Bike Models/Safety Classes

Bike Models/Safety Classes

Hi there,

I've always been interested in riding a motorcycle, but I never thought I'd be very good at it. I'm 5' and about 98 lbs, so I was always afraid I wouldn't be able to control the bike well enough. But I'm starting to work up the courage to give it a try. I'm looking into safety classes and I was wondering if you have any courses that you recommend, or if you could recommend a good bike for a petite, female beginner? Thanks!

Comments for
Bike Models/Safety Classes

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Jun 23, 2011

Too Short
by: Anonymous

I ride a Suzuki gixxer 600 and I'm 4' 9"!

Jun 05, 2011

Get a 3 Wheeler
by: Sassy Gramma

If I were you, I would get a Can Am Spyder and not worry about being short and they don't tip so no problem with trying to pick it up if you lay it over.

Also, Team Oregon, Team Washington, etc. do courses; but few do them for 3 wheelers. I had to find a private instructor to come to my house and train me but it was worth every penny.

May 23, 2011

Choices
by: spyder

As others have posted...ask local bike shop, they would know. classes are popping up all over the place with the surge of new bike riders in the recent years. I know a woman about your size that rides an 1100 Harley that was lowered and does fine except for 2 things....her husband has to back the bike up and pick it up if she drops it because its too heavy for her to push or pick up. I would suggest for first bike a good used 750 or smaller. No need to buy a shiny new bike in case you dump it or just find out later you don't like to ride. An 800 Suzuki Boulevard/Volusia might be good choice since it only weighs about 500 pounds and sits a bit low anyway (so you can comfortably have both feet planted when not moving. It has plastic fenders and other features that make it a lighter bike to handle.

May 22, 2011

MSF
by: Lois

In my area the local community college gave the MSF course it was great. I even talked my husband into going with me and he's been riding for 35 yrs. As far as the bike it really depends on you and what type of riding your going to do.I started out with a Suzuki TU250 it was a great bike for flat land but I live in the mountains and it didn't have enough power for me. Triumph also has a Bonneville SE it's lower than the regular. I have 2 bikes currently a Moto Guzzi V7 cafe and a Kawasaki Ninja 500. I'm a short rider so I am a little limited on the bikes I ride but both of these have plenty of power.

May 22, 2011

MSF
by: Wanda

Search your area for courses offered. Ask at local motorcycle shops; they'll know. I took the Beginner's Riding Course endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It was given at my local Harley Davidson Dealership. HD calls it Rider's Edge. It was an excellent course, and I am glad I took it. My advice would be to not give up. If you get scared, let the fear guide you, but don't let it stop you from learning. Learning to ride a motorcycle opens up a whole knew path for adventure.

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