the best bike for a woman beginner?

Question

What's the best bike for a woman beginner? I like harley's because they are easy to sit on and control. I was think a sportster 1200 low, but I lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve the V-Rod. The sportster sits up at a angle where the V-Rod is more level, I've sat on both. What do you guys think. I am looking to get my first back next summer.
Thanks

Answer 1

My wife is a beginner rider too. She first took the Harley Rider's Edge beginner's motorcycle safety course and learned the basics on a Buell Blast. She felt comfortable on that bike in the class and did very well. She then attempted (key word) to ride my Mom's Sportster 883 in an empty parking lot. She was very uncomfortable on this bike as it was very top heavy. She dropped it on its side and I had to help her up with it. She hasn't ridden since, but we are looking for something along the lines of a 600cc to 750cc cruiser or sport/standard bike for her.
As far as a V-Rod for a new rider...VERY BAD IDEA. This bike is large and extremely powerful. I know that sounds tempting, but for a new rider, it's way too much. It's a great bike for someone who has been riding for three or four years or more.
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CORSE BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.

Answer 2

There are very few cruisers out there that can go really fast. V- Rod is one of them. V-Rod is not a beginner bike. You need to have at least 5k miles under your belt before moving up to a fast cruiser. I love HD also but a sportster 1200 is also not a beginner bike. If it has to be a Harley get a used sportster 883. I think you should start on a used 600 cc rice burner cruiser to learn on. That way if u drop the bike it would not cost u a lot of $, then move up to a nicer bike like HD 1200. Good lock.

Answer 3

Okay, I also agree with all those saying take the motorcycle safety course. The lessons I learned there have saved my neck lots of times.

My first bike was a '93 Honda Shadow 600. It was a perfect first bike for me because it had a small, short frame, but still a big enough engine to hold it's own on the free-way. I think that's the combo that makes a good first bike for a girl.

But, hey, now my second bike is a Honda Magna which we lowered an inch to make it just my size, so if you fall in love with something that's just a little too tall, that's also an option.

Happy riding! Being on the front is so much more fun than being on the back!

Answer 4

I taught several women how to ride on a Honda Rebel. They are pretty much a Harley look alike so they have a similar feel. It has less weight, which does take to getting used to. If you can still find one I think this is a good starters bike. Learn weight control and all the shifting and braking on a simple bike. Then a few moved into Sportsters (883 or 1,000). I guess it can depend on your on size and strength but a couple hundred less pounds makes life easier when swinging a bike around.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Number one thing, just go take a motor cycle safety coarse first, they supply the smaller bikes, ask lots of questions, then go look at every bike on the market and decide which one is best for you.

Don't buy on somes recommendation, buy what you want and like, think of it as buying a car. Get the one you want after learning on someone elses bike.

Buy a bike that will have a good resale value in 2 years, because mostlikely you will not keep it longer than 2 years unless you get hooked. All rides can be changed with a few modifications.

The seats height on a Harley Davidson can be lowered by buying the HD lowering kit, front and rear. Have it installed when you buy it, if that's you bike choice.

If your shorter than 5'4" I do not suggest buying a Harley, but maybe a honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki 250cc Ninja, which is a lighter bike. I know someone like them and they ride everyday.

Answer 6

Hi, Lots of good answers here. But you said something interesting right off the bat. I'm not trying to be smart, please believe that. But sitting on a motorcycle and riding are two different things. Whatever you do, take the motorcycle safety course. On courses in my area they furnish the bike. (usually Honda 250 Rebel) You can't judge control in the showroom. I have customers all the time who have decided they want a motorcycle and never rode one. I probably lose a lot of business when I won't sell them one until they take the course. Some motorcycle dealers do have a conscience, I am one of them. I would definetly not recommend a 1200 or V-rod for a first bike. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear.

Answer 7

In my opinion the Sportster is a horrible first bike. The way the gas tank sits up raises the center of gravity to a silly/unstable level. I had to help pick one up just the other day at a gas station after a lady tried to push hers back out of a space. I would look for something a little more user friendly...you should have more to worry about (other traffic) than keeping your bike from falling over.

Answer 8

Your first bike should be small enough that you can sit on it and have both feet flat on the ground. It should be light enough that you can get it back on its wheels if it falls over.

If you like Harleys, think about a Buell blast. Nice little starter bike. There is also the Honda Rebel, Ninja 250 and a few other small starter bikes.

Take an MSF course, ride your first bike for a season or two, then go shopping for a larger ride.

Answer 9

why dont you get a dirt bike now (which if you wanted you could ride all through the winter) and get the balanceing a shifting part down so that you dont have to think about it to do it and then move up thats what im going to do. Either that or im going to get me a 250 or 500cc sport bike to start on. Harleys are very heavy or at least they look like it and when I tried to turn around with a 600 ninja I ended up riding up someones driveway and through thier yard because I didnt want to turn to sharp and have the bike fall.

Answer 10

I'f you love the v-rod than get the v-rod. I ride a Road king. So get the one you realy want. And being its a harley you cant go wrong. Unless you've rode one before you might want to take a riding course. I would hate to see you get hurt. Because a v-rod is alot of bike.