I'm a short, lightweight girl looking for a motorcycle. This would be my first time riding a bike myself (I've always been the passenger.) I also have never driven with a clutch. Any suggestions on what would be a good bike for me to look into?? Thanks..
2007-06-27 11:57:00 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Before you even worry about buying the bike, take a riding class. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (http://www.msf-usa.org/) operates courses in many locations. The beginning course also provides the bikes. They will help you to learn what to look for in a bike.
2007-06-27 12:04:00 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Is that 5'-7", or less than 5'-1"? A Ninja is a good starter bike, but if you're barely 5' it's too tall for you. When you sit on a motorcycle you must be able to plant both feet flat on the ground. If you find the Ninja too tall, Honda and Suzuki make a nice 250 cruiser. For your first bike, don't go larger than 250 cc. Don't buy new - look for one 5 to 10 years old in good running condition. Get a few years and a few thousand files behind you, and if you still like riding, then go for an upgrade. And above all, don't buy until after you've completed a certified motorcycle safety course!
2016-04-01 08:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by Deborah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a lot of people will recommend the Honda Rebel but I recommend that instead of buying a 250, you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course recommended in another answer. The class uses 250cc bikes and they will get you used to using the clutch and, best of all, if you drop the bike, it's not yours so no cost to you.
After the class then you can decide if you really want a 250 bike. You didn't mention whether you want a cruiser or sport bike. I can't speak to the sport bikes but as far as a cruiser goes, I recommend the Honda VLX. It's a 600, it's got a low profile seat, and it's a dependable Honda that's easy to handle.
2007-06-27 13:26:43 · answer #3 · answered by skh1972 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I never really drove a car with a clutch either. I currently ride a 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster. I am petite also. It just all depends how much money you want to spend on a beginner bike. Trust me, you will drop it! You can go for the Honda Shadow or something like that, just buy something used so that way you wont be afraid of dropping it. I also suggest taking the riders safety course.
A couple of things you could get to make it easier to ride is an easy clutch and a lowering kit.
2007-06-27 12:10:55 · answer #4 · answered by purplemrskitty 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I rode once on a tour with a small petite gal riding a large looking Vulcan cruiser, and I was impressed with the way she could handle it. So after you find a bike you can comfortably sit on and have both feet flat on the ground, skill level is the main consideration.
My wife wants to learn to ride and I am leaning toward the Honda Rebel 250 for a learner bike. It is short, light, and enough power to feel comfortable riding on. The other advice I've heard is to gets a fairly decent used bike under 500cc to learn on, if you drop it and scratch it, no biggy. Then find a bike you like to buy when your skill level is up to it. You will probably get your money back on the price of resale, so you practically have a bike to learn on for free.
2007-06-27 12:09:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest looking at the different models out there. There are so many differences. Weight of bike, seat height, engine size, etc. It really depends on what kind of driving you plan on doing(alot of city or highway). The best thing is to take a rider safety course. They ussually supply the cycle to train on and it's ussually a 250cc or less. This way if you tip it over or crash, the damage is on their bike and not on your insurance. My wife started on my 750cc we had. It was a little heavy for hear, but it was her first time ever driving a bike. She caught on very well and very fast. Once you have been satisfied at a safety course, you could take a better look at the dealers and actually sit on them to get a better feel for the weight and balancing of the bike without having to drive.
2007-06-27 13:17:14 · answer #6 · answered by VOL76 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I ride a Honda Nighthawk CB250. It's a small, reletively lightweight bike, so it's easy to handle. We originally bought it for my wife who's pretty short herself. It's also cheap, so you don't have to worry so much about the inevitable "oops" moments associated with learning.
2007-06-28 20:43:22 · answer #7 · answered by Andrew C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about a street bike ,I would agree with a few of the others that Honda's Rebel is a good starter.
It's cheap, light and tame.
I'd also agree with one of the others who suggested a dirt bike, less costly, lighter and little to break if dropped.
2007-06-27 18:40:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I recommend the Honda Rebel cmx250c. It's low and light, the clutch is forgiving, and it's easy to learn on.
2007-06-27 12:49:30 · answer #9 · answered by bythewar 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would begin practicing with an manual car just to get an idea of how a clutch works. Then maybe begin with an aprilla or cbr 600. They are both light bikes.
2007-06-27 12:02:03 · answer #10 · answered by itchlbfs 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋