Small lady - heavy bike. Do they mix?

Small lady - heavy bike. Do they mix?

by Wendy Gourley
(Timmins, Ontario)

What a great website! I just discovered it a couple days ago. I am a new rider, I got my beginners license in last fall, let it expire over the winter and just renewed it this week. We bought a Kawasaki 440 LTD but it's a touch to tall for me (I'm 5'1"). I read what others have said about the importance of having a bike that fits well. So today I went to the local motorcycle shop and sat in a few smaller bikes. I really liked a Honda Shadow 650cc, but it seems to be a heavy bike. I guess what I'm wondering is how hard is to park a bike like that when you have to be able to walk it a bit? Is it too big for me? I don't want to spend too much, but I think I do need a different bike. I don't know what to do. Any advice would be very welcome.

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Small lady - heavy bike. Do they mix?

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Jun 09, 2011

Heavy Bike
by: Jules K K

I learned on my husband's bike which weighs in at a lofty 750lbs dry. So, know exactly how you feel! My bike that I got yesterday, Yamaha Vstar 1300 is fairly heavy as well (666 lbs) and even though it doesn't feel quite as heavy, I still worry and fret if I were ever to lay it over.

I think the best thing you can do is take a deep breath, and try not to be so worried and scared. I know that is easier said than done, but it helps me, to just keep thinking that I AM FINE!
Keep going...you can do it! :)

May 06, 2011

Short Riders
by: Lynn - Florida

I too am only 5' 1" and have found being as close to flat-footed is the most important thing for me. I've ridden the Honda Aero 750 (2007) and could sit flat footed. I was lucky enough to have it several months and hated to give it back. It has a low center of gravity, which also helps. I considered it to be a fairly light bike. If it is a newer Honda 650 Spirit(?) I would guess it to be similar. Keep us posted, ok?

May 06, 2011

I prefer touching ground...
by: Sandra

to lighter weight. I have a Suzuki C50C (800 cc bike weighing in at over 650 pounds). She's a light weight compared to my husband's HD Heritage Softail, but plenty heavy enough should I start to lose her. Being flat-footed far outweighs the weight issue for me, as the lower center of gravity helps me keep better control overall.

But you asked about parking. My bike has no reverse. If I were to park, nose down and have to move backwards any distance to get back on the road I would surely struggle. My brother's Honda actually does have a reverse - I didn't know they made bikes w/reverse, but his bike is a monster all dressed out and VERY heavy. But a little forethought before parking should keep you out of most trouble spots. Just park so your nose is free, even if you have to back INTO a spot versus parking her nose downhill. Then when you are leaving you can actually use the friction zone to ease yourself on your way rather than muscling the machine with your feet. Personally, I have no trouble rolling my own bike backwards out of the garage on a flat surface, but probably because I can easily touch both feet down.

Many, many women of smaller stature drive big and or heavy bikes. I think the main secret is thinking ahead and not leaving yourself in a tough situation to begin with...and have strong friends around just in case you get stuck anyway!

You will know which bike is right when you sit on it - you will feel comfortable right away. Sit on LOTS - purchase the right ONE! Good luck.

May 06, 2011

I agree with Mary.
by: Wanda

Mary is a smart cookie. I would follow her advice.

May 06, 2011

Bike Weight
by: Mary

I am a newbie also; but, it is important to have your feet on solid ground to feel comfortable. It is not the weight so much as the balance. Center of gravity can be higher on a lighter bike and it is harder to handle. A bigger bike with a lower center of gravity actually is easier to handle.

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