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From Harley to Honda

by Mari
(Des Moines, IA)

I've read a lot of posts by women not sure if the ride is "cool" if its not a Harley. I owned a beautiful 2003 Anniversary Fat Boy and had trouble with parking it. At 650 lbs. its a lot to park and back up (I'm 5'7" and 130 lbs). It's no fun having to ask someone to help you (if there's anyone around!). I just got a Honda 750 Spirit that is a lot lighter, zippy and easily maneuvered -- even parking and backing. Its not about the name. It's about fitment, comfort and being really "free" handing the bike on your own with no worries.

Comments for From Harley to Honda

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Oct 04, 2014

The Fit From Harley Davidson to Honda
by: Anonymous

It really is all about the fit.Almost all of the major Bikes are good..we women don't like to wrestle our bikes and I have found myself being in the position o asking for a push.I have a Sporty and they can be a bit heavy in a tight spot and I do my best not to get in a tight space buy she fits me soooo...well and I just love the ride I just try to overlook that one thing. My sister has a Suzuki that is a lot like the Shadow and you are so right much lighter ad easier to handle. Riding conditions where you live can be a factor. Here we have freeways with big ole trucks and high bridges with wind gusts that just about blows you a way make me appreciate that extra weight, but you are right ride what you are comfortable with.

May 09, 2014

Love my Spirit Too!
by: Anonymous

As long as you are happy and able to handle your bike, the brand does not matter. It is all bout the wind therapy in the end. :)

I, too, have the Spirit and am happy with it. Not quite that comfortable for the butt after more than a couple hours on the stock seat is my only complaint. I have recently heard about the ultimate seat which does not change the original rider position but does give a more comfortable ride. I may think about that if I ever go on a long trip. This is my second season as a rider. I hope to get brave enough to do an overnight trip this year!

Enjoy your spirit!

May 07, 2014

agreed
by: Lois

I couldn't agree more! I'm not a cruzer fan they just don't do it for me. I also hate hearing how you have to get a bigger bike to really enjoy traveling. I had a great trip on a Ninja 500, total mileage 1200 for the 3 day trip. I have put 27000 miles on my F800st in 2 1/2 years, I've been from the mountains of North Carolina to the Canadian border out to the Outer Banks and down to the N. Georgia mountains. I don't need help moving my bike, I've had to help friends back up their bikes to park because of the weight (here in the mountains parking lots are not flat ground).
I'm not tall my bikes are factory lowered and they fit me fine. I just purchased an F700GS lowered because I find dirt roads are a lot of fun. Both bikes are fine on the highway and I can "keep up" with the big boys all day and not be worn out at the end of the day. So ladies don't let marketing and peer pressure put you on a bike you are not comfortable with, remember a bike is about the enjoyment of the ride.

May 07, 2014

Dozens of genres and makes out there!
by: Judy

I for one, even at the earliest age, NEVER understood the appeal of huge, ponderous looking Cruisers and Touring bikes.

I had my first ride @ 7 and was instantly enamoured with the thought of having my own. I watched for Motorcycles and distinctly remember when I'd see big dressers (in those days, mid '60s, Harleys & Indians), I said to myself ugh...too big! But when I saw my first lightweight, Cafe Racer types (probably modified BSA's, Nortons or Triumphs) I'd be glued to the site of 'em.

I started on dirt bikes and have always loved light, quick bikes, and the look of sleek, lightweight, faster models. In the early '70s the Japanese bikes were becoming more and more sophisticated, fast, and especially reliable,but remaining light and inexpensive.

Now, I understand that Cruisers have very low seat heights, and that can allow many short-inseamed women to be able to flat foot while they learn to ride. However, the heft, as you relate, along with a fork rake and long wheelbase makes for slower steering, not conducive to learning slow speed manuveuring, a very important part of the learning process.

I think a lot of women new to riding have heard the word "Harley" so much they aren't knowledgable enough to understand there are tons of bikes of all makes, sizes and genres out there that could be far, far more suitable to learn to ride on than a 600 to 800 lb. Cruiser. I've known several women who started on a Cruiser, and went to a Standard, street legal dirt bike, or Sport-oriented model and absolutely LOVED it.

Ladies, don't pigeonhole your awareness to only one type of bike and make. There's SO much more out there to experience!

May 07, 2014

Yes
by: Anonymous

Well said

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