People Think I'm Crazy

People Think I'm Crazy

by Amanda
(Northeast, TN)

So I am 25 years old and just shy of 4ft 9 inches tall flat footed .. so i am around 4ft 10in in shoes. I only weigh about 92lbs. I am not a very strong woman... I have little upper body strength. I have never driven a motorcycle in my life. I in fact I have never driven anything with a clutch and I have very little hand strength.

I have always loved motorcycles, I use to love riding on the back with my ex husband and always dreamed of being up front one day. When I tell people I would love to have a motorcycle they laugh and make comments about how I am crazy because I could never do this or that... like I couldn't hold it up.. i couldn't touch the ground.. If i dropped it, I couldn't pick it up.. I couldn't use the clutch and shifter.

I know nothing about bikes at all... I have read a lot of comments on here but it still seems like even the small riders have a few inches on me and have a lot of trouble finding a bike they can ride. Guys at the dealership think I'm kidding when I wanna go look, it's very discouraging.

I know there is a class offered in my area but he didn't have a bike that would be small enough for me to learn on. So how do I learn?

I live in East TN and travel on winding back roads as well as interstates.

I am looking for a bike that I would be capable of handling, maneuvering and would be easy to learn on... I don't need a really powerful bike, but I do need one that will allow me to travel where I need to.

I have looked up bikes with No clutch...automatic bikes. I know Ridley makes one is there others? Is this a good idea or will I be able to learn easily?

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People Think I'm Crazy

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Aug 27, 2010

Same Issue
by: Anonymous

I'm 23 years old and a beginner, and although I didn't have quite as hard of a time with the bike issue, all the other stuff got old real quick. People calling me crazy, telling me I can't do it, even other bikers acting all scared when I told them i was beginner instead of being supportive and excited. It was almost as if...if I didn't have motorcycle in the past, or at least ride on them as a passenger then I was an exception almost to being able to ride. Went to the dealership wanting to look at a specific bike. Well, I left outta there and suddenly realized that weasel didn't even show me what I went in to look at. He showed me expensive and he showed me ragged out crap in the shop that had just been traded in. He talked to me like I was completely ignorant about bikes (and I had done my homework before going) and even made the comment "a lot of women come in here thinking they can ride". I experienced the same thing when I bout my 2005 Mustang. A guy bs around and gave me outrageous prices on a Mustang I was looking at (again I had done my hw). A week later I went back to pay that man a visit in my new shiny car and told him he missed out on 14,000 cash sale. I got a better car for a better deal. Anyway, the point is we can all do it. Sometimes we just have to take the back door instead of the front door! =)

May 24, 2010

Ninja 500R
by: Kelly

I'm also 5'2" and a short inseam and had a hard time finding bikes where I could reach the ground. After sitting on many bikes I went with the Kawasaki Ninja 500R but I still needed it lower, so they took it down 2" for me. I'm a new rider... but I feel like it's a bike I can handle and it's not all that heavy. I think it's only around 400 pounds. It's a sportier bike, if you were leaning more toward that kind of look. They told me the lowering link could take it down a total of 4" - so maybe that would be enough for you... you'd have to go to a dealer and check it out. Best of luck!

May 24, 2010

I did it and so can you!
by: Sassy2731

I'm 5'2" and actually I think I have shrunk over the years. lol My main concern before I took the motorcycle safety course was the clutch also. Being married to an automatic transmission mechanic for over 30 years I just never had to learn to use a clutch. The safety course will not only teach you safety, but they do teach the how the clutch works and we practiced it for over half the first day dog walking the bike across the parking lot. I took the course 4 years ago I am now riding a Harley Roadking Classic. My hubby had to design a lowering kit for my bike as one is not manufactured for a Roadking Classic with leather hard bags. I also found that a good pair of over the ankle boots with a good thick sole will give you a couple extra inches when you sit on a bike also. I also have a Harley Fatboy and we were able to lower it much lower for me. I am flat footed on it with my knees bent comfortably. The fatboy, heritage and deluxe all have frames that can be lowered for us shorter ladies. I would recommend like the others on here to start out on a much smaller bike such as rebel, shadow, or something with a smaller engine that the fatboy. I started on a sportster and moved up after about 1 year to my fatboy, then road it about a year and my hubby built my roadking for me. I am still toeing it but the lowering kit made it much better along with my corbin seat that is low profile and fits me well. My hubby also measured the handlebars to fit me also. Too bad you don't live close to me as we run across starter bikes all the time having our own shop. But don't sweat the learning, because if I can anybody can.

May 24, 2010

Riding a Lowered Harley
by: Terri

I'm 5'3" and I ride a Harley softail deluxe. I had it lowered and I love it! I really recommend that you take a class to learn how to ride. They will teach you how to pick up your bike when you drop it, because drop it you will !!! The Harley Sportster is also a nice starter bike. Don't be afraid of shifting just keep practicing it will come to you! Good luck!!

May 24, 2010

Go for it....You are never too young, too short, too old....Enjoy life while you can.
by: Memsypooh

No you are not crazy....I'm 5'2" and I ride a Hayabusa....My son lower it 2" for me. It's still a little high for me....Sportbike have seat height higher than cruiser. Most of the cruiser are 24-25 seat height....and they still able to lower it for you if you think they are still too high....Good Luck and don't let other people tell you what to do. If you want to ride go for it...I'm 46 and still riding a sportbike.......Good Luck Girl

May 23, 2010

You can!
by: Anonymous

I am 5' tall ... and I too was concerned about seat height. I started on a Honda Rebel 250 ... very low and light - not highway worthy, but it is a good starter bike to learn on. They also made a 400 Rebel for a few years - you might be able to find one of those. A bike like this would give you time to learn and build confidence. I now ride a Harley Sportster 883 Low - I can reach everything flat footed. They also make a "reach" seat for these bikes - which may be a good idea for you. I would go into a Harley / or other bike shop and talk to someone, see what they recommend and can show you to sit on. Good luck!

May 23, 2010

Yes You Can!
by: Diane

Check in with somebody at Roar Motorcycles - they build bikes for women and their founder wrote a book that is awesome. They are all about empowering women to ride... http://www.roarmotorcycles.com
You absolutely can do anything you set your mind to!

May 23, 2010

Being short is hard.
by: Anonymous

I started out on scooters. First one was a 50cc then I went to a 125cc then a 250cc. The 250cc was the best and I could travel anywhere with it. I took it on the hwy and had it up to 85mph plus. Then I got a Honda Rebel 250 and that I could NOT take it on the hwy. The max speed was 50-55 mph. When you are short it is really hard to find something to fit. I finally went to a Harley 883 and we had it lowered to fit me. Good luck in finding a bike.

May 23, 2010

Oh btw Katie
by: Amanda

I live in Northeast TN around Kingsport, Johnson City Bristol area. Kingsport is actually the closest to me

May 23, 2010

Thanks for all the input.
by: Amanda

this really makes me feel a lot better... Yeah i definitely looked at Automatic's but they do seem to have a hefty price tag and hard to find and I definitely don't want to start out new... It will be something I will have to save for anyways... so I am hoping to find something nice that will last me for a while for around $2,000 - $3,000 price range.

It seems to be a unanimous that everyone recommends a cruiser to start on.

I know I need to start on a smaller bike but I worry about say a 250 because it seems like it is not interstate capable and I would like to be able to travel on it. I want a bike that will be capable of handling the interstates and such and keep up with the big boys and girls.

I have thought about getting a scooter to go back and forth to work on... but in the area i live in I dunno it's mostly country winding roads and interstate and I dunno, I just didn't think it would be the same experience as a motorcycle.

May 23, 2010

Go for it!
by: Ladybikerlele

I think the Suzuki Boulevard S40 is an excellent starter bike. It's low, lightweight, and has enough power to get up and go when you need it. It was my first bike and I rode it from Orlando to Daytona Beach and back. I also rode the North Georgia mountains and Alabama mountains. It has a narrow tank and seat which makes it perfect for a petite woman. I'm 5'2" and flat footed the bike with knees bent, so you would have no trouble. I sold mine to get a sportsbike but I would recommend it to any petite woman or man, as long as you don't plan to do a lot of interstate riding.

May 23, 2010

You Can Do It if I Can
by: lisa

I am 4'10" as well with shoes on!!! I did start on a Honda Rebel and it became clear it was too light for the highway Try a Suzuki Boulevard S-40. I have one, my sweet angel. I don't ride it much anymore as I ride a Sportster that has had some major lowering work to it, however I can still only reach with my toes. I have good balance which helps, the only real trouble I have with the Sportster is backing up when you don't have enough traction with your feet!!!!

I sat on the Suzuki in a dealer and almost cried it fit me so well. Try it, it's affordable and a perfect size for us!!!
good luck
lisa

May 23, 2010

People Think I'm Crazy
by: Katherine

I am 5' 2" tall and have very little upper body strength and I was 59 yrs old when I bought my first bike in 2008. It's a Yamaha V-Star 650. I never rode before so I took the advice of friends and took the safety class, in NC they hold them on the weekends at the community colleges. I fell 3 times but got up and tried again. I have been driving since March 2009 and have put 14,000 miles on my bike to date. I have dropped my bike 3 times and have been able to pick it up alone. It does not seem to me to be so much about brute force as balance. My bike did not have to be lowered but if you need it - it can be done.

Taking the course did a couple of things for me - gave me the knowledge and confidence that I can drive a motorcycle and most importantly that I love to be in the drivers seat. Take care, drive safe, and enjoy. Your not crazy they are. (smile)

Katherine

May 23, 2010

Short Stuff
by: BloodNRoses

I am 5' 2" and that is pretty short in the bike world. My first bike was at the top of my reach but the next one was good. I bought a used Suzuki Intruder 800 and was able to flat foot it. There are bikes out there that are low enough for you and light enough for you. Don't be discouraged and keep looking.

May 23, 2010

You're Not Crazy
by: Anonymous

Hi There,

NO! You are not crazy!

I am 5 ft tall and weight 110 lbs. I have been riding for 13 years now.

When I first thought of riding I felt the same as you. How would I find a bike that fits me?

Now I ride a Honda VTX 1300 and believe me, I have heard all the comments. That bike it too big for you. etc.

Then they see me ride and that shuts them up. (smile)

The bike is 750 lbs and 10 ft long. I can pick it up when needed, and on days that I have dropped it and not been able to get it back up I am so not afraid to ask someone to help me.

Have you tried the Honda Shadow 750? The dealership should be able to make adjustments to lower it for you if you don't fit on it now.

Just so you know. Once you start riding, you will find that a lot of the bikes you think don't fit you now...will fit you when you have the skills of riding and are more confident.

If you really want to ride.. You will do it.

Where in Eastern TN do you live? I have friends in the TN area who are instructors and they would NEVER tell you that you could not learn. Perhaps I can hook you up with one of them. (They are GREAT teachers!)

Good luck on your journey! Be safe and have fun.

Katie

May 23, 2010

Become a Whow
by: Patti

Try looking at Honda Low riders--seat is 26-27 inches off the ground. They don't weight as much as a Harley. Another suggestion--get a scooter. They are easier to drive--no clutch and weight even less than a Honda. And your height won't be a problem.

Would love to welcome you to Woman: Her Own Wheels.

May 23, 2010

This is what you need.
by: Bonnie

You need to get a Honda Rebel 250cc or a Yamaha 250 Vstar. I guarantee you will be able to ride it. They are very easy, light and very low to the ground. You also can have a lowering kit installed.

May 23, 2010

You CAN do it!
by: Mary

I didn't get my license until I was 49. I had no thoughts that I would ever be able to do it, but I signed up for the motorcycle safety course through the MVA. They provide the bikes for you. They had Honda Nighthawks which are very lightweight and easy to handle. Lo and behold I DID pass the course and got my license!

Originally I had thought about getting an automatic bike (there are a couple on the market but are very expensive! because I was worried about shifting. Well, you do it so much during the weekend safety course that it becomes second nature very quickly! My first bike was a Suzuki Boulevard S50- weight about 445 lbs. dry. It felt "right" and light enough for me to handle. I just traded it in on a bigger and heavier Victory Vegas (which sits VERY low to the ground!) Don't worry about not being able to pick your bike up if you drop it- most GUYS can't!! Most big bikes weigh up to 800-900 lbs. Don't sweat the small stuff, sign up for that course and get a bike!!!

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