XL100 I had 30 years ago.

Another problem is that ideally the bike would be something my 6' tall husband could ride without his knees being under his chin!!

Any suggestions appreciated.

[dogwheel]

Yamaha Serow 225cc (lighter than the current 250)
Good luck.

[YEN_POWELL]

Yamaha Serow 225cc (lighter than the current 250)
Good luck.

I agree, rideable by all heights and a good bike all round. Lots of variety with specs, I have seen, kickstart only, both kick and electric start, rear drum brakes and rear disc brakes etc.

Oh yeah, plenty of grab handles for pulling it out of dutches in any direction.

[Lutin]

A bit far from you but Wylde's in Leeds have a serow for sale -

SERROW - Bikes For Sale Now

Nothing to do with me, just saw it whilst browsing earlier today.

[Ducati girl]

I've had a look and it does seem the answer - the Leeds one is the right sort of price too.....
Thanks - anything particular to look out for or avoid?
Judging by the way its thrashing down with rain again the Ducati will be staying in the garage for some time.

Thers a great flooded lane just round the corner I would love to ride through...just need a trail bike.......

[Lutin]

Thers a great flooded lane just round the corner I would love to ride through...just need a trail bike.......

And water proof boots.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

The BMW F 650 GS with lowering kit is probably the best option; performance that shouldn't disappoint, good dealer network and spares availability, plenty of fellow owners.

The Serow is the most "respected" small trail bike. Some here:
Pre-enjoyed XT 225 Serows (you need to scroll to the bottow of the page to see those still for sale - curious page layout!) A similar request recently also elicted: Suzuki VanVan 125 (and maybe 250?), Yamaha TW125/200/225, Royal Enfield Trials or Woodsman.

The 200-250cc Jap bikes and Royal Enfields are probably okay unless you regularly do long journies on motorways. The 125s might remind you of your old XL100!

[Sharribee]

Would agree with Dave the F650GS is an excellent bike for the vertically challenged

[MCsanandreas]

Would agree with Dave the F650GS is an excellent bike for the vertically challenged

dont think youwill find one for less than £1000 yet!!

[boboneleg]

I owned and trail rode a Serow for over two years, very good bike. Don't be put off by the 225cc's, they will go anywhere as Lois Pryce proved when she rode one from Alaska to the tip of S. America.

Alaska to Argentina 2003

Change the oil every 1000 miles (small sump) and they will last forever