To Bike or Not to Bike - THAT is the question!

To Bike or Not to Bike - THAT is the question!

by Theda
(Winnipeg, Canada)

I'll start by saying - I had my first experience of motorcycle riding last summer when my new beau took me out as pillion. I loved it! Loved it! Unfortunately, it wasn't THAT comfy, and we didn't go THAT far - it was an old, old 400 Yamaha with the original 70's seat (I believe that's what he said)...anyway the 'bug' had 'bitten' and now I find that I'm looking up Class 6 driver's license classes here in the 'Peg - but it'll have to wait until next Spring b/c the snow is about to arrive here.... Anyway.... again, last summer we went to look at a bike some guy was selling a Kawasaki Vulcan - and oooooohhh was I smitten!!!

This year, I found myself looking on line for articles about this bike, and in particular females riding this bike or this size of bike. I discovered that it weighs 557lbs! And all of the things I read were positive! Soooo - what is my question? I'm getting there...

Yesterday, having coffee with a girlfriend, I was sharing my excitement over the possibility of getting a Vulcan (LIVE LONG AND PROSPER - couldn't resist that one!!!) She was adamant in her belief that I would not be able to handle such a size of bike, "sure, get one - if you don't mind spending $500+ each time you drop the beast! No way will you be able to handle it - I had a big bike and several times getting to a red light the bloody thing fell over and I couldn't lift it - it's far too big for a woman...."

That's the prequel to my question - CAN a woman handle such a bike. I'm 5ft 8" - but fast approaching my 50s - so may not be a spry as some - but is this true? As a woman, will I not be able to handle the bike when stopping? Are the big bikes prone to falling over? And what the heck does one do to pick it up - no way could I lift over 500lbs!!!

Comments for
To Bike or Not to Bike - THAT is the question!

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 13, 2011

Thank You!
by: Theda

I am blown away by these incredible posts! Thank you - all of you - for your wisdom, your advice and most of all your time...time it took to bash out those replies on the ole keyboard! Obviously I won't be doing anything re the bike 'til the spring - coz we're armpit deep in the white stuff here in the Peg right now...and then I'll be scootin' off to Europe in April, but soon as I get back I'm gonna get out there and start trying out these babies!!!

Nov 02, 2010

Ride What YOU Want
by: Anonymous

My first (and only) bike is an 08 Screamin' Eagle Dyna CVO and she weighs around 800 lbs and is 1830 ccs. I practiced with her in a large, empty parking lot for 3 weeks before taking her out on the road. After about a month, I did put on engine bars as I didn't want to take a chance on damaging the custom paint. Hated them at first, but the first time I dropped my bike, on Main St, Sturgis, at that, I was glad to have them. There was no damage what so ever. And as for picking up my bike...I had 5 handsome men come to my rescue. I love the weight of my bike as it helps steady it in a heavy wind. I also love the power she has. I just have to slow down sometimes when I'm leaving the group behind. And the best part of all is that I have a bike with all the power I need, and it looks awesome, so I won't have to replace her for a long time to come yet, if ever. Oh, I am 5'6" and weigh 137 lbs, if that help you. My thought is that if you learn on a big bike then you will ride a big bike.

Nov 02, 2010

Small vs. Large
by: Anonymous

I am soooo glad I started out small not because of the weight but just because I learned how to ride. At the young age of 55 I purchased a VStar 250 and took several 1000 mile trips on her. I'm only 5' so I need something with a short seat height so this one fit the bill. A year later I upgraded to a VStar 650 Custom and rode it to Colorado 2 days after purchasing. It was a great bike but wanted something a little bigger so this summer I upgraded to the Star 950. It weighs about 630 lbs and handles great. I have to be very careful where I park, riding on gravel, etc. but it handles great and the ride is such a joy. You go girl and enjoy and be safe.

Nov 02, 2010

Vulcan - No Problem!
by: Helen Wheels

I have a 2008 Vulcan 900 Classic and I was a bit afraid of dropping it (it was my hubbys previous bike) particularly when it was full of gas. So I got crash bars installed. I haven't dumped Betty, but I just feel so much better having them there, just in case.

Honey, don't let anyone tell you what you and can't do. It's just not right. Happy riding in the Peg! Maybe we will have to meet in the middle some day! I am in Calgary, so that would be Moose Jaw??

Nov 02, 2010

Heck Yeah!
by: Cathy Marion,OH

I started riding 2 years ago. I have had 2 Vulcan 500's. I am also 50 this year, and I am 5'7". It is an awesome bike! Of course you can do it. Yeah I dropped one, but that is what insurance is for! This bike not only looks awesome, but is bike enough to keep up on the road with bigger bikes. I tricked mine out with the larger windshield, saddle bags, and engine guards. The price point is pretty sweet too. Go for it. Good luck, and have fun riding your own baby!

Nov 02, 2010

You can do this, IF you want it...
by: Sandra

My first bike is a Suzuki Boulevard C50C (800cc engine, over 500# of bike). I took the class on the standard 250cc size bike, and am thankful for that. But I would NOT like a 250 for my first bike - I love the bigger bike. Yes, I dropped her once; this nice man I call "husband" picked her up for me, before he picked me up by the way. But I am confident I could stand her up if I had to using the "put your back to the bike, lift with the knees" technique everyone is telling you to google - do watch; you will feel better. I'm fast approaching 50, 5'6" and a bit heavier than your other responders at 180ish (and coming down, thank you!), a farm girl w/adequate muscle tone. But the weight of the bike only becomes a problem when stopped. Actually, when riding, the heavier bikes handle much better in my opinion (heavier than mine I mean). When stopping, PAY ATTENTION! Put your foot/feet down; make sure your kick stand is locked down before dismounting; learn to use the friction zone for tight maneuvers and practice them so you don't have to muscle your bike into a parking place. Being flat footed is being sure footed, which is a good confidence builder.

But, YES, a woman can handle a heavier bike just like a pro...if she wants to, and takes the time to learn how to handle her machine.

Nov 02, 2010

Vulcan
by: Angie

Unless I missed it, you didn't say what size of Vulcan you're considering. I'm 48 and started riding 3 years ago on a VStar 1100. Quickly found it couldn't keep up with my honey's Goldwing 1800, so I moved up to a Vulcan 1700 Classic LT last year. It weighs over 800#s. I'm 5'7" and weigh 140#s, and have indeed dropped it (gently) several times (no damage ever done to anything). There's a secret to picking up a downed bike (do a google search) - be sure to learn that no matter what size bike you ride. I'm not offering you advice one way or the other on whether to buy a big bike or not. There are times when I think my bike is too big for me, but overall, I love how it rides and am learning to be extra EXTRA cautious when going slow (i.e., parking lots, etc). Best of luck to you! Let us know what you decide!

Nov 01, 2010

You make your own decision.
by: Anonymous

Agree with the others. It is much better to start on a old 250 and then move up. It has nothing to do with weight what so ever!!!! I am 52 yrs. old, 5' 2" I weight a 130 lbs. and I ride a Yamaha 1100 Silverado. I also CAN PICK UP my own 650 lb. bike. It is all about balance, control and technique. Watch "Ride Like a Pro" (google it) and you will see his wife @ 105 lbs. & with both hips replaced ride a big bike. I will say that what ever bike you get it must fit you. Feet should be flat on the ground your arms have a slight bend in the elbow. Do not let anyone discourage you. Shop around and sit on a ton of bikes and find one that fits you. Then don't look back.

Oct 31, 2010

I JUST GOT the Vulcan!
by: veronica

Hey,

If you read my post titled 'needs encouragement,' you will understand the hell I went through. I did trade in the 650 for a 2009 500 Vulcan just yesterday! I lOOOVEEE that bike. I am tall too (5'10'') and though the Vstar was waayyyy to bulky for me, the Vulcan is perfect. I got right on, and took off. I haven't stalled, felt shaky, afraid, or unsure as I did on the 650. The Vulcan is like a bigger version of the Rebel (what I started out on) and I am sure after lessons, and practice, you will love the Vulcan (should you decide to purchase it). I must admit, I am a bit disappointed in myself that I could not 'safely handle' the Vstar, for it was my DREAM bike; however, you and I both know to start small and slowly trade up when YOU are ready. You may even try getting a used 250 for a first bike...up to you.

Good luck,

Veronica

Oct 31, 2010

If you have nothing nice to say...
by: Anonymous

Hi! Tell your friend she should let you decide for yourself. And another thing...my Mom always told me not to say anything if I had nothing nice to say. I would never tell a friend that they would be doomed to drop a bike...not cool. Sort of jinxing you before you even try!

If you've never had your own bike...the bigger bike might be intimidating. It was for me. I started out on a Yamaha 250 and quickly learned that it wasn't enough for me. I quickly (after 2 months on the 250) bought a Harley Softail Deluxe - 1450 cc's and about 700 lbs. I dropped her the first day I had her...not because she is to heavy but because I was so excited to be riding her that I forgot to put the kickstand down when I stopped!!! LOL! I did get her back up and felt great knowing that I could get her off the ground. No damage to the bike..just my ego.

Anyway, my suggestion is - get some confidence on a smaller bike first...you'll know when your ready for the bigger bikes. After I did get the bigger bike, it took me a month or so of riding my Harley to get used to the size - now, I dream about the times I can get on and ride!

Whatever you do, have fun and be safe!!

LM

Oct 31, 2010

Vulcan
by: Yvonne

Go for it. I ride a Honda Shadow 1100, felt heavy at first, but got use to it. My husband has a Vulcan, it's a bit larger, but, I can ride that too. As long as your feet are comfortably on the ground, lights should not be a problem. I hadn't ridden in almost 40 yrs. got back on in June when I turn 60. First ride was in the Black Hills of SD, before that I had only ridden in a parking lot to get the feel. I've put over 1000 miles on the bike since June. Enjoy and be careful for the other guy.

Oct 31, 2010

Vulcan
by: VulcanVixen

I have a Vulcan 500, and it's my first bike. It actually weighs 100 lbs less than the Vulcan you were looking at. I'm 55, and 5'6". I was unsure of myself at first, but I took the DMV motorcycle safety course, and then my boyfriend took me out for about 3 weekends driving around and around a parking lot of a community college. Then I started out driving around my neighborhood, and then finally, he led me down the road along the Sacramento River. I'm also driving everyday it's warm enough to work. It's the daily riding that has improved my confidence. Ignore the naysayers. They just don't want to see you being strong and assertive. Riding is almost as good as sex. Maybe THAT's what causes people to discourage you...they don't want to see you enjoying yourself without them.

Oct 31, 2010

Vulcan
by: Roxi

It's not the weight, it's how the weight is distributed.

Many small ladies handle larger Harley's everyday. I love my Suzuki 650 and I'm working up to a larger bike myself. Don't let her SCARE YOU take a ride see if you can handle it after all it will be your bike not her's.

I started with a much larger bike and shouldn't have I then got a small 250 put 6000 miles on it bought a 650 and have over 6400 now.

My advice is to buy a smaller bike to start with then work your way up after building confidence to ride. get your experience FIRST!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question