Finally Feeling Better on the Bike!

I want to let other women know that yes, the fear WILL pass, and yes, you CAN get used to a bigger bike. And there ARE limits! I decided right in the beginning that I was not going to be pressured into getting a big, wide, heavy motorcycle just to show off. (I am 61 and just got my license last year!)

I have seen other women on them, and I guess it takes a lot of years, but for me,the stress isn't worth it, wondering when I am going to dump it.

I learned on a 1991 Honda 250 Nighthawk and now drive a 2009 883 Sportster. (It is not a low bike because I am 5'8"..I actually had Baer's in Pa. put longer shocks on it as it was originally an 883 low.)

I just want to say that after 5 months of practice, usually alone and scared beyond belief, I finally feel comfortable on my Sportster...and yes, I did drop it, just walking it around, turning the front wheel too sharply, not holding on strong and tight to the handlebars, or hitting the front brake., etc..three times!!

I remind myself every time that, 'my legs are strong, my arms are strong, and I am strong'... and, the bike and I are united, I hold it up and it holds me up.

For me the difference came in being more aware of my arms and hands holding the handlebars, as silly as that sounds, and always being careful to be aware of turning the front wheel and of which brake to use(or both).

I will always do parking lot practice, too, and that helped SO MUCH with my self confidence, knowing that I can make a slow speed turn and do a figure 8.

Mind you, it's not Jerry Palladino quality maneuvering, but maybe someday it will be.

So, I will summarize by saying, don't overdo your bike size for status or because you are trying to impress someone. There's nothing impressive about going down!!!

Safe riding, be aware, alert, and don't let your mind wander, and before you know it, you will be having fun too!

Beth, Sag Harbor, NY