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Height

by Nicole
(dickinson)

Im only 5'0 and want a crotch rocket. But im afraid im too short

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Jul 15, 2013

5'
by: Anonymous

I'm 5' and have owned a couple of 'crotch rockets' as well as other bikes. As long as you know how to ride and are comfortable, the cc isn;t a factor. The Ninja is a good option, have had no problem with a friends Ninja, never would go with a 250 go with a real bike. I have owned a CBR and a Kawazaki...trick is to lower the shocks but go sit on the bike first and determine if it can be lowered enough for you if there is a problem.

Feb 15, 2013

Height
by: Anonymous

You can touch the ground on 250 ninja crotch rocket if it's lowered 1". We're on the same height and look to buy Women's Bates 47501 USMC Durashocks® found in onlineshoes.com or go to army/navy outdoors and find combat boots with 3/4' inch heel are the best and comfortable which I'm wearing all the time when i ride my bike.

Goodluck!!!

Oct 15, 2012

No
by: Nicole

No i havent tried to ride one of those yet, does it work better?

Oct 14, 2012

Same situation
by: Amarilys

I'm in the exact same situation but I'm looking into the 600cc. Have you been able to ride one of those yet?

Aug 07, 2012

me too
by: Melissa

I'm the same height. I bought a Ninja 250, lowered it using dogbones and I always ride in boots. I can't flat foot it but I'm more than comfortable with how much I can touch.

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When motorcyce is running

I have a 1994 Honda Shawdo. When at a iddle it makes a clicking sound and when you pull the clutch in it quites making the clicking sound. Has anyone had this problem that could help me reslove it. Thank you Jack Burkett

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Sep 03, 2012

engine clicking while running
by: Da Buttafly

I have a 98 Intruder 800. I have the same issue. I will be talking with my mechanic this week about it. I will let you know what he tells me.

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new rider, falling in slow turns, losing confidence

Hey there!

New rider, new to the forum, thanks for being here!

So here's what's happened to me. I took the MSF course and passed, then took it again for extra practice. Of course you practice on 250s as you know. We have an '06 BMW F650GS single at home, so I got on that after class 2 and did what we did in class in an empty parking lot - friction zone, power walk, etc for a few hours. Took it for a VERY short spin in the neighborhood and had no problems. Then I started getting "up in my head" and really freaked out about taking turns without stopping first, not sure why - maybe the weight of the bike, leaning, who knows. So I finally went to take a turn, and dropped the bike. Not sure what happened; I think I panicked at the lean and grabbed the front brake (and probably looked down too). I got back on the next day, a little jumpy, and then dropped it at a stupid stop sign - not even sure why that happened. So now I WANT to get back on but my nerves are getting to me. I think I know what to do in turns but don't wnat to practice dropping the bike anymore :) I guess what I'm hoping for is maybe some words of wisdom about where I should re-start now: Back in the parking lot? Any pecific exercises? Smaller bike? Getting my 650 lowered?

Any and all advice and support is welcome.
Thank you!!!

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Dec 10, 2012

Don't drop your iron.
by: Lou

I've seen too many folks riding bikes that are too big before it's time. You should consider a smaller and if your inseam's not too long, try a lower one too. The friction zone is always a key factor, but also consider that when you stop a motorcycle, your handle bar should be straight. This will help you keep the bike stable. If, you allow your fork to be turned, your bike will tend to want to lean and feel heavier than it should especially if you're hitting your front brake. Don't be afraid to make a full stop at intersections that require it. Putting both feet on the groun to collect you marbles is better than dropping your iron and breaking your bones. In time you'll be able to keep the bike up on just friction. Hope this helps. Good luck...Keep the shiny side up and ride safe....Lou.

Sep 06, 2012

Friction one
by: Dotty

Read everything you can on the Friction Zone: clutch (about 1/2), throttle (not full) and back brake. Use these in conjunction with each other. As long as you have power to the rear tire you will not go down. When turning slightly press brakes, slightly use throttle and clutch in its friction zone. Takes a lot, a lot, a lot of practice, but as long as you keep that momentum up, you'll be fine. A motorcycle policeman demonstrated this process to me one day and I was amazed at his technique of using these 3 things in unison and how tight his turns were without ever going down.
Don't do as I did one day, pulling into a parking space and cut my power and in the process of turning, down I went, broke my elbow.
Good luck and safe riding.

Aug 26, 2012

some tips
by: Anonymous

I'm assuming you've progressed, but for others reading this looking for advice, first and foremost, buy and wear protective gear. Wearing an armored crash jacket and pants (and helmet, of course) will protect you in falls.

Next, take your bike to a parking lot or large empty area away from traffic and work on low speed turns, stopping and turning from a stop. Work up to figure 8's and full lock turns. Look where you want the bike to go. Over 25 miles per hour countersteering kicks in and the bike can be leaned MUCH further through faster tighter turns.

But for now...practice low speed and always keep the handlebars straight when coming to a stop. Never use your front brake in a turn. The rear brake actually stabilizes the bike through slow turns, but use it gently and sparingly. It's best to not brake in turns if possible, but if necessary, ONLY use your back brake in turns.

Take it slow and practice constantly. Once isn't enough. Every time you get on your bike, practice a few slow drills. I've been riding 20 years and I still enjoy taking each of my bikes to an empty lot. Make games of it.

ride safe, ride smart, and look out for cars turning left at intersections into your path.

Aug 21, 2012

best advice
by: Jeanette

I had a similar issue and had a nasty drop in a parking lot. 8 weeks later my shin is still healing. The problem was simple... THE FRONT BREAK!!!
I learned very quickly never to touch that unless the bike is 100% straight.
The best advice I got was to buy the ride like a pro dvd`s. The best $89 I ever spent. By the time I left the parking lot I could do all the excersizes on the dvd and felt I was in complete control of my bike. When I finally got my license just two week ago, i couldn`t believe how easy riding on the road was. So easy I had to remind myself to stay alert and not get too comfortable. I ride a Suzuki S50 Boulevard 800 so she has some guts and I also took my course on a 250. I feel my bike is easier to ride because of the training. Corner, curves, straight, fast or slow... those dvd`s will help. I can`t recommend them enough... Do the excersizes and you`ll be a pro in no time. You can see some of his tips on you tube. check him out... `Ride Like a Pro``
Happy Riding and Be safe

Aug 20, 2012

pick it up
by: Dino2625

all the advice you have gotten is great and you should definately take it. Of course first rule ride safe second rule "ride" but I have a question. Are you hesitant because of the turn or because you might not be able to get the bike back up after it falls.
That was an issue of mine and i really over thought turns because of it. There is a great course "Ride Like a Pro" besides really learning the right way to do tight turns, slow manuvers and such, it taught me how to pick my bike up by myself. That alone instilled alot of confidence in my riding because I knew no matter what I could get the bike back on the road.

Aug 20, 2012

Don't give up!!!
by: Cat

I was always riding on the back of my husbands bike. Till one day I decided I wanted to ride my own. Took the course on a 250 Honda,mind you I didn't know ANYTHING about a motorcyle couldn't even find where you start it. Then after passing got my own 250.After 1 summer of riding it I wanted a bigger bike . My husband got me a 750 ACE Honda. How I love this bike,but I was like you. I would come to a stop hit front brake to hard & drop it. Then sometimes even after I was at a stop sign I would get ready to take a sharp turn to pull out & drop it. Crap I think I have dropped it at least 4 times. Thank God for crash bars.They really work not a single scratch on my motorcyle. As for me a few black & blue marks. But you just get back on & try, try ,try again.
I know the difference from my 250 to a 750 was alot for me. So when I stopped I either put feet down to soon or hit front brake to hard.But I dropped the courses Honda they had twice. But now I can ride I finally got it I rode to Bridge Day in WV.250 miles & Snowshoe WV.430 miles .I've put 6,500 on my bike riding on interstate's & winding roads.So if a lady that couldn't even start a bike do it so can you !!! JUST DON"T GIVE UP!!! DON"T HIT FRONT BRAKE,use back brake on turns if needed. God Bless Sis

Aug 20, 2012

CURVES
by: Joy

I AGREE WITH CANDY i AM NOW RIDING A 1100 AND SHE IS RIGHT ABOUT WHAT SHE SAYS. HAVE DROPPED MINE A FEW TIME BUT LOOK THRU THE CURVE NO MORE PARKING LOTS GET OUT THERE AND RIDE DON'T OVER THINK WHAT YOUR DOING JUST DO IT........

Aug 20, 2012

Thanks!! :-)
by: Anonymous

Thank you all SO much. I definitely sense that I think I needed more confidence in the first place, and even moreso now after my mishaps. Glad to know I'm not alone in this and that you all have overcome it and SO WILL I! Great advice from you all; I think I'm going to practice on my bicycle a little, keep going straight and doing parking lot stuff on my bike, read and watch some videos, follow my hubby and friend (hubby has offered to take me on his bike so i can feel how and when he's slowing, shifting, leaning, etc at various speed turns), and go from there.

I'll still welcome any more advice too - sometimes someone has a way of saying something that will just 'click'! I do remember being in my first MSF class and being freaked about leaning/turning on the 250, and I have done it before on this, so I WILL get there again!

Thanks all!!! :-)

Aug 20, 2012

You'll get over this...
by: Laura

Perhaps you're putting too much lean into it, and panicking. Look where you're turning to, and relax. You'll get over this.

Aug 20, 2012

You need to find confidence through practice and possibly a smaller bike
by: Ash from Sydney

Ah, sounds exactly like what I did when I first started riding. If it IS like my "episode" then it's the lean angle (a very strange thing when you first start riding, when you lean you feel like you will tip but keep the faith!), coupled with nerves/low confidence and a heavy bike. Mine was only a 250 but when you're new to riding ANYTHING feels heavy. If you can, I would recommend getting yourself a cheap but reliable small cc bike (as little as you can go). That way the power and weight will be much less "foreign" to you, it'll be safer and, because it's cheap, you won't feel as protective of it and that will give you more confidence. If you can't get yourself a smaller bike, def look at having the BMW lowered. Being closer to the ground will give you confidence (which I suspect is what you really need here) and will lower the centre of gravity of the bike which will make it seem lighter than it is. I also recommend you don't get it fixed for a while so you will feel less intimidated by the thought of dropping it.

My last point is something I did (and occasionally still do!) is to tell yourself when you are turning that it is OK to lean and try to consciously override the feeling of needing to "correct" the lean. Tell yourself out loud ( no one will hear you over the sound of the engine) that it is OK to lean and that the bike WILL make it throug the turn and keep your head up! The feeling of wanted to stop the lean will eventually go. Find yourself somewhere away from traffic but where the quality of the road is pretty good (if you can) and practice low-speed manoeuvrability over and over (but stop when you're tired) cos that's the hard stuff. Even ask your hubby if he'll double you to the practice point if it's a bit far from your place. You need to practice somewhere where you won't feel intimidated by traffic and you can gain confidence. That's what I did :) You'll get it in the end. It just takes time and some of us learn slower than others. It's taken me a while to find my groove (and I still get timid in traffic). But confidence will come!

Aug 20, 2012

Also a new rider
by: Teeoly

Hi, I've just conquered what your experiencing; all of it! I bought & rode my 2012 Harley Street Bob, prior to taking motorcycle course, in which I rode a Honda 250. Ok, big difference, but after the course, I got on my motorcycle forgetting the power of my bike, and off I went straight forward into a ditch! Thank God, for crash bars, saved my motorcycle & I only got a bruise. Now, my EGO was affected, but, I got right back on my bike.....and rode! I've also dropped my bike at a stop sign, my husband helped me pick up my bike, but once again, I got back on my bike & rode. I was leary of stopping/ taking sharp turns thinking it was due to my mini-ape bars. Going into a turn after I'm stopped is control of the clutch release (friction zone) & throttle. I lean away from my sharp turns, use alittle throttle, and clutch release. Practice, practice, practice : )

Aug 20, 2012

dropping it
by: Candy

alright GF, its not the bike. I started on a 650 and have moved up to 1100. U need to work on seeing through the corner, not looking down and freaking urself out.
I get whats going on with you.
I had serious issues, cause I got only 1 eye. If U really want to ride. Get back on and do it.
My left turns freaked me out cause I was scared something was going to sneak up on my right side, my blind side. the corners I figured out by following others. I watched them until I started looking ahead of them and yes it took me a summer to figure out but I got it now. My 1100 had 260 miles on her, she now has 16000.
YOU CAN DO THIS

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backfire once vance and hines pipes are installed

by carl
(virginia)

I have a 03 heritage softail classic. What carb. work will need to be done to accommodate the installation of a pair of VANCE and HINES exhaust pipes? The bike backfires through the carb.if you do not twist the throttle aggressively and sometimes at take-off.??

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Oct 09, 2012

rejet the carb
by: slojo

Have your carburetor rejetted. I won't run right without, not getting enough air...

Aug 21, 2012

May need to re-jet carbs
by: Gypsy Spirit

Hi Carl from Virginia ...

We don't all agree with the attitude Anonymous is showing! Yes, this is a website for women to share experiences ... but not all women riders are beginners looking for support either!

Some of us have reached a point of modifying our bikes ... or at least wanting to. Things like changing handlebars or adding risers may require longer cables. The newer fuel injected bikes have a computer that adjusts fuel flow when changes are made (the ones with gas gauges instead of petcocks), which may need to be tweaked in some circumstances too, while older carbuerated bikes need the carbs tweaked, sometimes re-jetted, when the pipes are changed.

It's a "... shin bone is connected to the knee bone ..." sort of thing.

The better someone (women included!) understands their bike, even if they don't usually do their own work, the less likely they will end up stranded somewhere!

Keep the questions and comments coming! We all learn from each other.

P.S. I'm a small framed, heterosexual woman who just has more than 40 years of riding under her belt!

Aug 21, 2012

What's up...
by: Anonymous

...with all the dudes asking mechanical questions on this website? This is a website for support / sharing for women riders. There are numerous sites that offer mechanical advice for anybody who needs it, many sites are specific to particular brands of bikes and would probably be better suited for this type of question. I'm not a moderator here, so my opinion probably isn't that big of a deal, but I'm just sayin'....strikes me as odd.

Aug 21, 2012

Carb?
by: Anonymous

Only guessing from previous bike, BUT if you have carb. You may need to reject the carb to coincide with pipes. I had to do that with my Sporty. good luck

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First bike

by Elaine
(Florida)

hi,
my name is Elaine, I have been my husbands passenger for the past 10 years and have recently decided i need my own bike. I have been looking at a 1100 1998 Honda Shadow. My Husband is a bit concerned about me learning to ride a bike with forward controls. I am 5'5 and about 140 pounds. i have never riden before and will just be learning. Is it a good idea to learn on an 1100 with forward control or should i go for a smaller bike?

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Feb 17, 2013

Go for it
by: Yvonne - FL

I have a Honda Shadow 1100, love it. Bought it 3 yrs ago for my 60th bday, been riding it ever since. All you need to do is take your time learning to ride. It feels heavy at first, but you get use to it. I wouldn't trade mine in for the world. Kids think I should get a smaller bike, but, nope keeping this one. I put about 13,000 miles on it since day one, have many more to go. Good luck and keep the shiny side up.

Feb 16, 2013

Time for a bigger bike
by: CassieMarie

I have been riding for almost 3 years, I have a Honda Shadow 750 Aero. I love her but I need more power and weight to keep up with the men I ride with,(which is all the time). I am 51 years old, 5'3" (with riding boots) 130lbs. Im looking at the Yamaha Roadstar 1700cc or a V-Star 1300. I would hate to buy a 1300 and decide in 3 years I need more, but then again I would hate to get a 1700 and it be too much!
I could really use some female input on this, my husband wants me to be happy, which is great but not much help. LOL!

Sep 13, 2012

the right bike
by: shirley

i'm a just learning how to ride this year i have a 2002 honda shadow 600 vlx it my feet is flat on the ground i'm learning to handle the weight i'm 5"3 weight 122lbs ha a little women also 62 yrs old this is my time i know you husband would not like for you to get a big bike but try them all and see if you fit them but i would say don't learn how to ride on anything above a 750 after you learn get you something bigger, have fun and keep the bottom side up, will be saying a pray for you

Aug 28, 2012

I got a 750 Shadow instead
by: Elaine

I didnt get the 1100. I bought a 2007 Shadow Spirit instead. I love it!!

Aug 08, 2012

oh no...
by: Anonymous

In my opinion, your first bike should not be 1100cc Honda. It will be easy to learn if you start with 125cc or 250cc bike.
There is great article about choosing first bike:
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/howtostartridin1/bb/buy_first_bike.htm

Aug 03, 2012

FIRST BIKE
by: Tracy

I'm 5'3" 122lbs and I learned to ride last Sept! My first bike was a Honda Rebel 250! I'm getting ready to upgrade to a Harley Sportster! You need to ride what YOU feel comfortable with!! Good luck!! and Have fun!!!!

Aug 03, 2012

1st bike
by: Yvonne - FL

My 1st bike was a Honda 360, many, many years ago, learned to ride on it. Didn't have it long, now almost 40 yrs later, I have my 2nd bike a Honda Shadow 1100, just love it. My kids thought it was too big for me, I'm 5' maybe 3". I've put well over 7000 mi on it in 2 yrs, doesn't feel too big to me. lol I find it gets more and more comfortable as time goes by. Main thing to remember is to be safe. Keep the shiny side up:)

Aug 03, 2012

You go !!!
by: CassieMarie

I am 5'2" 125lbs, I learned to ride 2 yrs ago. I learned on a Honda Rebel 250cc, once I got the hang of it all, I moved up to my 2007 Honda Shadow/Areo 750cc. I love love love my bike, it fits me perfect.
I suggest learning on a smaller bike, we got my Rebel off of Craigslist for $700.00 sold it for $1000.00 after I was done "learning", my husband also taught a friend and daughters on the Rebel too.
Like said before, "test drive it" you are the one riding it.
Love the road, love the ride!!

Good luck!!

Aug 03, 2012

You can do it...YOU are riding the bike..not him.
by: Jessica

I have been a passenger for MANY years as well. I'm 5'4" and 160. I bought for my first bike an HD Sporster 1200 this year. Forward controls and drag bars.

I'm fine with it. If you can't reach...you get a new seat that pushes you forward. No big deal.

Like I said..YOU are riding it and not him. Test ride it first and make sure you sit on a bunch of other bikes. Then you can be 100% sure....

Aug 03, 2012

From one Elaine to the other ...
by: Elaine

I just started this year. My journey has begun on a Suzuki Savage 650. I'm a little shorter than you are, but my feet touch flat and more than a couple people have told me that this bike was perfect for me. (Im 45, never ridden, except as passenger)
I can run with the big boys, but its not too heavy for me to feel comfortable manuvering, even the tightest spots.

You might be more comfortable than I, because you have ridden as passenger for so many years, but for me, it was all about getting comfortable riding.

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broken bolt head

by Hugh
(Trenton Texas)

I broke the head off of the screw that secures the back of the seat to my 1100 honda sabre. How do I get the part of the screw that is imbedded? Do I use a screw extractor? Can I use a small metal drill bit to drill down into the broken part to extract it?

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Aug 24, 2012

tools
by: Atl

Hey...not real sure but I think you'll need what's called a tap and die/dye. If your bike came from a shop call and talk with the service manager. I bought my BF a set several years ago and it wasn't cheap but there may be smaller ones sets available or maybe individual ones that are less expensive. If I remember correctly one of the tools is used to get the old part out and the other tool makes the new threads in the hole...if it was damaged...so the new screw will fit properly.
Atl

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Height

by Elise
(Wax., Tx)

I'm 23 years old and I'm 4'11''. When I wear my square toe boots I'm a tad bit taller. My only concern is will I be able to ride a motorcycle?

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Sep 16, 2012

I too am very short
by: EricaH

I am also 4ft11 and so understand the anxiety..I took the Rider's Edge course for my birthday last year in Sept and loved it..but I knew I wanted a sports bike and many werent forgiving for short riders such as myself...but I purchased the 2012 ninja 650 and it still was pretty high and I seriously tip toes it..so got a lowering link kit and got it lowered which really helped but one other component that really helped me was I found a place that thickend out the soles of my shoes and raised me up (resoled the shoe professionally..GREAT JOB they did)..and that did it..i can ride my bike comfortably..and confidently..cant flat foot but can handle it

Aug 14, 2012

Softail Slim
by: FatboyGirl

Hi,

I sell Harleys, with your height you could lower a Softail Slim and be able to ride it just fine. Start with a new seat and have the shocks adjusted :)

Aug 13, 2012

Thanks ladies!
by: Elise

Well that's reassurance. I'm definitely going to take the 4 day Rider's Edge course HD has to offer... Once I pass the course I will most definitely head out to get my licenses and a bike! I'm excited and thanks for replying ladies! I appreciate it, tons! ;)

Aug 13, 2012

You can do it
by: Anonymous

I took the MSF because I thought I was too short. I'm 5'4. I also have no upper body strength. My arms are like wet noodles. When the class started before we got on the bikes I told the instructor this and the store has several bikes lowered for women to use in the class. I had a blast and knew afterwards I would get my license and buy a bike. When I went to the Harley store I thought I would buy a Sportster Superlow but the minute I sat on my Fatboy Lo I knew I was going to buy it. I haven't even made any modifications yet to help make it more comfortable for me but I'm still just riding around the neighborhood. I plan on getting the super reduced reach seat and extending the handle bars.
Good luck and know that there are riders your size out there, you just have to find the right bike and modify it to fit you.

Aug 12, 2012

Sure
by: Susanne

Sure you can ride a motorcycle. Don't let your height by a roadblock to riding. I'm 5'1 so I understand your issues. You don't have to settle for a bike either. So many bikes whether it's a Honda,Kaw,Suzuki,HD,Triumph,Duc or whatever can be lowered. If you want a sportbike,touring or a cruiser there are endless possibilities. There are a few things that will stop me from riding and how tall I am isn't one of them.

Just take some safety classes and gear up and you will do great.

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A Tale of Two Hondas

by Gypsy Spirit
(Ulster, NY)

'71 Honda CL450 Chopper

'71 Honda CL450 Chopper

'71 Honda CL450 Chopper

Yamaha Flat Tracker

I see a lot of questions/comments on here about how to "fit" a bike ... most deal with height and the ability to have solid footing; some deal with reach to the bars or the controls. This is fine for newbies just starting out, or what I call "off the shelf" riders. (For an analogy ... you just found the wedding gown that you love ... it fits well, but not quite perfect).

What I don't see addressed, is what kind of riding do you plan to do? Will you be riding mostly highway/interstates ... back roads/mountain twisties ... open range/dirt roads ... putt-putting around town? These things affect not only the style (touring, cruiser, sport, or what they call dual-sport these days)of bike you choose, but how you set it up ... bars, suspension, controls, exhaust and so on. (This is like having that wedding gown tailored ... a tuck here, an adjustment there ...!).

I came up with a racing crowd in all its many variations. My brother had two Honda CR125s ... one set up for motocross and one set up for flat tracking. Out of the crate the two bikes were identical ... then came the tailoring ... in the end the only thing the "same" was that they were both CR125s. They each had different handle bars, suspensions, fork lengths, tires, even brake set-ups! Same bike, same rider, different applications.

When I was in high school, I helped my boyfriend build a chopper out of a Honda CL450 ... 10 degree rake ... 12 over fork tubes ... BEAUTIFUL BIKE! ... and comfortable for long highway rides ... but it was hell to handle on the twisty mountain roads!

I would love to see more detail in the posts, especially the ones with technical questions! ... Year, make & model of the bike; riding style & terrain; personal physical considerations; and so on. There are so many variables that alot of questions are difficult to address without this pertinent information. There is no "one right answer" for everyone.

Love this site! It's one of the few I read regularly. Hope my two cents worth helps a bit!

Ride safe, ride free!

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Aug 06, 2012

I agree
by: robin_uganda

I think you're both on to something here Gypsy & Judy. If a newbie reads post after post here, there is so much along the line of encouragement to get a big, heavy low bike & not much variety. Maybe the rest of us needed a kick in the butt to post too--just like you both did.
Are there many women in Motorcross in the US? It's a TON of fun! My daughter & grandkids started earlier this year & already are getting close to representing the country & man do they get AIR! It's so much fun, the cornering so technical, different terrains a real challenge and you have to really be up there & using your body for control. It's a whole different sort of riding and it's exhilarating.
I'm a dual-sport rider myself (BMW Dakar) & ride awesome terrain,(mud, clay, sand through water, dodging potholes) which I find to be a blast! Even reading things like "Red Tape n White Knuckles" by Lois Pryce about riding a 250cc all the way through Africa from London to Capetown alone is so stimulating & different! There's a big world out there on 2 wheels. =) Thanks for your posts, I really liked them! Never tried modifying, but that's also a fun world to look into! =)

Aug 06, 2012

It seems like most of the newbies....
by: Judy

...don't even understand the depth of types and genres of motorcycles available. In the '70s, there were mainly just "standards" of all sizes and touring bikes. To most new riders I see hereon the this website, mostly people who had no real knowledge of motorcycles in general, the ubitiquous name they associated ALL motorcycles with is HD., and by association may not even know there are other types (not brands) of bikes besides the "Cruiser" style. The other reason so many new women riders gravitate towards this are the extraordinary low seat heats this genre provides.

My personal feeling is the overall weight, fork rake, poor ground clearance, longer wheelbase, etc., inherent to Cruisers (especially larger ones) make them very poor choices for new riders. Flatfooting is one thing, but when coupled with slower-steering, heavy bikes -- especially for small, not real strong riders just isn't good for a decent learning experience.

Small standards are the way to go initially, and THEN figure out what kind of riding you will like, long-term, and make your selection based on that, AFTER you have some expertise. This sentiment is based on 35+ years of riding and observation of new riders.

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