What kind of a Street bike, Cruiser or Crotch Rocket?

What kind of a Street bike, Cruiser or Crotch Rocket?

by Kim
(Peyton, Colorado U.S.A)

Hello and thanks for taking my question.

What kind of a first street bike would you recommend for a Lady who can already ride?

I really really want a street bike, to ride to work and enjoy on-road. Currently I race motocross and consider myself a good rider off road, I ride a CRF250R and CRF450R and have state championships. I am 5'10" and have a 36 inch inseam, so I'm not a small girl. But I have never riden a street bike before.

I really think I want a CBR600F3 but not ever riding one, I'm really unsure plus guys keep telling me conflicting things. That I won't be comfortable on one and it will make my neck tired. Some say to get a Cruiser, some say Dual Sport and some Crotch Rocket.

So I'm looking for advice, or anything you are willing to share with me. I just want to enjoy my ride to work and I love bikes and have wanted to extend that to more than motocross for a long time now.

Thank you very much and RIDE ON!

RedRider

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What kind of a Street bike, Cruiser or Crotch Rocket?

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Aug 12, 2009

My Bike
by: Anonymous

What would you recommend for someone 5'0"?

Mar 20, 2009

Thanks Everyone!
by: Kim

Hi All!

Well it's been a year since I got my street bike and license and all! I ended up getting a Honda SuperHawk VTR1000. And it was a GREAT bike to learn on! I put over 7000 miles on it already. It is kind of big for some but at 5' 10" it fit me pretty ok, except when accelerating I slide back. And I have to admit that it stood me up in the twisties some.. the v-twin I guess.

I really love the feel of the Triumph Daytona 955i (a friends bike, which is what I rode most of the time). I almost got a Daytona.. but I'm just a Honda gurl.

So this week I bought my second bike... 04 CBR1000RR... and JUST LOVE THIS BIKE!!!! The weight is hardly noticeable and it fits me and my riding style! Can say enough about the power in ANY gear and never bogs! Yes I'm in love AGAIN!

So happy riding to everyone! Be safe and always wear gear!!!!

Mar 19, 2009

Kawasaki Ninja 650R
by: Katie S.

I have a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 650R currently and I love it! I'm 5'9 and its the perfect size for me, height, weight, everything. It's kind of funny actually because I was originally thinking about getting a Honda CBR600 but I decided that it was too much power for me to have in my first street sport bike. I'm definitely not saying that it wouldn't be good for you, and just suggesting you should think about that aspect. I started on dirt bikes. Then, I moved on to a 250 rebel..which granted is good learning bike..but I was folded up on that thing, haha. Then I moved up to a Honda Shadow VLX 600. Finally, I got my ninja. I love it. It has more power than I expected, but its perfect for me. It a good bike to consider.

Mar 26, 2008

Thank you ALL so much! :)
by: Kim

Hello,

I just wanted to THANK everyone who responded! Thank you all for the kind words/compliments and for the VERY helpful information! Is sooo nice hearing from some of the girls in the sport!

I did find a bike, used and in very good condition, low miles and one I could easily afford. I choose to go inbetween with and kind of crotch/cruiser I guess. I got a Honda SuperHawk 996 and I LOVE IT!

At first I was scared of the whole 'counter steering' thing, but after riding it and finding that it comes pretty natural, I love 'twisties'! I'm still going pretty reasonable, low traffic areas and street corners I'm crawling (guess I need more practice and less sand on the pavement)...

Anyway when I get a picture I'll post it! And again thank you all SO MUCH! Best wishes to everyone!! Have fun and be safe!

kim

Mar 17, 2008

For comfort and cruising
by: Cathy G

Hi Kim,
Great picture! Wow... I think that if you want to be comfortable and want a bike to ride into work, I'd recommend a cruiser. I ride a Ducati Monster, and I while I love riding it, I wouldn't consider it the most comfortable bike due to its forward position. My Monster's forward sitting position is pretty conservative compared to a crotch rocket. I wouldn't recommend a crotch rocket for comfort. I rode a cruiser (Yamaha Virago) for awhile and it was very comfortable. Also, it seems to be easier to add luggage compartments to cruisers than other bikes, like sport bikes. If someone has any experience with the sport touring bikes, you may get great feedback on that style- they seem to be designed for comfort. I hope this helps! Cathy

Mar 13, 2008

Need for Speed
by: Anonymous

So cool that you race motorcross, I'm jealous!

I think because you already race, you'd be happier on a Sport Bike. I'm not saying that cruisers can't be fast, it's just a different type of riding. In my early days of just being a passenger, I started out on cruisers/harleys. I was introduced to Sport Bikes not too long ago, and now can't get enough and would not go back! I have a need for speed!!

I don't know about the Honda F3, but there are plenty of bikes that are comfortable. I LOVE the Triumph Street Triple, but for a cheaper comfy bike try the Yamaha FJ6, I'm considering getting one myself. Go for a Sport Tourer instead of a race bike and I think it will be perfect for commuting.

Mar 13, 2008

Great picture!
by: Christine

Hey Kim - I love your picture! I just had to respond to your submission because ---well, I just get so ticked off when "the boys" try to tell a woman what type of motorcycle would be "best" for them. Grrrrrr.....

Even if they are well-meaning, I've always had a hard time letting the men tell me what's best.

My advice - go to a dealer where you feel comfortable, and test ride some different types of bikes. See whether you like the riding style of a cruiser, a sport bike, a sport tourer, or maybe a dual sport bike (given your motocross tendencies). BMW makes a few dual sport bikes that are really great on the street.

Whatever you decide, please come back and post a picture of your bike, here!

Stay safe,
Christine

Mar 13, 2008

What kind of riding do you think you'll do?
by: Quicklimegirl

First off, I'm impressed with your MX ability. Very cool!

You're very fortunate to be able to flatfoot nearly any bike out there, since so many women with much shorter inseams find the seat height issue problematic.

Despite your solid dirt creditals, I still wouldn't advise having a supersport/race replica bike as a first bike, because now you're facing the very significant added distraction of traffic and road hazards you won't be used to.

Do you anticipate wanting to commute, or take long rides, or the adrenaline rush of knee-dragging twisties? That should determine what type of bike to choose.

The layouts of race-replicas and Cruisers both have their downsides. RR's are quite uncomfortable for most in stop & go, city riding; some Cruisers have poor, non state-of-the-art suspension; some RR's also are very light, but also very compact and may be very confining for your long legs. Same with Cruisers, in that they have very low seat heights, usually 26-28". Some riders find the "forward controls" people put on Cruisers to alleviate that problem, while others say being stretched out as such is hard on their back due to weight being on it;

Your best bet is to start sitting on all types of bikes to see what appeals to you ergonomically. If you think the twisties will be your area, a tall Supermoto Style like the KTM Duke might just be the ticket. I like them, but with a 32" inseam I needed something shorter, and I'm very happy with my '03 Z1000 Kawasaki, a nice modern compliment to my vintage Cafe Racers.

An "adventure tourer" like the Buell Ulyssis or BMW R80S, both tall, offroad styled touring bikes suitable for dirt roads too might be another option.

Listen to your heart and your comfort level, not people claiming one type is "right" for you. Only you can determine that!

Good luck.

Mar 13, 2008

What type of bike
by: Anonymous

I ride a Harley Dyna. Depending on the type of riding you plan to do with your bike would depend what type of bike to buy. If you plan to travel, I would recommend a cruiser. If not, and just want something to jaunt around town on, get something smaller. You obviously would not be intimidated by a big cruiser since you know how to handle a bike. If you are looking in the HD catalog, get a Road King with detachable everything unless you want a radio. HDs are a lot more dependable than they were in the past. If they weren't, they wouldn't be around anymore.

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