KC, Understand. Well, it's not the size of the bike so much as how it's ballanced. For example, a Harley has a fairly low center of gravity. I have seen women your size take a full dress Harley, lay it down, pick it up and ride away. (This was a demo) The trick with the Harley is how you do it rather than just grunting.

Most of the modern bikes have the exaust pipes well away from legs. I have got toasted on old Hondas and Harley dirt bikes. It also looks bad for some of the new "cruisers" that I see. The Goldwing hides that part quite well. The twin BMW's have the exaust down and away, however the jug can get quite warm. It's hard to hit with your feet, but you do feel the heat in the summer time. In winter, it dosn't to provid much heat for the feet. :o(

I would suggest looking at lots of bikes. (The fun part) Don't let them talk you into anything less than 500cc. Smaller than that have problems keeping up in traffic. (Yeah, I know about 350's that have gone around the world, but...) Both of my bikes are 750's. Light and get good milage. I get about 45 mpg. My friend has a Honda Valkri (1500cc) and he gets about 30 mpg. His bike is very heavy and very comfortable.

Honda makes a bike called the Pacific Coast. Sort of an all in one. They are quite reasonable on the used market. Should be a good touring bike.

Good luck, and let us know what you find. Perhaps I can get a pic posted of me and my scooter.

The Mudcat Motorcycle Aux.

-Fadac