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Motorcycle Advice - Wisdom from Our Readers

Motorcycle Advice - sometimes I've needed to get a very simple question answered, but I don't want to ask for fear that I might not be thought to be smart enough to ride a motorcycle. (you know, the "girl" thing). So, because of my fear of seeming not biker-enough, I've flubbed my way through whatever experience I'm lacking. Sometimes not too successfully.

If you've got some advice for beginning motorcyclists - especially women who are beginning to learn, please consider submitting your wisdom - some of the knowledge gained through your experiences.

Maybe you've got a great little tip for cornering - or for riding on highways. How about riding in the rain?

Perhaps you've experienced buying a used motorcycle, and have learned something in the process. Please share!

Is there a piece of gear, an accessory - a particular piece of clothing that has made all the difference? Tell us!

Or, if you were inspired by someone, or had a wonderful instructor, we would like to hear that as well.

Maybe your wisdom will make all the difference to some other woman motorcycle rider. Think back to that "gotcha" moment - when riding your motorcycle went from hard work to pure pleasure. Do you remember how that happened?

If you have a question about motorcycling, especially anything related to safety or touring, you might want to check out Allexperts.com.

What's Your Best Advice for Beginning Riders?

Thanks for adding some great advice for beginners!
I'll post all submissions that are consistent with the content of "Her-Motorcycle.com" - so just keep it clean, and you'll see your story once I've had a chance to review it.

NOTE: If you have questions about the form, click on the little blue question marks for helpful tips and more information.

See What Advice Others Have Offered!

Click below to see what other readers have said. If you are the first, don't be shy - remember, we women motorcycle riders are the adventurous type - right?

50+ Keep on Truckin 
I love to read the articles from the 50+ plus group. I love that you see age as just a number. I am 73 and love to ride and I ride at least 200 mi. A week …

Ride Like A Pro Class 
Has anyone attended the ride like a pro course? If u have what did you think? Also is there any kind of motorcycle boot camp or weekend program beyond …

Need to know I'm not alone -- had a wreck today 
Learning to ride has been a tough journey for me from day one -- from the first time I sat on a bike and duck walked it up until today when I crashed it …

Paying Good Advice Forward 
I've been riding for about 5 years, and frequently ride with a seasoned group of riders. One of my friends gave me great advice for riding in a group …

How I am overcoming fear of wind. 
First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all the great advice posted here. I read it all back when I was still terrified to even pick my feet up …

4000 plus miles so far 
Hello ladies- Been a while since I posted here. Just wanted to update you ladies. I started out on a Rebel in 2011, moved up to my Sportster in Feb …

Flat Feet are Important!  
When I took the safety course, we were told to switch inbetween the bikes so we could get an idea of what suited us and made us feel more comfortable. …

Blind Sides 
After riding for several years, one thing has always stood out as far as safety goes. Air space! Leave air space between you and other vehicles. I'm talking …

Back on the bike 
After being away from riding for 3 decades the most useful thing I have learned since I am back on the bike is counter steering. I try to practice the …

How to stand up a heavy bike 
I learned this trick from a woman at our local Harley store. I told her i could not see how small women were ever able to get those bigger Harleys upright …

A little afraid! 
I got my motorcycle license this year. Did pretty well had some ups and downs but with the help from my hubby and those on this website I did really well. …

kawaski cut out ! 
once had a problem with my kaw zzr600 ,it never wanted to rev ,you pulled the lever in to engage a gear ,and it just stalled every time ,you had to rev …

Too young to bike? 
Alright, I am 16 and craving speed! My grandfather wants me to get a pink motor bike (which is basically a fast moped)and that's what started my fascination …

Slow Hands 
Slow hands - this is one of the more important things I learned when I took motorcycle lessons. It will help you avoid many accidents. Most of the riding …

Practice, practice, practice 
As a brand new rider the best "advice" I can give is find an out of the way parking lot and practice there. Practice stopping and turning both left and …

New rider and dropping my bike...sitting still! 
I have a 03 Honda Shadow American Classic. Its embarrassing, but all things considered, the last time I got on my bike I dropped it twice. Both times …

Safety Course again after 20 yr hiatus 
Well I am back in the saddle again after 20 yrs hiatus. I got the urge to ride again and purchased a 2006 Sporty last year. I was surprised how easily …

Newbie advice 
Ok - as a newbie - my best advice - once you have taken the safety class - find a bike that fits your size and skill level - then ride, ride, ride. Practice …

Learning To Corner 
I waa helping a friend to learn to ride. She was afraid of the corners, (we all were I suspect). I took her to a school parking lot on my bike (2003 …

New tires, are they really that slippery? 
Hello ladies, I am a new rider, and got my bike about 2 months a go. I just ordered my tires (both front and rear). I've been delaying changing my tires, …

If you're short in stature and a beginner --  
Within the first hour of beginning the practical section of my MSf last summer the instructor pulled me aside and said "Can I honest with you? You are …

If you're short in stature and a beginner --  
Within the first hour of beginning the practical section of my MSC last summer the instructor pulled me aside and said "Can I honest with you? You are …

Motorcycle video, "Ride Like A Pro" by moto officer Jerry (motorman) Paladino. 
I have honed my riding skills by watching this video. He learned these skills through motor officers training course. He passes these skills learned …

Question about Outer Banks, NC 
I am a hard of hearing lady who has been riding for about 3-4 years (2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic). And my husband and brother-in law(both hearing) …

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Take the MSF course ! 
Take the Motorcycle safety course, practice, practice, respect the machine, do not get over cocky! Concentrate on what you are doing when on the bike, …

Don't run out of gas 
I had just got my permit and took the bike I share with my boyfriend out for my first ride in real traffic instead of a parking lot. Exciting and terrifying! …

First Time Rider Tips 
Hello everyone; I am a man... ooooooooh but don't condemn me for that alone :) I have ridden tens of thousands of miles on two wheels. I am also …

Don't Be too Cocky! 
I tried to do a wheelie in front of a In-N-Out. Let's just say it was the second most embarrassing (and painful) experience of my life.

Look where you want to go! 
First time out in the big bad backroads I kept hitting every piece of roadkill. Yep no dead possum or bird was safe from my front wheel...see it hit it..... …

The "Gotcha" Moment Happened Today 
Today was my "Gotcha" day. I took my MC class last summer. I bought a 1984 Honda Magna V30. 500cc.. First time on it I was really shaky. Totally different …

First bike! Tips, suggestions, etc! looking for wisdom! :) 
Hello all! I plan on getting my first bike within the next couple months - yay. I am looking for advice, tips, suggestions, etc from more experienced …

Salesperson talked me into buying a bigger bike - and I'm struggling with it! 
Hi, I am new to riding along with my husband. We took the Motorcycle Safety Course and got our endorsements. I bought a Suzuki Boulevard S40 and am …

Does scooter experience help? 
I've been riding mopeds and scooters to commute to work and for fun for many years. I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle. I intend to take the safety course …

Does Motorcycle Class Make it Easier? 
I am a new rider, my boyfriend has been teaching me for about the last month when weather permits. We have trained extensively in parking lots and he has …

T-CLOCK 
Someone recently asked about a safety checklist. Here is one that I snagged from the internet in Adobe form...I hope it attaches...

Getting On and Off the Bike - Two Up - Advice 
I'm looking for some pointers on how my girlfriend should get on and off the bike. I have never ridden two up before so I'm looking for some tips I can …

Invest in a Good Pair of Riding Boots 
Boots are often the last piece of gear motorcyclists invest in. Protecting your feet is very important. Getting boots that fit you well is critical, …

Never "dis" your ride. 
No matter how small a bike is, always respect it! I know this because I was goofing around on a little 50cc that was like a mini bike to me since I ride …

Join a WOMENS riding club! 
The best advice I got (from the MSF instructor) was to join a riding club. I took it a step further and found a local chapter of Women In The Wind, an …

Wasp and Bee Stings 
My second time out on my bike a wasp flew down my shirt and was stuck right where my bra comes together between the cups! Unfortunately I couldn't pull …

Sometimes it helps to know everyone's been through it 
What is it? Misery loves company or something like that. But whenever I stall, or drop my bike, or get nervous, it's nice to know that every experienced …

Challenge Yourself Every Ride 
I don't mean to take unnecessary risks, just push yourself a little bit each time. Take a slightly different route; go downtown when it's not rush hour; …

Safety Course 
Sign up for the MC safety course in your area. Great class. Instills confidence. Class rm and 2 day on bike class. About $25. Best thing I did before hitting …

Nervous to have my BF teach me. 
Hey ladies, So, I want to start riding...bad! I never grew up around motorcycles and was very rarely a passenger. I just want that freedom and to go …

Just getting started... 
My biggest problem as a new rider MAY just be...overconfidence! I was a passenger for years and felt perfectly at home on the back of a bike. I had horses …

Choosing My First Motorcycle 
I just took an MSF course this past weekend with my husband. He has a Honda CBR 600RR. During the course though we were both on Kawasaki Ninja 250R's. …

Beware of those you ride with, some will run right over you,not paying attention. 
Some people you just don't want to ride with because they are and always and will be dangerous. Keep your distance and most of all have fun and be safe. …

Take the motorcycle riders course. 
The best thing I did was to take the 3 day riders course. I am 57 and had not ever ridden a street bike. I learned so much in the class that I don't …

Anxious Starter 
OK ladies, I've bought a 250 Suzuki to practice my riding skills or lack of skills. I've ridden in the parking lot for awhile. Now I want to venture out …

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Wide Boot Cut Jeans 
Be careful with the extra wide boot cut jeans. I had worn them once and as I put my foot down to stop, my bottom part of the pants got wrapped around the …

Safety 
My husband, who is 65, took up motorcycle riding again (he rode as a young man) about two years ago. At 56, I was reluctant to embrace his new found passion …

The Best Advise Ever Given 
I rode bikes as a kid, mostly dirt bikes, but gave them up when I was 13. As a young married woman I dreamed of having my own bike but waited in order …

Here's the Best Bike to Learn On 
I took a rider's safety course at my local college last summer. They supplied the bikes. I rode a 250 something or other. Just a small powered bike - perfect …

Starting On An Incline 
Although I've ridden on the back of my husbands bike for almost 20 years, I've just now gotten my own bike and have put about 70 miles on it so far. I …

Motorcycle Power 
I'm a beginner... In the process of getting a bike and have found a couple that are 450-500cc. I rode a 250cc in the MSF course and sometimes even that …

Need Some Advice 
I own a Suzuki Boulevard C-50. When I ride, the back end always slides out on turns. Is this the bike or me? Last week almost broke my ankle from keeping …

Experienced Rider(s) in Albuquerque, NM?  
Hi, there, ladies and the occasional gentleman, I just finished the MSF beginner's course yesterday and successfully passed the written and riding tests. …

Know Your Bike 
Hi Ladies, I read through the letters of advise, and agree with all of them, although I sometimes wonder about a beginner riding alone. Why? Well, for …

Cornering 
I have noticed that a lot of new riders have the biggest problem with turns and curves. First off, slow down and take a curve at a pace you feel comfortable …

To Get Gas, Or Not To Get Gas 
Recently, my husband and I were riding (separately) to another city. We were going through another city first, I asked my husband "Do we need to get gas"? …

If You Haven't Already, Get Comfortable with Counter-Steering 
Counter-steering requires pushing the bar in the direction you want to turn. It sounds like it doesn't make sense, but try it when you're going down the …

New Rider 
I'm a beginner. My husband got his bike last summer. I didn't think I'd like riding (as a passenger), but have rather enjoyed it. My 2 biggest problems …

Do It For You 
Advice #1 - Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course. Advice #2 - Ride about 1,000 miles then take the Advanced MSF Course. Agree on other advice …

Look Through the Turn 
This probably seems like one of the most obvious rules, but I somehow missed it. I rode my motorcycle for a year before taking the Rider's Edge course, …

Turn Signals 
Always pay attention to your signals. I wish they would put indicators up higher where the rider see that they are on easier. Most bikes don't have self-canceling …

Gravel and Motorcycling 
Hi I am a novice rider ie.700km new. Things are going quite smooth although a couple spills in the parking lot and and one on a very steep hill. Learning …

Parking Lot Maneuvers 
Twisting and turning at slow speeds in parking lots is a lot easier (I have found) if you slide up closer to the tank. The one time I dropped my bike …

Any Advice for Long Ride - 2 Up? 
Hi Folks, In about a month, I will be taking my first long ride going two up with my boyfriend the Harley guy : ). Though I've been on the back of …

Get Some Experience-Then the Class 
I took the MSF class to learn how to ride. It was really great....But I wish I had some riding experience before I spent the $. I was the greenest in the …

Cold Weather Riding Beware 
Alright I couldn't wait for nicer weather to ride, it wasn't raining, the sun was out only about 25-30* so why not ride. I rode into work and then when …

Find a mentor 
I started out riding a dirt bike as a young girl and rode until about the age of 25. My family was into off-roading through the deserts of California. …

Take Your Time! 
I have found out that I need to ride at my own comfort level. If that is a little slower than the others, then so be it. Your skill will build as time …

Seat Time 
That is all I can say. The more seat time the better. Each ride I learn more and relax more.I got a new 2007 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100cc as I am a big girl …

Start out learning back roads without traffic  
I started riding on the back roads, not traffic, not traffic lights and well not much of nothing but the road and me. I think that by doing this type …

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Practice-Practice-Practice! 
After a couple of rides on back with my husband, I knew that being a passenger wasn't for me, (Yes, a control freak!)I took my daughter and went to a MSF …

Buy what you like 
There is much advice. I've been riding for over 30 years and here are a couple things I think are important. 1) If you've never ridden. Take one of …

Motorcycling is a mental exercise--the only physical part is picking up your bike 
The best advice I can give any beginning rider is to be familiar enough with the controls of your motorcycle so that you can use them without looking for …

Don't limit your motorcycle options by focusing on seat height. 
Men don't do it. They adapt to what's available. (The owner of Bob's BMW, Bob Henig, is 5'1" tall and rides EVERYTHING that BMW makes, except the R1150GS …

Go slow and small, buy used 
The best advice I can give is if you've never ridden a motorcycle or it's been a few years then buy a bike no bigger than about 750cc's, and buy it used. …

Gain "Passenger Experience" First! 
One of the best contributions to me wanting to and learning how to ride was being a proactive passenger. Instead of just sitting back and enjoying the …

Safety  
1) You just laid out $2000-plus for a bike - Buy & WEAR a helmet, too. It's worth a couple more bucks. 2) Probably heard this before - No one is …

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