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Small Girl with No Experience

by Gina Terry
(Ohio)

My name is Gina. And for quite some time, I have been DYING to get my hands on not only a Motorcycle license, but a good bike.

I have a few problems though...
I'm 5'2" and only weigh 115lbs...with very limited upper arm strength AND
I do a lot of highway travel.
>.<

I've been told that for a beginner a 125cc bike would be better, especially for my size...but when I read about them, they really can't travel on the highway.

After going over it...I found that the only size I could get on the highway comfortably was a 500cc. But They're quite a bit bigger and heavier as well.

I was looking at a Buell Blast as well as a Suzuki. The Suzuki is the style I love and don't want to differ much from the "sportier look".

I won't be getting my license until I get a firmer grip on what I'm up against...and am in depserate need of some help.

So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Is there anyone out there that can help me?

Comments for
Small Girl with No Experience

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Jan 19, 2010
 Go Take the Class, You Will Never Look Back
by: Debbie from Ohio

I had no experience what so ever until I took the class in May 2007, my gift to me for Mothers day. I picked up my 500 Kawaski, the day after I completed the class and have never looked back. I rode the 500 for two summers in Ohio and put over 18,000 miles on it and loved it. But I wanted to take trips longer than 150 miles, so I upgraded to a 2009 Harley Heritage Softail Deluxe and absolutely love it. I have in one summer put over 15,000 miles on it. I Did not know what bike I wanted either time I shopped, but I know the minute I set on each one that it was the fit and the bike that I wanted. I too in the beginning thought that the 500 was so big compared to the 250 you take the class on. I was sooo afraid each and every time I wanted to grew up, to a larger bike, but the minute I sat on a new bike I knew immediately if I liked the bike or nope. It is just like clothes shopping the minute you put on those new jeans if they was the pair you was shopping for.

Practice, practice, practice, practice. I did most of my riding solo, so I could ride my ride, at my pace, where I wanted to. Now get your license and give me a shout and will will go riding..Riding is so relaxing, it is the best way unwind after a hectic day..
Sep 28, 2009
 Kawi Vulcan 500
by: Anonymous

The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is cruiser style...BUT the lower seat height is GREAT to learn on...I did, and Im as short as you...it is not too heavy...and has plenty of power for the highway...the motor is the same they put in the Ninja 500, just geared a little different...dont expect the first bike you buy to be the one you keep forever...find something to start on, then move up as you get more comfortable...if you are comfortable one a 125cc...then start there...you arent going to get on a bike and jump straight on the highway anyhow...or at least I hope not...and buy USED first...you wont feel as bad when it hits the ground...and it will...even if it just falls over in the driveway...motorcyclists are divided between those who have dropped their bikes and those who WILL drop their bikes...its all a part of the game...
Sep 27, 2009
 INSEAM and info
by: Gina (author)

A few have asked me what my inseam is and its a 28.

I told you, haha I'm short.

Just trying to get as much info out to you as possible...I need as much help as I can get!!!

Thank you all so much!!!

Sincerely,

Gina
Sep 27, 2009
 Suzuki S 40
by: Anonymous

Not a sport bike, but my Suzuki Boulevard S40 weighs approx 380 lbs, is a low cruiser style and has a 650 engine. It is very easy to ride, is forgiving and very easy to maneuver.

Before you buy anything check out online reviews and definitely go and sit on a bunch before you decide.
Sep 26, 2009
 A Million Thanks and More!
by: Gina (Author)

To all of those that have left me a comment ALREADY, I can not thank you enough!!!

Just this bit of information has helped me sooo much!
I've spent years looking for good websites or friendly people to help me, but I just couldn't seem to find anything.

My godfather is management at a Davidson Factory here in Ohio. I've been so embarrassed to ask them anything, because my family is "supposed to understand bikes" if you understand and I hadn't been as interested in a Harley than I have in other bikes.

The more information I can get the better off I'm going to be. Thank you all for the kindness and encouragement, haven't felt this comfortable before.

Thank you again and please keep the information coming. :)

Sincerely,

Gina
Sep 26, 2009
 And by the way...
by: Linda in Oz

Try the Moto Guzzi Nevada, sexiest bike around, turns heads and an absolute dream to ride.
Sep 26, 2009
 It Doesn't Take Long
by: Linda in Oz

Yes, my first thoughts are weight training. Great for improving strength, can do it in the privacy of your own home, good for confidence. You can get quality books on weight training for women. I have "Weights for Weight Loss" Ellen Barrett, Ulysses Press, 2006. The title suggest weight loss, but I use it for muscle sculpting. Particularly good for improving stomach and back muscles which you need for riding.
Sep 26, 2009
 Small
by: Anonymous

Try using some 3 pound weights and strengthen your arms and upper body, that shouild help with the upper body strength.
Sep 26, 2009
 What is Your Inseam (leg) Length?
by: Quicklimegirl

Height isn't important in determining whether you'll be able to comfortably fit a bike, but INSEAM LENGTH IS. The seat height of any particular model versus your inseam length will determine if you can touch the ground with one or both feet.

An older '07 and prior Ninja 250 has a fairly low seat height, about 30". Unlike just about every other 250 though, it DOES have plenty of power for freeway speeds. I'm double your weight and rode one for 150 miles of freeway between Portland and Seattle @ 75-80mph with power to spare. But it's mild-mannered at lower engine speeds (RPMs) and that's what makes it an excellent learner bike, since much of the bike's power is above 5000 rpm. Also, this model has standard ergonomics with conventional handlebars and footpegs right below you, rather than the high rear set footpegs and low clip on handlebars found on all-out sport bikes.

The standard a Cruiser 250s made by Honda (Nighthawk and Rebel) are waaaay underpowered compared to the Ninja and are NOT suitable for freeway speeds.

Many shorter women start with Cruiser-style bikes due to their extremely low seat heights, but IMHO those type of bikes are terrible starter bikes due to their weight and slow chassis response. Given that you're admittedly not very strong, you definitely need to start on something that is relatively light such as the Ninja 250.

I'd be careful about buying a "lowered" bike unless you know exactly what's been done, as now the factory chassis setup has been altered in such a manner the bike may not handle properly.

Definitely buy something used, too. Sit on many bikes and see if you feel confident merely sitting on them with the sidestand up. Don't be in too much of a rush to buy just anything. You might consider a vintage bike if it's been restored or refurbished in excellent condition, as many of them are small, light but suitable for freeway speeds, such as an early 70s Yamaha RD250 or RD350. These have 2-cycle engines and are fairly quick; stay away from heavily modified ones as they aren't for beginners, but a stock one would probably sit low enough for you to feel confident on.

Good luck and let us know how your search is coming along!

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