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Best Beginner Bike for Petite Female

by JJ
(Chicago)

Hi, I'm about to take a motorcycle safety course and obtain my M class license. I've been trying to do research on the best beginner bike for me, and I thought it best to obtain the opinion of someone who may know much better. I am 5'3", 108 lbs, soaking wet. I've seen decent reviews of the Buell Blast, but otherwise, I have constantly come across people recommending bikes like the Ninja....which is not my style. First bike will definitely be used, and I'm hoping to stay around or under $3000. I'm hoping for something which would be easy to control, but that I wouldn't grow out of immediately (though I have been told, no matter, I'll probably want to upgrade sooner than later).

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

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Best Beginner Bike for Petite Female

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Sep 06, 2009
Smaller Bikes
by: KMAero

Try the Yamaha V250 or Suzuki GZ250 too- they aren't as wide as the Rebel.

Aug 22, 2009
Best Beginner Bike
by: Anonymous

By far the best beginner bike is a Honda Rebel 250. It is a smaller version of the Honda Shadow so you can learn to balance like a bigger bike but you don't have all the horsepower that could get you into trouble. On the other hand the rebel is sporty, still fast and fun!!! This bike fits shorter women too so you can put both feet on the ground when at a stand still. You can also sell it quickly as it's a popular bike. I bought a brand new one to learn on and sold it two years later for $200 less than I paid for!! You can get used Rebels on Craigslist all the time too very reasonably priced.

I think the Rebel is a great confidence builder!!!
Good Luck!!

Nancy

Jul 16, 2009
Best Beginner Bike
by: Anonymous

I wouldn't spend that much money on a new bike if you haven't ridden very much. Get a cheap one off of Craigslist especially now there are tons of bikes out there from people who lost their jobs or something. Go for a cheap under $1000 bike and then get used to riding (and yes, possibly dropping it) then after you get 5000 miles or so under your belt (or butt as the case may be) then get the bike you want. I am on my second bike in 9 months and I slowly went up from a 400 automatic to a 700 Virago. I learned the basics of riding on the automatic Honda and then got the larger bike for more power and then to learn to clutch. I tried taking the classes and it was ok - for about 10 minutes before I put the kick stand down and walked off. I needed to do things at my time table and not with the Nazi tactics that I encountered in the short time I was there. The classes are great for some - and I am sure I would benefit from an advanced course at this point with almost 10,000 miles of riding but it wasn't for me to begin with since I wasn't ready to learn to ride AND clutch at the same time.

Bottom line is unless you already know how to ride, I wouldn't get a new bike. It's all shiny and new but might not be for too long while still learning.

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