I'm 5'7" barefoot. Most of my boots that i would ride in give me a little more height, as well. I am able to flatfoot on the BMW R1150GS in my NewRock boots and that tank is like, well.. a tank. :smile:
The monster tank profile is narrow. You don't need to straddle it like you do on a Japanese sportbike. The seat height on its own is pretty low.
I think much of the problem aside from seat height for women, is the tank width then coupled with a relatively long reach to the bars. I think women *in general* tend to be more leggy than a man of the same height, so our upper bodies and arms are comparitively shorter. This long reach for a new rider might not provide a 'sure' feeling when manuevering the bike especially at low speed. Add cumbersome weight or a high center of gravity with a short turning radius and it can be the express train to 'Dropville.'
Essentially, anyone can ride a bike at 40mph, but make them do 2 in a parking lot.. its a whole 'nother ball of wax. Ironic, isn't it? But i find that to be the case when I watch people pulling in to parking lots where bikes have gathered.
Of course as time passes we all learn to compensate for any of those issues as we learn to trust ourselves, the equipment and just gain general experience. I think most people would say, hands down, the SV650 gives a new rider a complete package. Stylish looks, forgiving ergos, a good kick but not "too much" and a reasonable pricetag.
Okay, thats like a whole nickle worth! :smirk: