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Submitted by: Jesse

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I suppose that my bike is light compared to most, but in general, it's safe to say that it is heavy. I'm 5'1" and ride a 450 '87 Rebel. I keep mine in my carport and generally have to back it out. There is one side of the carport which is considerably more difficult for me to back out of. It is because there is usually more of my roommate's gardening crap in the way and there is more gravel at a slightly uphill angle. My advice is to always try to back the bike in when parking it. Doing so while sitting on it gives me more control if I feel I will be forced to stand at awkward angles. This way you can just ride out when you're ready. Sounds simple, right? But backing it in right after you've already been riding a bit is just a lil' simpler. I also have a yank-and-brake method if I am trying to pull slightly uphill while going backwards. I have to lean forward a lil' then pull back abruptly, braking after I pull back to keep control of the bike or to keep it from rolling forward again. I slowly move the bike back in increments. You can do this while sitting on the bike so that you have optimal control. I know this sounds silly, but you learn to adapt when you're as petite as I am. I've been riding for just over 3.5 years and I've yet to drop a bike. Hope this helps and good luck. PS- If the bike is truly too heavy/large for you to maneuver in a tight spot, you should seriously consider downsizing as this is a serious hazard to your safety. Backing out of an awkward spot can be a pain in the toosh but you should definitely be able to control your bike at low speeds/stops/normal parking situations.

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Submitted by: Quicklimegirl

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I see many, many women who start out on huge Cruisers or Harley's primarily, it seems, solely because either they need a really low seat height due to having a short inseam length, or they really aren't aware of the myriad styles, sizes and models of bikes out there. What often results from this is a bike is chosen that is really too big in one way or another. A short seat height means little if it's attached to an 800-lb. behemoth that can barely be handled below nominal speeds. You (should) have your entire life ahead of you to gradually move up to any bike. Why make it more difficult by owning something that is so heavy you wonder if you're going to crushed each time you back out?? It sounds as though you're really not strong enough to handle it at slow maneuvering speeds such as that.

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