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HELP! which 500cc bike for a novice lady rider?

by sammy
(england)

Hi all I am a 50yr old woman just having passed my mod 2 bike test phew!

Having passed it on a susuki 125, my problem is now which bike to get next! There are so many out there, I was going to go for a 250cc but talking to bikers they all say noooo! you will get bored with it not enough power for touring, which is what i want to do, so looks like a 500cc but here again which one?

Ok, so what do I really want?

A comfortable riding position!

Reliabilty, forgiving, not twitchy, not too heavy, as I am only 5'2, the bike i have now is 29inch in height which is perfect as both feet firmly on the floor..

Comfort! No numb bum vibration, something I can ride all day

Very good suspension as I am tired of being jarred over every pothole..

Footpegs not too high up or maybe a bit forward as my knees ache a bit at my age!

Not a naked bike as i intend to ride in the rain at times, and a little shelter from the wind chill would be nice..

I have spoken to a lot of bikers who all have a different opinions, so my head is spinning! lol

Honda and kawasaki keep cropping up for reliability though..

Any ladies in my position can offer some advise, i would be very grateful

Sammy

Comments for HELP! which 500cc bike for a novice lady rider?

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Oct 04, 2012

500cc Rider
by: Brenda

I too am a newbie. At almost 50 years of age I finally said enough of dreaming and wishing of wanting to learn to ride so I signed up for, took, and passed the MSF class here in Illinois. I was beyond proud of myself. I learned on a 250cc Rebel (loved it) and thought, “Yep, this is the size my 5’3 frame needed” and out I went on a search for the perfect Rebel. I am so glad I was talked out purchasing one though. Same thing happened with me. Everyone said I would outgrow it and they were right. I ended up purchasing a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and am so happy with it. It fits me perfectly. The seat height is roughly 27” and personally, I find it extremely comfortable. I can touch the ground without worry and I love that it has a larger gas tank; 4 gallons, so I can ride without too much worry of running out of gas. It’s a little heavy for me at almost 440 lbs, but my goal is NOT to be picking it up much….or at all! Lol I hope you find your perfect mate. You will know once you sit on it. : ) I wish you many, many miles of happy travels, and may your tires always remain rubber side down.

Sep 13, 2012

size of the bike
by: shirley

i'm a 62yr old women i'm learing to ride i have a 2002 honda shadow 600 vlx i love it i have a great teacher the bike set good my feet or on the ground if you going to get a bike start out with a 600 or 650 my bike weight about 470 pound, have fun no matter how old you or if you think you can do it go head, let the Lord God be with you.

Sep 11, 2012

suzuki is my pic
by: Jeanette

I have a Suzuki s50 boulevard 800 2006. I just started riding in August and I love this bike. Low centre of gravity makes it super easy to ride. Only 442 lbs in weight which is awesome. It is very comfortable on long trips too. It is powerful enough to keep up with my hubbies road king but I have never felt it was too much power to control.
Hope that helps

Sep 10, 2012

500cc
by: Chiefgopher

I am 47 and have gotten back into riding I am 5'3" also. I ride a Honda shadow aero with an upright riding position and slightly forward controls. I also have highway bars with pegs to stretch out on those long rides. I upgraded to the mustang seat and was able to ride 500 miles per day without the numb bum. I have a shorty windshield and saddlebags from Viking bags. Sissy bar and luggage rack. My bike weighs just over 550 lbs. the mustang seat raises u up about another inch in height but I can still touch. This bike is very well balanced and forgiving the little oops. Great in the turns because of the low center of gravity. I love my bike and when George gets too old and ready for a trade I would not hesitate to get another one. Just to let u know I have fibromyalgia and have to deal with three bulged discs in my lower back and bum knees also. I still get out and ride over 300 miles every weekend weather permitting. I don't get sore or tired on this bike. Good luck and I hope u find ur sweet bike. It will speak to u when u sit on the one that is right for u.

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