What is a good starter Motorcycle for a woman my size?

Question

I have already taken the basic rider course and i am currently looking for a bike. I want a sports bike, a crotch-rocket. But im not sure what size or model to get. I am 5'8" and 160 pounds. I was thinking a 600cc, but im not sure. What do you think, remember this is my first bike. Thanx!

Answer 1

Hello pr3tty3y3z2007,

Congratulations on taking a Basic Riders Course, that is definitely step 1. You mentioned that you wanted a sports bike, I would recommend the Kawasaki 'Ninja Series'.
They come in a 250cc & also in slightly larger 500cc. This is a very popular choice among beginners specially if its going to be your first motorcycle. Stay away from a 600cc+ sports bike until you get more experience.
Most 600+ bikes are "Racing Replicas", you could literally make a few minor modifications and take it racing. They are NOT-forgiving, make a slight adjustment on the throttle and the bike will respond very aggressively, you can get in a world of hurt if your not careful.

500cc and below bikes are tuned down for street use, and would be better suited for your level of experience.
Try to pick up the Ninja250, since your on the lighter side (160lbs) the reduced weight of the bike (320lb) should help you out when taking turns or stopped.

Check out this Wiki-FAQ on the Ninja 250.
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page
As it mentions Ninjas are very easy to pick up used, try searching your local classifieds or CraigList, try to get one for about $1,800-$2,300 depending on the condition, mileage, and year.
[Keep in mind a typical 600cc bike would cost about $6k-$8k]

Remember this is supposed to be a 'learning' bike, you'll probably drop it a few times, make a few mistakes and hopefully learn and gain more experience. This is your First bike, NOT your last. Eventually you will outgrow it and look for something else, nevertheless this is an excellent bike to start with.
~Best of Luck

Answer 2

The wife went throught the same process. She started on a 250 Ninja. We rode 3000 miles that first year. Honed the basic's and even some of the advance skills on that bike. A ton of fun. We since sold the 250 and upgraded her bike to a 96 ZX6. Not as hyper as the new 600's but still a lot of fun.
Good luck and have fun.

Answer 3

The important thing is to look around, at as many bikes as possible. Sit on them in the showroom (you don't have to offer to buy). If you can't go for a test ride, push it around the floor a bit to get a feel for it.

Look at the other brands: Suzuki 600, Honda Fi600; maybe V-twins as well, such as the Suzuki SV650 (Have a serious look at that bike - very versatile and easy to ride, but with heaps of performance). Maybe even Italian bikes, some of which are competitive price-wise with the Japanese makes (eg, Cagiva ot the Ducati Monsters)

Above all, make a considered decision. Many riders (including me) have bought a bike, but soon exchanged it at a loss, when they found it wasn't suitable for their evolving riding style.

Answer 4

Kawasaki Ninja EX250

As a female, it should not be as difficult for you to put the ego aside for the sake of your well being. I took the advice of countless experienced riders and purchased a Kawasaki Ninja EX250. Later, after adding a bunch of miles and gaining much knowledge, I purchased my GSXR 750. I'm am glad i did!

a)The lower CC engine makes it very forgiving for beginner riders, should you happen to give it too much gas, it wont throw you off like many other bikes yet it still has plenty of power for riding on streets and highways.
b)Another benefit to the smaller engine is the weight of the whole machine. This bike is insanely maneuverable. After riding my GSXR 750 for several months, it felt like this bike's maneuverability rivaled that of a bicycle.
c)It's also more narrow than most machines which makes it "flickable". Very responsive and decisive steering as opposed to the sluggish nature of bigger bikes.
d)Not only are you going to save money on the base cost of the actual motorcycle, this bike is amazing on gas, and insurance is cheap. It can get 50mpg easily and about 70mpg if you ride it right; Insurance was about $40 a month for a 19yr old male who just totaled a car (myself), it doubled when i switched to my current bike. Registeration was cheap (about $140 i think). Also, should you happen to drop it, it will probably be a cheap fix as opposed to the thousands you might spend on a different bike,
e)They hold their value. Sold mine for exactly how much i bought it for.
f)What a blast! This started as transportation, which evolved into recreation, and sparked a passion.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Don't.

Get something like the Kawasaki Ninja 500. Buy a used one. When you've gotten used to riding a motorcycle, about six or seven months, sell it, then buy the bike of your dreams. Your first motorcycle is going to end up on its side at least once. Better to have that happen with a used beater than with a brand new motorcycle.

Answer 6

Ninja 500

Answer 7

I think the Kawasaki Ninja EX250 maybe a good choice. If u don't lioke this, I advise u to get on a site called bikerkiss to get more suggestion. There are many motorcyclists there. I think they can give u some useful advices.

Answer 8

look at a nice light 250 for a start. something like a zzr250, gpx250r, cbr250rr, klr250, cr250 etc etc etc.
best way is to go and physcially look and sit on them. take the ones that fit you best for a test blast.

Answer 9

if you have rode before the 600cc might be ok go smaller to a 500 or 400 i have a 1000 but i am experienced i think you might be ok on 600cc

Answer 10

Well the rule of thumb for bikes is.... if you can't lift the bike off you -- you shouldn't be on it. b/c in time you WILL crash it and if you can't lift it off you ... well you get the picture.