Whats an ideal motorcycle for a young female?

Question

A friend of mine is selling an '85 Honda Nighthawk 650. It's in great shape, but I'm not sure if its right for me. I would prefer a sports bike, but I'm still learning about bikes. I also want something with a decent sized engine. I don't want to get bored with it too soon.
I also feel that the Nighthawk 650 might be a little too bulky for me. I'm about 5'7'' and 130lbs. How much does height and weight matter? I would really appreciate some input and advice. I've seen a lot of people post answers that are negative and not constructive so I would really appreciate constructive/positive input and advice.

Answer 1

Height and weight matter when you sit on the bike.

If you were heavy (which you're not), your weight would make the bike drop down and ride lower. This is sometimes a good thing when bikes stand tall because it can be harder for a woman to reach the ground.

Bikes can be lowered... but it's best to just buy a bike that fits your body type.

I personally don't like to go any higher than 500 because then the bike gets too heavy for me to pickup if I spill (I do a lot of off-road).
If you feel comfortable moving around a 650, then that would give you a little more power to play with, which you seem to want.

Just take it for a drive, move it around, spend some time just sitting on it, see how it fits.

You could always buy this one and set it aside... It's big to start on.
Buy a little 300 to get our road legs, then sell it and use your 650.

Answer 2

It's not a good idea to start out with a sport bike. Most people here will tell you that. A sport bike is like an extension of your body - you become one with the machine. And until you have strong enough skills to control this new body part, you're going to be wobbly like a baby, and the slightest mistake or sloppy manuever may cost you dearly.

A street bike on the other hand is much more forgiving of newbies. So which one to get?

With your height (I'm jealous!!!), you can get on just about anything. Except in extreme cases (like the Rune), the weight of the bike isn't that big a deal. As long as you can keep it balanced at a stop by putting both feet down flat, you'll be fine. When you're riding, the weight isn't an issue at all.

I TOTALLY hear what you're saying about not wanting to get bored with a bike. When I started out, I was intimidated by the bigger bikes, and was looking at teeny tiny ones. Both the salesman and my husband recommended getting a "scary one" because they knew I'd be bored in a week if I bought a little one. THEY WERE SO RIGHT!

If I could do it over again, I'd start out with the Honda Magna (which I currently own). It's a V4 750cc, about 500 pounds. If I weren't such a speed freak, it would be perfect. It's fairly fast, but I cut my teeth on a ZX-11 so my standards are high. I'd never touch a twin - it has to be a big 4. Twins just aren't built for speed. Maybe some low end torque, but that's about it.

A Magna would probably work for you too - it has a 28" seat height, but that means that you would definitely be able to flatfoot on it (with room to spare). Even though they no longer make them, you can still find a fairly new one. And you can still get accessories too, if you want to customize a bit.

Answer 3

Your feet have to be flat on the ground to give you good control and balance when stopped. That's easy to check on. Go to a large shop that has lots of bikes on display and just go from bike to bike.

If you buy a used bike (craigslist, etc) and sell it again, you'll lose little if any money on the deal. But that way you can start with a smaller bike. As you develop a feel for riding and for bikes in general, you can consider stepping up. So I'd vote for starting a little smaller unless you plan on lots of highway driving right off and therefore need the heavier bike to resist the gusts from other vehicles.

Consider a learn-to-ride course at a local bike dealer. Even riders with a few years experience could benefit.

Answer 4

I agree, take the riding course because you learn how to lightning react and maintain control the bike.
Don't get the nighthawk. Try for something newer than is NOT a Harley. Like the Triumph Thruxton 900
Also, the continental kit you can add to a cheap new Royal Enfield bike is pretty sweet too, unless you live in Calif. The bikes are illegal there.

Answer 5

First, take the MSF Basic Rider Course if you haven't already.
Second, I would stay away from older bikes for several reasons. they would include: technology (newer bikes have innovations which make them safer, brake better, and more manageable.
Third, don't listen to the hype about needing a big bike to start with. You want a bike you will feel comfortable on and able to maintain control of. Comfort includes both how the bike fits you and how comfortable you feel riding it.

There are several excellent choices available in cruisers, sport, standard, touring, and dual-sport. Think about what type of riding you want to do and select a bike that is designed for that. How do you know what bike is for what type of riding? Go to several different bike shops and ask questions. Find out the local places that host "Bike Nights". And do not hesitate to ask anyone on a bike questions. We are a family and love to talk about our passion for riding and what we ride.

Good luck and I hope this has helped.

Ride Safe,
SLAB

Answer 6

As Tx_Vrod said take the MSF course you can type MSF into yahoo search and get their site. You will be better for it and some insurance companies will give you a discount for the course. I started on a Nighthawk; I am male 6'2 and heavier but it had the power to keep me intrigued for quite a while. Once you learn then figure out the style of bike that will fit you: street, cruiser, crotch-rocket and then go test them.

Answer 7

a nighthawk is a classic...i think it would make an ideal first bike...its old enough that when u drop it...(and most do sometime...lol) it won't be a catastrophe...that and since your friend owned it he or she would be able to help you with it since they know it intimately...its also big enough to get u around comfortably...after a year or so and u are comfortable with your abilities...then check into a nice sportbike...maybe even a triumph 675...the weight is only important if you drop it...and there are ways to help picking it up that make it easier...the height thing is more important...are u on your tiptoes at a stop your can u comfortably rest your foot on the ground?...also i reccomend a motorcyle safety course..you could probably get info for them from your local dmv..
hope it helps
later

p.s. i see that quite a few are suggesting newer sportier bikes....i have one question did they learn to drive a using a brand new car?....probably not ....if your new to bikes than your almost guaranteed to drop it....in the parking lot (forgetting kickstand or missing it)..putting it down in mud...using it on slight hill.. or dumping it in gravel..wet pavement ...ice u get the idea....who wants to buy a nice new bike only to learn on it and mess it up?...the only requirement is that it be mechanical sound and safe...and if your friend is trustworthy and u trust him/her than you will have a good source of info on that bike versus a used one from someone u don't know..

Answer 8

My advice would to be to go to a bike shop and sit on a few to see how they balance. See if your feet are flat on the ground. I own a 2001 Honda Spirit 750. I would recommend it as it sits really low to the ground and handling is very good. My friend has a 10 year old boy who can sit on it and hold it up just fine. Of course, he can't ride, it has way too much power for a child. Good luck in your search, we are having great weather for riding now.

Answer 9

If your still learning about bikes take the state sponsored Motorcycle Safety Course,,Its Free,,,I took it last year and have been riding for 41 years,,,you could get your MC insurance cheaper also,,,,,as far as your size I know girls your size riding Harley's,,,,as long as you can put your feet flat on the ground you can ride it. It's not really balance that keeps the bike up,,,its the centrifugal force of the wheels spinning that does. But I would start on something smaller to begin with while you are learning. What ever you decide to get,,,Ride Safe,,,,,,,,Live to Ride ,,Ride to Live..

Answer 10

Do not buy a Shadow 750! I had mine two months before I got bored and sold it. The night hawks are good bikes and last forever. If the price is right, why not? I wouldn't reccomend a sports bike if you are still learning unless you mean something like a gs500f.