Female wants to be become licensed and buy first motorcycle. Advice?

Question

I am a 21 year old female looking to get my first bike this spring. I am very athletic, 5'6", 130 lbs. My boyfriend has a bike and has been giving me some tips. Any suggestions on a bike? Preferably a cruiser. I drive a stick shift car so is learning to ride a motorcycle similar? Is it hard to learn how to drive it and shift the gears? Should I get a bike for under $1,000 to learn on, since I read most people will crash their bike while learning. Will I crash? Do you think it is too dangerous for me to learn? Help! Thanks!

Answer 1

here's a typical mistake a rookie will make. grabbing the front brake when the bars are turned and the bike is at very low speed...under 5 mph. if u do, the bike instantly drops to the ground like it became magnitized, and once it starts to drop, there's no catching it. so, rule number 1: never grab the front brake with the bars turned at low speed.

rule #2: the bike will go where u look. never fixtate on anything u dont want the bike to hit or run over. this can save ur life in an emergency situation where u have to duck that azzmunch cage driver that almost left-turned u. never look at the cage, look at ur escape route to bypass the idiot.

what makes riding dangerous is the amount of cell phone cagers that are out there....watch for them cause they sure as hell aint watchin for u. with ur height, u could easily handle a ultra classic or a gold wing. shifting is a snap. is the same m.o. as u would in a standard shift car. just remember, ride like ur invisible, and u'll bring her home in 1 piece everytime. always respect the bike...it wont respect u.
i prefer a cruiser over rockets. the cruiser's are easier to see, the rockets have much slimmer profiles, and them dam things are a ***** to spot in heavy traffic. the reason why peeps crash....they get a super high powered rice rocket and they've never been on a scoot, they ride beyond their skill level; like, trying to blaze 50 mph in a 30 mph corner. they fail to ride as their invisible, and instead ride like they own the road and not ride defensively.

if u do get a harley, belive it or not, u would enjoy how the road king handles. very smooth ride, and the low center of gravity makes low speed turning effortless. if u cant afford a harley, a bud of mine rides a kawasaki vulcan 2000, and he says it rides like its on glass. dont let the size of the cruiser intimidate ya. the bigger bikes offer the smoothest ride, they're usually low slung, and even the big ultra classic is very well balanced. i'm used to a sportster, and the ultra feels very balanced with my style of riding. i would recommend u gettin a video or 2 from ride like a pro. the instructor is an ex florida highway patrol motor cop. using his techniques, i can easily handle threading the sporty in very tight places. the link will be below. enjoy the road.

Answer 2

Most importantly, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class in your area. You don't have to have riding experience to take it and you will learn tips about riding that you will use the rest of your life. Plus, they provide the bikes so if you drop them it doesn't hurt your pocketbook.

For a first bike I recommend the Honda Shadow VLX 600. It is a small enough that the bike's weight won't be an issue and yet it has enough power to cruise long highway distances. You should be able to pick up one at a reasonable price. I would avoid buying a cheap bike. If it doesn't run well you won't enjoy your riding. You don't want to have to worry about whether or not the bike will run while you are learning to ride. Avoid buying a 250cc motorcycle as you will quickly find you want more horsepower. Other good options are the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and the Yamaha V-Star 650. If you're in the Harley market, I do not recommend trying to learn to ride on a Sportster 883 (the cheapest model) because the center of gravity is high.

Learning to control the clutch and throttle are two of the most important things you will learn about riding. It doesn't really matter if you've driven a stick before, but at least you understand the principle of the "friction zone". The MSF class will give you a lot of practice with that also.

It is not a given that you will ever crash. It is likely that at some point you will drop your bike, but dropping your bike is not a tragedy and as long as you don't wrestle with it, you generally won't get hurt when it happens. Most of us drop the bike when we grab the front brake and don't have our feet down (or park without the kickstand). I (knocking on wood) have been riding for 5 years and haven't crashed. I have had a few drops though, as have most of the guys & gals I ride with.

As long as you remember that when riding a motorcycle it is imperative that you ride defensively, then you will not find it "too dangerous". It is certainly more hazardous than driving a car, but it is more enjoyable too. You just have to keep an eye out and expect the worst from other drivers. As long as you stay alert and prepared you give yourself a chance to avoid crashing.

Answer 3

Ok I have triple AAA also but I have been riding more than 3 years so my rates are really good. It helps when they ask you how long have you been riding to be able to say 3 years. Here in a checklist format are the fastest steps to get your new bike and license. But first to answer your question, for that money get a Suzuki SV used. Here are the steps you must do in this order to get your bike and license. Step 1. Go to dmv and take the WRITTEN TEST only for your motorcycle license. Once you pass that you are now allowed to ride except on freeways and after dark. So you can practice right away in safe area. They even let you ride. You need 2 things, not one, to ride all the time. The written test passed and a driving test past. DO not make the mistake of signing up for the dmv driving test as most people fail it. Instead pay the money and go to the MSF school and by doing this you are legally allowed to BYPASS and SKIP the dmv riding test. Instead the msf school will teach you and test you and give you even more one try to pass the test. You will pass it. When I went to the msf (type in msf motorcycle school on the internet to find it) class only 1 person failed and it was a girl who wasn't paying attention but the rest of us about 20 of us passed. Now...once you pass the msf school (about 3 days long) you get a CERTIFICATE you then carry down to the dmv and you say 'Gimme my license' and you show that to them. Now your drivers license will have a special designation on it saying you can drive whereever and whenever you want. Your insurance is also going to require that. Now if you have ever trusted someone trust what I am about to tell you or you will kick yourself later. When riding a bike the worst enemy a biker hates, and they hate hate hate it...is wind. The lighter the bike the worst the wind blows you around The heavier the bike the less the wind blows you around So the dilemna is this. For a new rider they should not start with a bike over 400 lbs and most bikes like the Ninja 250 or the Suzuki sv I suggested arer around 350 so they are light and nimble and excellent on the streets. However when you get on the freeway you then wish you had a heavier bike like the Suzuki Katana which weighs in at 500 lbs. Now there are some things you can do to help cut down on the wind with lighter bikes. For example on the suzuki sv you'll see some have fairings (the plastic around it that makes it more aerodynamic) and some do not. You can find one with full fairings and good windshield for what you want to spend. If you wan't to save money and get something mainly for the streets then the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is an awesome bike and a great bargain. All bikes will have awesome gas mileage and especially if you don't mind staying off the freeways. So there are two answers here. If you are rarely going to go on freeways then the 2008 Ninja 250 is the best bet. It has the best gas mileage of any bike. See link below this thing is hot looking. If you are going to go freeways DO NOT get less than a 500 or 600cc bike. It feels safer and less dangerous. You are correct that you can get something at a decent price but all in all I would rather get a used Suzuki sv than a new more expensive 250 Ninja. I'll put 2 links below one with the sv and one with the new ninja.

Answer 4

First, your definatly tall enough to ride a bike on your own. Second, if you can balance the bike, no problem. Third, you should take a rider safty course in your area. This will allow you to obtain your license, as long as you pass your course, when you go to the DMV.Learning to ride a bike should not be that hard for someone like yourself if your as athletic as you say you are. Shifting gears is not too complicated, most bikes are first gear down and the next four are up with the left foot.If you get a new Harley though, you'll have a sixth gear . One down and five up. Do not ride without a helmet!!! No matter who tries to say otherwise. Your not cool if your in the hospital or God forsake something worse. Also, you'll have a hard time finding a cruiser for a thousand or so. Your looking more in the range of five to ten thousand. Harley wise you wood be better off starting with an 883 since it is smaller and lighter than most bikes and more affordable.Check out your local dealers and look at some of the used bike sites on line and get a price range of the bike you would like so you don't overpay for your bike. I'm sure you'll be fine if you remember that you have to look out for everyone on the road first and then look out for yourself. Most people don't have any respect for a biker so they will take chances, pull in front of you,cut you off, things like that. You have to be very dilligent and alert when you ride. Anyway, RIDE TO LIVE, LIVE TO RIDE.

Answer 5

First thing to do is take a course. That way you'll know if you even like riding and can also come to terms with it. Riding a bike IS more dangerous than driving a car, and you have to decide if the extra risk is worth it to you. I decided it was, and don't regret that decision at all (even after my accident by some dingy in a car). Also, definitely buy a used bike first. I dropped my first bike in the gravel in my driveway. Sucks to admit that, but hey it happens. I ask people if they can drive a stick only because if you can't even learn stick, don't bother with a bike. So, good luck to you- I think you will really like it! Oh yeah, the ride is so much better when you have your own rather than on the back:):)

Answer 6

Well, there has already been lots of good advice but i'm gonna throw in my two cents worth too. First and foremost, take the MSF Basic rider course. It's not terribly expensive when you consider that they provide the bike. It will also teach you everything you need to know to ride safe. Second, pick a bike based on what you like and what feels comfortable to you. Your comfort is the most important thing. If your not comfortable you won't be focusing on the ride like you should. Beyond that, everything else is up to you, ride like you wanna ride. Also, I would like to add a phrase that an old harley rider once told me. There are only two types of riders, those that have crashed and those that will. The explanation is that if you ride long enough odds are you will have at least one wreck. Don't let that stop you though. If you do wreck just get back up, dust yourself and get back on a bike as soon as you can. On a personal note, I think there should be more female riders. Riding isn't an exclusively male thing. Also most of the guys I know, including me, think there isn't anything better than a girl who can ride her own scoot.

Good luck and keep the rubber side down.

Answer 7

You're lucky - you're tall enough that you'll be able to get pretty much any bike you want without needing to have it lowered. I'm jealous.

First take the safety course. After you take the class and get a bike, find an empty parking lot to practice in. Go as often as you can and ride around in circles, practicing all kinds of manuevers. When you really feel comfy, hit the road.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to start on a used smaller bike if you can find one. Really anything that weights 400(ish) pounds or less will be great.

Understanding how a clutch works WILL put you one up on those who don't, but it's not a huge advantage. I took the course with a friend - I drive 5 speed and she doesn't. She stalled a few times and I didn't. But it didn't take her long to get up to speed.

It's not at all difficult to learn - you'll be surprised how easy it is.

Answer 8

Going off the information you provided about yourself I would suggest a Honda Shadow as your first cruiser bike, and I guarantee you fall head over heels in love with the ride.
Clutch on a motorcycle is very similar to riding a dirt bike (if your familiar) otherwise its only similar to a stick on a car in the sense of coordination.
It is not hard to ride or learn, the best thing for you to do is go to TEAM. Its a Arizona based driving school for motorcycle riders. You can rent anything you need there, including a motorcycle. If you are afraid of dumping your bike you will most likely dump it in the worst way. The first thing to learn about riding is to know how to correctly lay down the vehicle. In Arizona riding and shifting are the least of your worries, you must be very defensive in this state. Not many people are aware of motorcycles, and because we have so many winter visitors (who can never see anything) its a very defensive ride. But learning the ropes and going on cruises to Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Canyon Lake, and many of our other wonderful rides really make it all worth while.
Remember, Learning (anything) is never dangerous! :)
Take Care!

Answer 9

You shouldn't have problems learning to ride. It's similiar to shifting a car. What I suggest is taking a riders safety course. You use their bikes so if you drop them it's not your bike. They'll teach you all you need to know to stay safe and to ride. Plus you'll get your licensing one you pass. It takes a while after that to get road experience and be careful of other drivers. I wouldn't say people crash while learning. You're more apt to drop it. It's the slow moving stuff when you're less experience where people goof up. Getting a cheap bike for the first year isn't a bad idea. That's what i did, then got a Fat Boy. It's a cruiser. I always tell women not to let their smaller size stop them from riding a bigger bike. If you know what you're doing it's not a problem. Take the course, buy your bike and welcome to the family!!

Answer 10

You probably should get a cheap bike to get started on - depending on where you live, winter is a great time to buy one because if you live where it is cold, most people are getting tired of having them fill up their shed or garage and will sell for less.

I would recommend a 150-175cc enduro style bike (kind of a cross between street and off-road, check around for older yamahas, that's what I started on). It will have enough power to get around, but won't shoot out from underneath you (really only a problem with high powered sport bikes), plus it will be light, so it will be easier to handle.

Riding a motorcycle is just like riding a bike, except without the pedaling (or the health benefit) - once you get going fast enough you have to remember to counter steer - lean the direction you want to go, but actually push the handlebars the opposite direction. Try it out in a big parking lot to get the hang of it. Shifting is a breeze - actually easier than a car for two reasons - your throttle is in your left hand, and the clutch is in your right, so getting the right RPM's and releasing the clutch is simple. If you have to you can just squeeze the clutch back in. Most bikes shift with your left foot - one step down for first, then a click up (past neutral) into second, third-fifth (or sixth) just keep clicking up.

Get comfortable with the way the bike handles (since they are all a little bit different) and make sure to get used to going through curves - that's one of the major reasons for wrecks - when someone starts feeling the bike lean over they panic and sit straight up - and the bike goes in a straight line. Once you are used to it, curves are the coolest thing about a motorcycle.

The biggest danger on a bike is other cars - if you don't take any other piece of advice from this answer, take this one: pretend you are invisible to other drivers (it's not far from the truth) or better yet, pretend like they are actually TRYING to hit you (still not far from the truth). That way when someone doesn't pull across three lanes to wipe you out, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

With a little common sense, and some practice, you can get a lot of enjoyment out of riding - it's the ultimate anti-depressant, and like someone said once 'when you drive a car, it's like watching a movie, when you ride a motorcycle you are IN the movie'.

As far as bikes to get once you get more comfortable, decide what style you want - I'm currently riding an '06 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (805cc), fuel injected, shaft driven, and liquid cooled. It's an awesome cruiser, MUCH cheaper than a Harley (which have gotten way out of hand), easy to handle, looks nice, has plenty of power (the C90 has a little more torque, but adds more weight), the M50/90 is a little sportier looking. Most manufacturers have started making 'naked sport bikes' that are similar to the crotch-rockets, but without the huge fairings, the suzuki bandit is an example of this.

Good luck - be safe, and have fun!!