what to buy?

Question

I really want to buy a motorcycle but am unsure on what kind to buy. I am on the shorter size and weigh only about 122. I have wanted a harley ever since my BF let me ride on the back of his. My worry is that they seem so heavy and i have yet to learn to ride. i am taking a course here real soon. anybody know what kind of bike is good for a starter?

txhypnotist, thats a nice bike. i will look more at it. thanks

Answer 1

take a day to go to the different dealers in your area. Look and sit on all the different models/styles they have. Don't plan on buying a brand new one. I'll explain later on down.

What you are looking for is one that you can "flat foot".. meaning you can straddle it and have both feet flat on the floor. If you can't reach with both feet or have to be on tiptoe- scratch that one off the list. Not being able to get both feet down means you are alot more at risk to drop the bike. Even if you feel it would be ok on the showroom floor or parking lot, you will be stopping in dirt/gravel at times and then you risk falling.
Find the bike that fits your body, what you feel comfortable on. If your body says "I'm home" then keep that one in mind. See how it feels on your shoulders and legs to have both hands on the grips and feet up on the pegs. There is some room for adjustment, and you can always change out the type of handlebars if you love a bike but need it to have the bars closer towards you. Changing foot pegs is a bit more involved.
New riders sometimes get talked into buying the biggest and baddest bike they can afford. Don't get sucked in by that attitude.
Most lady riders I know started out anywhere from a 250 Honda Rebel to an 800 Suzuki Intruder, along with a few smaller sized sport bikes. You don't need a honkin big 1100 or bigger anything as a starting rider. I ride mainly cruiser types, so I can tell you a 650 Suz Savage can run all day long with the bigger cruisers.
I know you probably want a Harley. Consider a metric, second hand to get some miles under your belt before laying out the cash for a Harley. Plan on that dream bike once you have the skills.
There is a universal truth about starting riding and bikes. "There are 2 types of bikes in the world. Those that have been dropped, and those that will be dropped" If you get a second hand bike it will be less cost intially, and won't be so hard on your feelings and wallet when you accidentally tip over and break a turn signal.
Would you go out and buy a Mercedes for someone that hadn't even taken driver's ed yet? I bet you'd get them something decent but not painful when they put a couple dings in the paintjob.
Very smart of you to take the course. Gives you some skills and the discount on insurance and helmet issues also! Don't be suprised if you want something a bit bigger after a few months to a year once you gain skills and confidence.. Remember to 'Ride your own Ride'... don't try keepin up w other riders who are pushing their skill levels. You'll gain the higher skills as you gain the miles!

Answer 2

In a nutshell because the stock has suddenly become cheaper, some investors who were not previously interested in buying it suddenly decide that it may be a good investment. For example AAPL has fallen significantly over the last few weeks from a high of nearly $150 to below $120. A lot of people who owned the stock have clearly decided that it is time to get out and/or shorts have borrowed the stock and sold it. However I (an investor without a prior stake in Apple) think that the company remains a very good company with great long term prospects, and thus I am much more enthusiastic about buying in at $120 than I am at $150. So, as a general rule, when share prices decrease new investors come in who think the stock is a good value at its new level. In general though your gut reaction is not misplaced-- people tend to assume that trends will continue, and very often once bad news comes a company will continue to decline. I tend to think that the old axiom 'don't try to catch a falling knife' is good advice. Still after a stock has been pummeled it can be a good idea to look for buying opportunities. Good luck.

Answer 3

Take the MSF class before you start a serious search... That way you can get your license and test drive different bikes... If you want a Harley. STAY AWAY from Sportsters...They ride bad, They don't look that good, in my opinion. Check out the Dyna Low riders. Or even the Dyna Wide glides... The suspension can be lowered considerably without alot of major work to the bike. The center of gravity is lower and they look and ride alot better...Also look at the V-Star line that Yamaha has. They are some really good looking bikes that aren't high priced or hard to handle...Good luck. Happy Riding...

Answer 4

I always wanted a Harley too. I bought a Sportster Hugger because they have a lower seat height and are still pretty affordable. I would like to move up in bike size when money permits, as I have had this bike for 7 years now. I see women your size on big bikes now too, and thats just badass. Although I wouldn't recommend starting out on a bike that big. Good luck:)

Answer 5

If you always wanted a HD, then you should get one! I have a 1450cc Night Train and my cousin (female) has a 883 Sportster. She got hers only 3 mnths ago. Here first bike that her dad bought her!! (Wish I had a dad like that!) She is only 22 and is one of the smallest persons Ive known. What Im trying to say, is that if you always wanted a Harley, then dont buy some Jap Crap to make up for it!
I really hope you buy that Harley girl!!!

Answer 6

The little 250 cruisers are great to learn on but you'll quickly get bored with it.
When you want a Harley there's no substitute, and once you halfway know what you're doing you'll probably do just fine on a Sportster. They're relatively light for the engine size, not too tall, and they're narrow.
If you're not necessarily a Harley snob, the big four Japanese makers all have V-twins in the 600cc range (for comparison, the Sportster I think is still 883cc-?) which, honestly, are all excellent choices.

Answer 7

Here's the best one for the money

Kawasaki Ninja 250R Sport. They are a perfect bike for any girl whos not very tall. I will attach a link to show you some.

Check out the second link with this girl on her's she's selling it, she just put a custom paint job on it. You could buy her's and have it shipped to your front door, cheep.

Don't buy any Harley for your first bike, they weigh 600+ lbs.
I have one, and am not recommending you get one, it's just not safe for a first bike, if you had 15+ Years of riding exp. then NP getting one.

Answer 8

Look at the smaller Honda Shadows the VT600 and VT400 have a VTwin engine and nice styling. They are light and handle well.

Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan is also a good motorcycle. I know a short lady who rode one from South Texas to northern Michigan ( and back).

Answer 9

It's best to start out learning on a sport bike. However, if you are tending towards cruisers try a Honda Magna 750. All the horse power and no weight. Good luck