What's the best motorcycle for an older woman to buy, who's inexperienced riding, but would like to learn?

Answer 1

It depends on what type of riding you want to do. As a minimum, get an engine with at least 1 cc per pound of your body weight. Double this if you plan to ride much on highways. Triple this if you only plan to ride on highways.

Enduros are street-legal, but really made for the dirt. A small enduro is forgiving of mistakes when you are learning and, while you're learning, can be ridden in relative safety in the boondocks where you don't have to worry about getting run over by cars.

A sportster is not well suited for off-road use, but lighter and easier to handle than a full highway bike. It has the power and handling to deal with city traffic and highways, but is not as comfortable (especially on multi-hour rides) as a bigger bike.

Big highway bikes are comfortable for long rides, but (in my opinion) terribly awkward to maneuver in tight quarters and impossible to pick up if you spill. They are downright dangerous off the road.

I started out with a Japanese-made 125 cc enduro (when I weighed about 110 lb) and have gradually moved up to a 1000 cc Harley Sportster. This was a good progression for me. When I was learning to ride, I had to pick the little 125 up off the ground many times. I didn't get the Harley until I got to a level of skill at which I almost never have to lay my bike down.

Answer 2

You should really take the safety course, if you haven't yet.

Once you've completed that, don't worry about your age! Just find one where you can get your feet flat on the ground, and for starters, go lighter and smaller.

A lot of people recommend going quite small and light for a first bike - very much like what you'll be riding in class. They're not wrong, but I lean toward getting a bike you're going to want to keep for a while. Obviously don't jump right onto a Rune or a sport bike, though!

If I could do it over again, I'd get the Magna as my first bike. The VF750, not the earlier monsters. It's low, about 500 pounds, and quite maneuverable. And it's fast enough that as my confidence grew, I had a little something something to play with.

Answer 3

welll...... hahahahahahaha. not laughing AT you,, just so many variables here. Mostly depends how strong you are, (holding up the bike for one thing, and lifting it back onto two wheels should it tip over and fall ) you failed to mention whether it would be black top or dirt riding, best thing to do would be for you to go to a local m/c dealership and sit on one, and pick out the one within your budget and one you feel comfortable on, even test ride , if you have a current license to do that. Sorry i couldnt help you more, but your question has so many variables,,,,, and by the way, how old is OLDER , hahahahahahaha, never too old to enjoy riding,,.... even if it means holding on to someone who is doing the driving....... :o) keep your mouth closed, bugs dont taste very well or can even hurt,,,,,,, at highway speeds,..... Bees and wasps especially...... wear a helmet and always respect the enviorment.... GL and Happy Motoring........... Tom....... ps.... look for Motorcycle gatherings in your area.. n go to one of those, who knows, you might find the " BIKE " or " BIKER " of your choice...... ;o)

Answer 4

A mature woman friend rides a 500cc Kawasaki Vulcan. Its her first bike and since getting it she has ridden from South Texas to northern Michigan.

250cc bikes are easiet to learn on. The Honda Rebel is about the best in the class.

Answer 5

My advice, as a 55-year old woman who's had two motorcylces in her younger years, is to get one with a key start and that 'fits you'. Make sure that you can put both feet flat on the ground when you are sitting on it. This helps you control it. The size of the engine, etc. depends on what you want it for.....trips and such or just tootling around town, etc. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Just starting out? You should go with the Honda Rebel
http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/cruiser_standard/model.asp?ModelName=Rebel&ModelYear=2006&ModelId=CMX250C6
Or if you'd rather a sport bike theres nothing like the Ninja 250ex to start on.
http://www.kawasaki.com/product_detail.asp?product=148&category=2&tag=motorcycle

Answer 7

Honda Nighthawk 250 or Kawasaki Ninja 250 (or 500).

Answer 8

Depending on what type of bike you like. I recommend Harley Davidson sporster 883. It's a good handleing bike and it's a comfortable ride.

Answer 9

I would recommend a Honda Rebel 250. It's light enough to control easily, slightly smaller than most bikes, yet still has enough "get up and go" for a beginner bike.

Answer 10

you'll need one that you can put both feet on the ground at the same time. you should also be able to pick up the bike if it falls over. there are alot of different types of bikes .your best bet is a street bike of lower c.c or small engine. once you get good at it you could get a bigger one ./