Finding the right motorcycle for my weight and size.

Finding the right motorcycle for my weight and size.

by Wendy
(Dubuque, IA)

Okay I've recently gained a fascination in motorcycling riding from 2 months of riding co-pilot with a former friend. Before that I was afraid to even get on one. Now I want one of my own. The problem is though I feel a bit under weight and weak. I'm not sure there's a motorcycle for me. Can a woman at 5'6", 124lbs, over the age of 40, who can barely pick up more than 75lbs be able to drive a motorcycle bike on her own and if so which types/brands of motorcycles would be best for her?

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Finding the right motorcycle for my weight and size.

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Dec 13, 2011

First Bike
by: Anonymous

Hello my name is sal and i am 6' 3 and weight about 239lbs. Im not sure what bike to get becaseu im not sure which one would be a good fit to me. I already took the MSF and with a little prior esperience and im debating between a 600 VS 1000 for my first bike.what you'll think.

Oct 06, 2010

U Can Do It!
by: Crissy

I started on an old, cheap Kawasaki. I did OK. I then bought a 1200 custom Harley. Everyone told me to go with it. I should NOT have! I am 5'3" and it was sooo top heavy. I could not reach flat foot. That is OK, if U can ride. I had just started, very uncomfortable on stops and starts. I was bummed 'cuz I didn't ride. I ended up selling it, wished I had gotten a Rebel to start with. But how could I go from a Harley to a Rebel?!? I could not do it. Was just about to break down, when a friend said "Hey, come sit on this"...It was then I was introduced to the FAT BOY. Yeah!!! Love it!!! It is bottom heavy so U can move from side to side, touch flat foot and feel comfortable. I have a lowering kit on mine, a must for me! The Heritage classic is the same frame, and I think can go a 1/2" lower than the Fat Boy. Depends on what U like. You can have bigger bags on the Heritage than the FB, but the FB is sportier looking. Hope this helps, it would have saved me lots of frustration if I would have met this "friend" sooner.

Aug 27, 2010

Don't think height has much to do with it!
by: Sassy2731

Like I just said I don't think height has a lot to do with riding a bike. I'm only 5'2" and can ride just about any kind of bike as long as I feel comfortable. I own 3 bikes a sportster, a fatboy and a roadking. I would suggest that if you sit on a bike and your feet are flat on the ground and you feel a good balance you can ride it no matter how heavy the bike is. I have seen men that can't pick up a bike if it lays over so I don't expect any of us women can do it either. If your bike does go down just try and get away from it as quickly as possible. Someone will be along to help pick it up. Some MSC do show you how to pick up a bike, but I'm saving my back and waiting for help. lol You will find the perfect bike for you if you just keep looking and sitting on them. Don't worry about you height and size. You will find one.

Aug 26, 2010

You can do it!
by: Danielle

Hi Wendy -

I'm 5'6" and 125, 37 years old. Started riding behind my boyfriend 4 years ago but never sat on one by myself until Saturday when I bought a Yamaha V-Star 650cc. Got my learners permit on Monday. First 3 hours were scary and I almost dropped it on a slow corner, but next 3 hours were easier, and I made my first 25 mile highway trip Tuesday evening. It was scary, awesome, exhilarating, fun...and I can't wait to get back on it and try it again. You can do it!!

Aug 25, 2010

Bike for Weight and Size
by: robin

Hi,

Of course take the MSF course and then look around. I wanted a HD but being 5'1" and 120 lbs and 54yo it was not happening for my first bike. Found a 750 Ridley that weighs around 400-450 lbs and that is working for me. If you really want to ride you will find the right one. You can always start small and upgrade. Keep us posted....

Robin

Aug 25, 2010

Body Mechanics
by: Sandra

Your weight and size will not prevent you from controlling a motorcycle! And learning good body mechanics (i.e. learning to keep your center of gravity low and use your lower body muscles over brute upper body strength) will keep you confidently in control.

Jillian Michaels has a couple of bikes, including Harley, and she's 5'2" and 120ish! If your body strength seems insufficient, start doing some push ups!! LOL

There's definitely a bike that will fit you.

Aug 24, 2010

No problem!
by: Fiddler

I am 5'4" (almost), 130 pounds on a good day, and have no problem riding. I've never thought of myself as weak, yet doubt I could lift 75 pounds. Two years ago I started riding - at the age of 46.

Before you start bike shopping, I'd suggest that you take an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. It only takes a weekend. After you spend time riding one of their bikes, you can base your future motorcycle purchase on your comfort level on the bike you rode in the course. Then you can find a suitable ride in whichever style you prefer.

(I ride a Ninja 250 named Fiona - she's a green princess.)

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Finding the right motorcycle for my weight and size.

Comments for Finding the right motorcycle for my weight and size.

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Finding the right motorcycle for my weight and size.