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Motorcycles Built for the Lady

by Donna
(Laurel, DE)

The women riding community needs to let the manufacturers of motorcycles know how many of us there are out there and how our numbers are growing. Therefor as a group we should demand that these companies make models built specifically for the woman rider. We should be able to buy models at reasonable prices without having to pay extra to make these rides comfortable and maneuverable for us. My brother has owned many motorbikes over the past thirty years and has never had to pay to make a bike rideable. Women are a financial force that these companies cannot afford to ignore. I would love to see more forums where women riders talk about what motorcycles they have ridden and their opinion on what was good and what was bad. It is still too difficult especially for newbies like me to find the proper fit bike.

Comments for Motorcycles Built for the Lady

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Oct 06, 2012

Advice....
by: MAC

Hello.
I am 5'4" and weigh 135 pounds. I am thinking about getting a motorcycle. My boyfriend has one and he has given me the bug for one.
I will be sure to take a class, but stumped on a light-weight bike to purchase?? I am leaning towards a Yamaha FZ6R?
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
MC

Apr 24, 2012

5 feet tall and riding happily!
by: Anonymous

My first bike was a honda rebel 250 which really gave me confidence and made me fall in love with riding. My boyfriend bought me a Harley sportster which he lowered but I never felt comfortable, it is very "top heavy". The rebel isn't fast enough to go on the hiway so we found a Honda Shadow 600 which is perfect and I am as comfortable on that as the rebel. I think the key is to keep looking and not settle for anything you don't feel comfortable on! That is my 2 cents.

Dec 02, 2011

Finding the right tourer
by: Kate

I am 5'2" my husband spent endless hours researching the web and convinced himself that he had found the best suited bike for me to tour on. So off we went to the Suzuki shop to look at the GSX650F. The salesman was very helpful and assured me he could make it fit me. I was coming off a Honda Shadow 750 which I was flat footed and going onto a bike which I wasn't really convinced was going to fit me but anyway a tear or two and I traded my beloved shadow and waited about a week before my new bike would be all fitted. It was lowered 1/2 inch in the suspension and the seat was lowered 3/4". Since then I have purchased a pair of Daytona boots called Lady Star which I swear were the best $480 I have ever spent and also put riser and pullbacks on the bike. Hubby adjusted levers and worked on the sag for as I only weight 48kilos. Every time I complained about something he worked and resolved it.In the last 2 years I have done 34000 kilometres on my new baby and I wouldn't go back to any other style of riding. I wonder now if half my wingeing was due to the fact that I just wasn't a very good rider back then. I agree we need someone to take notice of us but hey while we wait don't let it stop you from riding, get help, get advice and make the adjustments you need to allow you to enjoy what I have grown to love and that is riding my bike.

Aug 09, 2009

Smaller Bikes and Beginners
by: Amanda

Laura- if you need some help getting that company going, give me a hollar! I'll do what I can to help. GIRLZ RULE!

Taking my MSF course next month and very nervous. I have never even ridden on a bike before. My husband has ridden on ONCE and he is planning on taking the class with me. We have been looking at a bike for 2 riders (2-up) and have decided we would like the Kawasaki Vulcan 500. Anyone have more info on this as a beginner and a woman?

ssdeclipse@hotmail.com

Jun 13, 2009

V Star 650 Classic
by: Molly

I just bought a 2000 V Star 650 and it fits me great. I am 5'4" and I can easily put my feet down flat on my bike. It's my first bike and really comfortable. Honda Shadows are also very popular with women riders around here.

Feb 16, 2009

What I Ride
by: Suzanne

I am 5'4", with a 26 inch in-seam. My first bike was and continues to be my first love in motorcycles. I have a 2005 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe. Its got the lowest seat height of all the bikes HD makes and a terrific low center of gravity.

When I was shopping for my bike I ended up walking out of several dealerships as the salesmen would either ask my husband what I wanted to ride (when I was standing right there), or tell me they had a lovely Sportster to put me on. Nothing against Sporty's, I just knew I didn't want one.

Gigi, as I call her, has been a terrific ride for me. I recently put an 'easy clutch' to make using the clutch (especially in traffic) easier, and have adjusted my handle bars to make them fit my reach.

Don't give up hope. Most bikes can be lowered or adjusted to fit you. Its going to be your ride so make sure it fits. Then get out there and enjoy!

Sep 28, 2008

Bikes for Ladies Needed!!!
by: Laura

I wholeheartedly agree the manufacturers should get with the program and make bikes shorter, levers smaller and proportionate for the smaller women. My dream is to start a company that would do just that. I began the dream the first time I started looking for a bike to fit me. I am 5'1, and have very small hands, and a 26 inch inseam. Luckily I have a very crafty and ingenious husband who can alter what ever I needed done easily. BUT STILL....it would be excellent to go purchase one ready to ride! Someone is going to be able to make a good living doing so, and also make many women HAPPY!!!! Ride on!

Sep 07, 2008

Size matter
by: Gina

I think most motorcycle manufactor companies have made m/c built for men. As it has only been recently that "women" have been in the market place as a rider and consumer. We are a strong customer base but still seen as minor in the large manufactor companies eyes. I think as a woman looking to buy her m/c it may be necessary to have the adjustments made for the m/c to fit you. I know when I look to upgrade for next m/c (bigger m/c) I may have to have it lowered but I don't see that as a reason not to look at what I like or want. I think you may have to consider the options availabe.

Sep 07, 2008

Yamaha V-Star Classic
by: Claire

I ride a 650 and it is very comfortable for me. I'm 5'7" and can touch the road flat footed. I can back it up and feel pretty safe on it. I don't think it would be easy to go bigger, but this is a great bike as far as I'm concerned. Very well balanced.

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