Weight for the Motorcycle....

Weight for the Motorcycle....

I see so many women here going with the really big bikes.... I have been trying to look for bikes that are smaller in weight (like 400lbs or less), thinking that it would be easier to handle... What is the opinion here? I had thought about a 1985 BMW K100RT, it comes in at 500 to 600 lbs. Any ideas? Am I worrying for nothing...

Thanks,

Tammy
tntoldcarz@hughes.net

Comments for
Weight for the Motorcycle....

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 27, 2009

Bikes Rock
by: Anonymous

I have read though and totally agree, Honda Nighthawks are an excellent bike for the beginner\ intermediate. I own an 82' nighthawk 650 and it only weighs 485lbs with full tank. I highly recommend a smaller engine for a rookie rider, a 500 to 750cc is just fine and can keep up with the bigger engines, you may even be able to get better mileage then the guys you ride with, then they will be the jealous ones.

Jul 05, 2009

Weight of Motorcycles
by: Cheri

I agree that cruisers are not the only choice for women. I think it is much more important to look at handling and maneuverability when looking for a first bike. There are a lot more choices out there for women now a days. I think motorcycle makers have finally caught on to the fact that women ARE wanting to ride their own bikes and are no longer just content to sit back and ride on back.

Funny note- I am an Assistant Principal at a K-8 school. After I bought my motorcycle, I rode it to work and parked it up near one of the fences. I had a 2nd grader ask who's bike it was, when I told him it was mine, he wanted to know where my "driver" was! He couldn't believe that I rode the bike by myself! LOL!

I have a Suzuki Gladius. It's considered a standard bike although it looks somewhat like a naked sports bike. It is only about 450 pounds and is very easy to handle.

Jul 05, 2009

Check out Suzuki
by: Rene L.

Hi I am a new rider and wanted a light weight cruiser style that I could easily handle, but with enough power that I would not outgrow it too quickly. I love my Suzuki Boulevard S-40 650 for all of these reasons. Check it out. It's a nice bike. The older version of the same bike was called the Savage. You might be able to find used ones around. Good luck and ride safe.

Jul 05, 2009

Motorcycle Weights
by: Quicklimegirl

Almost every new rider at this site I've read about go straight for the larger Cruisers or Harleys, even when they've NEVER RIDDEN. While I understand that short-inseam people (usually women) seek them out due to their low seat heights, I think that many overlook the fact they are literally dozens of alternatives out there to try which don't require dealing with the heft inherent to this style. I've taught and mentored several new riders; I don't own a Cruiser style, since I prefer light and maneuverable over any one types, and have found for those folks who were inseam challenged they've learn in a seamless, non-intimidating manner by starting on one of my small vintage bikes.

I really think that other than the low seat height, any large Cruiser or HD is almost the worst choice to learn on, just a step under supersport bikes, which ARE the worst choice for too many reasons to list here right now.

But there are many dozens of relatively light, well laid-out bikes out there to learn on, that don't have really high seat heights. The Honda Nighthawk series is a good one. Bikes like this, with a standard layout (no extremes in footpegs, controls and handlebars) are very "neutral" in their applicability to many riders. They offer adequate power for everything but extended freeway riding.

One thing I find odd these days is the extreme engine sizes compared to the 70s. Back then, a 350cc Honda Four was considered a great all around bike...suitable for some touring with an added fairing or side bags. Today it would be dismissed by many as too small to start on..WTF??

My criteria I use to help someone who has never ridden is whatever bike they start on should be comfortable, fit well, allow them to flat foot on at least one side, EASY EASY EASY to maneuver at slow speeds, especially on sketchy surfaces such as gravel or uneven pavement, light enough to be very easy to pick up if dropped. Generally, I draw the line at about 400lb bikes, regardless of brand or style, so it sounds like you are looking for the same idea....I think if I tried to learn on some 600 lb. monster it would be VERY intimidating dealing with that kind of heft.

The late 70's, early to mid 80's had many lighter, standard type machines that would make great starter bikes, such as the Suzuki GS450 series, the Bandit 400, Yamaha SRX250, the aforementioned Honda Nighthawks. The late model Buell Blasts were also reputed to be a decent, lighter learner bike.

A vintage bike like a Honda CB125, the "baby" Cruiser like the modern Kawasaki 125 Eliminator, I could go on for a long time listing dozens of standards that could let you focus on function rather than having to also wrestle with 500-700 lbs of unnecessary heft. Take time...go to vintage swap meets, local private sellers.

Good luck in your quest!

X Close Editor

Jul 05, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Quicklimegirl

Title

Comment
Almost every new rider at this site I've read about go straight for the larger Cruisers or Harleys, even when they've NEVER RIDDEN. While I understand that short-inseam people (usually women) seek them out due to their low seat heights, I think that many overlook the fact they are literally dozens of alternatives out there to try which don't require dealing with the heft inherent to this style. I've taught and mentored several new riders; I don't own a Cruiser style, since I prefer light and maneuverable over any one types, and have found for those folks who were inseam challenged they've learn in a seamless, non-intimidating manner by starting on one of my small vintage bikes. I really think that other than the low seat height, any large Cruiser or HD is almost the worst choice to learn on, just a step under supersport bikes, which ARE the worst choice for too many reasons to list here right now. But there are many dozens of relatively light, well laid-out bikes out there to learn on, that don't have really high seat heights. The Honda Nighthawk series is a good one. Bikes like this, with a standard layout (no extremes in footpegs, controls and handlebars) are very "neutral" in their applicability to many riders. They offer adequate power for everything but extended freeway riding. One thing I find odd these days is the extreme engine sizes compared to the 70s. Back then, a 350cc Honda Four was considered a great all around bike...suitable for some touring with an added fairing or side bags. Today it would be dismissed by many as too small to start on..WTF?? My criteria I use to help someone who has never ridden is whatever bike they start on should be comfortable, fit well, allow them to flat foot on at least one side, EASY EASY EASY to maneuver at slow speeds, especially on sketchy surfaces such as gravel or uneven pavement, light enough to be very easy to pick up if dropped. Generally, I draw the line at about 400lb bikes, regardless of brand or style, so it sounds like you are looking for the same idea....I think if I tried to learn on some 600 lb. monster it would be VERY intimidating dealing with that kind of heft. The late 70's, early to mid 80's had many lighter, standard type machines that would make great starter bikes, such as the Suzuki GS450 series, the Bandit 400, Yamaha SRX250, the aforementioned Honda Nighthawks. The late model Buell Blasts were also reputed to be a decent, lighter learner bike. A vintage bike like a Honda CB125, the "baby" Cruiser like the modern Kawasaki 125 Eliminator, I could go on for a long time listing dozens of standards that could let you focus on function rather than having to also wrestle with 500-700 lbs of unnecessary heft. Take time...go to vintage swap meets, local private sellers. Good luck in your quest!

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Jul 05, 2009

Weight for Motorcycle
by: Michelle

I have a HD Sportster and it is 540lbs it handles well but a little getting used to going slower speeds as it is a little to heavy in the middle. Some women have told my in the" Harley Circle" that they used to have a sporty and when they traded up to say a Dyna they found the Dyna easier to handle then the Sporty. And the Dyna is a lot heavier. If you ride already and are looking for a bike I would suggest testing it out. Good luck with your quest.

Happy riding!

Jul 05, 2009

Weight of Bike
by: kenberlyc

I have a Honda Shadow 600. It weighs about 486 pounds and I handle it well. I am about 5'5 and 145 pounds. I too was worried about the weight thing but apparently the more skilled you are the bigger of a bike you can handle. I see women a lot smaller than me riding these big old cruisers and they have no problem.

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

ads from Shopzilla,Inc

BizRate

ads from Shopzilla,Inc

BizRate

Return to Top

Weight for the Motorcycle....

Comments for Weight for the Motorcycle....

Comments for
Weight for the Motorcycle....