How much does size matter?

How much does size matter?

by Jana
(Missouri)

I'm a 50-year-old female, 5'4", 120 pounds. My neighbor has been riding for a long time, and when I decided I wanted to get a motorcycle I discussed it with him. His friend owns a bike shop, and they found a used e650 Yamaha V Star they thought would be perfect for me to learn to ride on. I knew absolutely nothing about motorcycles and have never ridden one before. I fell in love with the bike. It's beautiful. I immediately signed up for a safety class but couldn't get in until September so in the meantime have been taking my time to learn the feel of my bike.

Now,after doing some searching on the internet, it sounds like a 250 Honda Rebel or something similar is the best bike for beginners, and I'm wondering if I've made a mistake in my choice. Nothing has happened, I'm just very cautious and go at my own pace. Really the only thing that bothers me about my V Star is that it is so heavy. I can't pick it up should it go down.

What is your opinion? Is it safe to learn to ride on this big of a bike or do I need to get something smaller?

Comments for
How much does size matter?

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Nov 09, 2009

Yamaha Custom 650
by: Anonymous

I also bought a yamaha 650. My husband put some engine guards on it and when it's down, I can easily pick it up. I'm 50 also but weigh about 25 more lbs than you. I love my yamaha; perfect size for me!

Aug 20, 2008

It's all about comfort
by: Anonymous

I think if you are comfortable riding the bike you have now, there is no reason to go smaller. And, since you've already started riding this bike, and smaller engine will probably be an annoyance, since it won't have the power that you are used to.

As far as dropping your bike, if you learn the proper technique on how to lift it, you should be fine. I just got a 650# Dyna Low Rider that I dropped the first time I parked it. I'm 120#, and using the technique described on this and other websites and the Ride Like a Pro DVD, I was able to pick it up with no problem. So, that's something I'd suggest for you to check out, since it is something you are worried about.

Hope that helps!

Aug 18, 2008

It's all about the mission.
by: Anonymous

I too, am a new rider (November of 07) and over 50 years old. I learned on a Honda Rebel at the Motorcycle Safety course but fell upon a deal for a Yamaha 650 at my local motorcycle shop. We bought it and took it home. I was intimidated on it's size and it took me 7 times of practicing on the bike in a parking lot before I even took it out on the road (white knuckling it all the way, I might add). There were times I muscled it upright after a sloppy turn into a parking space, but I never felt out of my league when riding it. Before purchasing the bike we decided that the mission of this bike would be as a training ( or oops) bike. My hubby and I want to retire and tour so I didn't want anything as large as a GoldWing to learn on. I wasn't too thrilled on all the stuff I had to remember when I had to stop or turn and even considered an automatic Silverwing, but I got the hang of it eventually. I have since put approximately 3000 miles on it. I will probably purchase a GoldWing after a few more thousand miles for the original mission of touring. That being said, I wish you many years of safe and happy riding. If you have any further questions, email me at meddaugd@hotmail.com and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Keep the shiny side up! Diane

Aug 17, 2008

size matter
by: gina

Hi I am a new rider, who wanted to give this a try. I bought my motorcycle in May 2008, I own a honda rebel 250. when I went to buy my moto I tried out the bigger heavier bikes and thought how could I handle this bike. So I bought the smaller bike now 3 months later I am just getting comfortable with the bike. I guess if you have already bought the bigger bike see if you can rent a smaller bike or borrow one.
I will tell you from experience as a beginning rider you will drop the bike an then you will not be happy that you dent or scrath your nice big bike. I have dropped my bike going around a corner at slow speed, which now I know I was going to slow but you learn as you ride. I took the safety course just this month I learned a lot from the class. I apply it to ridding an feel more confindent. I most likely will trade up next year but for now I happy with the Honda rebel. If you like to drop me a me share your ride I would be willing to hear more from you.
gwizzgina@hotmail.com hope to hear from you.

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