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thick girl wanting to learn how to ride and buy a motor cycle

i am 5'5 and i weigh 240 i would like to know what motorcycle is good for me to buy and i would like to learn how to ride but i am afraid that i am too heavy. please i need advice

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Jun 27, 2016

@ thick girl wanting to learn how to ride and buy a motor cycle NEW
by: TaiMc

Hello!

I'm 5'7 @ 230lbs and I learned on a 250 suzuki marauder (I hated it!) but I had no issue about my size while learning on it. It was a cruiser type of bike but I handled it with no problem. I could flatfoot it and totally felt in control of it once I was able to learn to keep my balance. After receiving my license, I'm currently practicing on a friend's 2012 Kawasaki ninja 650 R. It is taller than the bike I learned on and a little more aggressive riding style than a cruiser. It is a sport bike. I prefer the aggressive position because I feel like I have more control of the bike. I also have no issue with riding it either (it's very comfortable). The suspension felt fine and while riding I don't even think about my weight. I have yet to have an issue with stamina as I have not taken any long rides and am currently practicing in a lot lol. However, I do workout regularly (6 times a week) so even for my size, I am extremely active. I would say that if you have an issue with how you look riding, DONT let it be an issue, because it doesn't matter. However, if you have an issue with your weight because you feel it may hinder you from comfortably riding, I would say to get more active and focus on strengthening areas of your body that you need for riding. Once you take the riding course it will be rigorous, and you will be tired/sore and you will feel which areas you worked while you rode. Focus on making those stronger if you wish! Werkkk it girl!! :)

Nov 05, 2011

Nuf said
by: Anonymous

AMEN!!!!

Nov 04, 2011

this became a discussion of clothes, lost track
by: Anonymous

Think we lost track of what was origanally discussed. Just Ride Girl, do't worry about size.

Nov 03, 2011

to Anonymous
by: ritantexas

I disagree with the statement that you have the clothes at home you need. If you think jeans are protection you are just wrong. However, there is protective gear out there and it does not have to be custom. The men's gear is probably what will be needed because of the way women's gear is sized, but there is not much difference in look. PLEASE get the proper gear -leather or textile m/c pants and jackets with the protective padding are (IMO) necessary to minimize damage. It takes less than .05 of a second for asphalt to go through denim - check out the videos and stories online of people who have survived accidents without the proper gear. Get the protection so you can enjoy riding instead of worrying.

Nov 02, 2011

"big" girls ride :)
by: Anonymous

though i'm a girl who had almost the exact same proportions when i started riding i never even thought about my weight being a barrier...its as easy to ride a bike if you're 120 lbs or 220..as another rider alluded to, much of your comfort will relate to the type of bike you've chosen and the amount of rider training you've participated in. Smaller bikes like ninjas (the smaller 250cc) honda rebels or kawasaki eliminators(125cc) are all great for beginners..but i've also known girls who've learned on choppers & sportsters.
..as far as riding gear you prob. have everything you need to wear (ex gloves/helmet) at home already... a heavier jean and layers depending on the weather...a jean (or similar material)jacket in the summer - add a hoodie underneath or throw on a leather jacket when its cold....you're ready to go! good luck!

Oct 29, 2011

Chill
by: @ Judy

I'm 5'6" & weigh 220 so I DO know what I'm talking about. I have several jackets,a pair of chaps for my 29"thick thighs, a leather vest for my 50" chest, several pair of boots & gloves XXL. ALL womens.

Oct 29, 2011

To Linda & Anonymous, RE: Custom Leathers
by: Judy

Linda, I'm not sure what you mean by, "It's not about the clothes you wear."

I think you both fail to understand EXACTLY where I'm coming from. Now, I agree: Riding is absolutely NOT a fashion show! BUT if you are going to ride, you should be properly protected, and ESPECIALLY so for a new rider. Back in '81 I wasn't, and I still have the vivid road rash scars as a reminder.

Also, as a person of almost identical size as her, I've spent years, actually DECADES, trying to find ANY gear that will fit without signficant alteration. There is NONE. The suggestion of men's at least as to the pants, is absurd...since when have you seen any man with the kind of hips that women of our (mine and the OP's) size have? You won't. That's a dead end, wishful thinking response. I've tried virtually every off-the-shelf brand out there forever. I had to take off the shelf stuff and/or my jeans to be altered and enhanced with Kevlar as a stop-gap method of a semblance of decent gear.

Another thing I've found is since some of the manufacturers of women's gear DO think it's a fashion show (Icon comes to mind) they will call something "XL" that just MIGHT fit someone who wears size 10. So the idea of something called 2XL is alsoway off...it MIGHT fit a woman between 180-200 lb.

If I thought there was any alternative for a woman her size, I would've made the suggestion. But unless you've been directly in our shoes, it really sounds like you both have no clue just how difficult/impossible it is to find ANYTHING besides boots, gloves and a helmet off the shelf, that fits.

If any of you can actually provide a direct link to the claims you're makng, well, I'm all ears (eyes?).

Oct 28, 2011

Ride
by: Linda

Jammin Leather has quite a selection of plus size jackets,chaps,pants & vests for women. I'd suggest a cruiser since they have lower seats. I believe ANYONE can ride if they want to, no matter what size or age they may be. Riding isn't about the clothes you wear.

Oct 27, 2011

leathers
by: Anonymous

You don't have to have custom leathers made. I just went to Leather-up and got Men's sizes. They have everything from short/tall to small/big. I wasn't worried about looking like a "girl". Just wanted to ride. Women's clothes never fit me right anyway.

Oct 27, 2011

You're Not Too Heavy
by: Joan

I am 5'8" and weigh 250 lbs. and just got my first bike - a Yamaha 650 V-Star. As others have suggested go a dealer and sit on bikes until you find one that is comfortable for you. There is a bike out there for you. Good luck and enjoy.

Oct 27, 2011

Worry more about strength & overall conditioning
by: Judy

Hi,
I'm an inch or so taller and at least 20 lbs. heavier than you, and although I wasn't always heavy, I've been riding for decades and the only problems being so heavy entail are, overall strength and conditioning, and ensuring the suspension can be set properly for your weight.

You'll also have to save a LOT more $$ up for custom made leathers, as I can pretty much guarantee you won't be able to find any riding pants or jacket that will fit. I also have a bit of a problem finding boots that will fit, mostly having to opt for just-above-the-ankle due to the bigger size of my calves. I was recently able to find a boot that fits well, after initially feeling a bit uncomfortable; these were Dainese "Scarpa" boots, not cheap @ $219.99 but then either are ER/Hospital/Surgical fees!

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most fun things in life. Just like anything else, you need to have a modicum of conditioning to enjoy it more.
When I haven't ridden for awhile, I have to work up to higher mileage, longer rides. As far as fitting on bikes, inseam length vs. seat height is the most important in allowing you to feel confident, so you can flat foot at least one side. Now, for a learning bike, I recommend the Kawasaki Ninja 250 over all. I bought one to teach my Nephew on, and had no problem riding it myself even at my weight. It has very little power at engine speeds below 5000rpm, that's what makes it a good starter bike whose power won't get you in trouble learning. But above 5000 rpm it had plenty of power even for me. I had no problem going down the freeway @80-85mph with more to spare.

If you'd like to email me with more questions, since I'm very close to your size and consider myself pretty knowledgeable about bikes, having ridden on the street since 1977 and currently owning a dozen street legal bikes from 55cc to 1000cc, feel free to do so at Quicklimegirl@hotmail.com . When I'm on one of my bikes on a nice, twisty road, on a warm day, I feel like I'm young and fit again, and at peace with the world.

I encourage you to follow your dream and not worry about your size. My advice is, be happy with yourself at any size, and just focus on being good to yourself each day. Treating yourself to the world of Motorcycle riding is a good way to do so!

Good luck!!

Oct 27, 2011

heavy?
by: Anonymous

Are you afraid of being too heavy or not strong enough. My hubby is well over 375. and his bike can handle both of us plus a trailer. I ride my own and I'm over 200 plus, and I take my daughter at 150 lbs with me most of the time. I have to say that strength plays a little part but not really cause I've seen very small people handle them just fine, The terrain that I have to manueur every day does tests my strength, (gravel and mud lane, 1 mile long). I ride a Yamaha V-star 1100, all year long, don't park it through the winter in Central Illinois.

Oct 27, 2011

You're not too heavy.
by: Wanda

You're not too heavy to ride a motorcycle. Most will easily support 240 lbs. plus luggage. Many men weigh that or more. So, my suggestion is go to some motorcycle shops and/or dealers and just sit on as many bikes as you can. You will find the right one for you. I am partial to BMW, but I also like Triumph. Check out the Triumph Bonneville. The reason I chose to lose weight and get in shape is to feel better and have more stamina to ride more often and longer. Plus, I wanted to look cuter in my riding clothes. Ha. But seriously, being in shape helps you not get as fatigued on longer rides. Happy hunting! Congratulations on embarking on a new and exciting adventure.

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