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To ride, or not to ride ...

by Gayle
(Marshville, NC, USA)

Gayle ... trying it on for size!

I used to love to ride and had a Yamaha of my own ... but that was many years ago (1985) ... before my first husband died from severe head trama after wrecking his bike. I haven't been on one since then ... until today. I remarried 5 years ago and my current husband and I have been discussing buying a Goldwing, but I wasn't sure if I could ride again, emotionally. I told him if I'm going to consider it, I want to take the Motorcycle Safety Course through our local community college, so we both registered for that this past weekend (we go in August). A friend of ours has a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 she is wanting to sell, so we went to see it today. After he drove it, I worked up my nerve and rode with him. It was more emotional than I realized it was going to be, but I was very comfortable and not at all scared.

SO - now that I am a "mature" woman, I'd like some feedback from other women on how to proceed. I do think I want to at LEAST ride with my husband, but I used to love to ride solo and truly believe I could again. The Vulcan 500 really "fits" me, but it's also the only one I've "tried on". What do you ladies recommend for a "re-starter" bike? What about riding gear? I'm open to any/all suggestions and/or recommendations.

Thanks, y'all!
Gayle

Comments for To ride, or not to ride ...

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Jul 18, 2012

Just a few thoughts
by: Dawn

I started riding my own mc again after a 20 year break back in January. I've been riding with my hubby for the last 3 years. I had stopped riding when I got pregnant with our wow 20 year old twins. Here are my few suggestions: Ride within your comfort level (husband sometimes unknowingly pushes me beyond what I am comfortable with like speed and corner aggression). Join a local riding group so that you have a support network. Be careful that they are all about riding and not bar hopping. We've been members of our group for years. The best riders are so willing to take new riders out to practice and there is so much comfort in knowing that you have others with you to help. Really talk to other riders about the motorcycle you are considering buying. I found that a bigger bike was easier to handle for me because it did not feel bouncy at highway speeds and felt more stable. Best of luck!

Jun 28, 2012

Go for it -
by: Piper

After 25 years, I just got back on a bike. Although I have moments of tenseness - I feel so much better. I am taking it slow and letting everyone pass me who's in a hurry! I truly am sorry for your loss, I have had friends killed and severly injured on motorcycles...but people also die in accidents with trucks, jetski's, planes, trains and automobiles. If you want to ride you will. I just restarted on a Honda 750 Shadow - a 500 sounds like it will suit you fine if you're comfortable. Take it slow, bike safe, and God Bless!
(A Nurse who's done Traumatic Brain Injury)

Jun 28, 2012

Good for You
by: TammyT

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your first husband. How awful that must have been. I am very impressed that you are working through your emotions and open to riding again. Way to go, girl. I too rode years ago on my own, (I'm 53 now) and since then I had been a passenger only. I took the MSF course and had been wanting my own bike for a couple years when one became available through a friend. Just like you, I tried it out and it fit perfectly. If you think it's a good buy, get the bike, take your course and see how you feel. Take it slow and it will all come back to you. Surprisingly, I have not been scared or too nervous since getting back in the driver's seat. I think you'll do great. If it doesn't work out, you can always sell it.

Jun 26, 2012

I give you lot of credit!
by: Lynn - FL

That bike looks like it fits you perfectly. I give you lots of credit for even thinking about riding again - either on back or on your own.

I also have had good luck with Xelement gear. I find the best selection on Leatherup.com. They have an excellent selection of women's boots.

Jun 26, 2012

gear
by: robin_uganda

Hi Gayle, you really are a fighter & I'm so glad you're feeling comfortable with getting on 2 wheels again. I just had a comment about some gear that I've found to be tremendous: Xelement. The jackets with padding are light, beautifully made, the pants the same--excellent & they also have awesome boots too. So my 2 cents would be to have a peek at their stuff. It's nice! Wishing you safe & smooth sailing in the years to come!

Jun 26, 2012

Vulcan 500
by: Donna

Congrats on having the courage to ride again Gayle. I also took the MSF course in June. It is well worth the time and money. I bought a Kawa Vulcan 500 for my first bike as well. It fits me perfectly. I am 5'7". I am comfortable with the weight of the bike, most importantly. It is a great starter bike! Down the road I may upgrade to something a little bigger. The 500 is light in the wind, my only real complaint. I would suggest investing in sturdy, over the ankle, boots with a nice oil resistant sole and a lightweight jacket with armour and some gloves. My first few months I rode with gear on all the time, until I felt comfortable with my own skill level, but now I can ride w/o my gloves and sometimes with a lighter jacket when it is really hot out. Welcome back to riding :-) Enjoy!

Jun 26, 2012

ride
by: Patti

I think signing up for the rider course was a very smart thing to do. If you haven't decided by then whether or not you want to solo, you will know for certain at least by the end of the course. If the Kawi fits you well, go for it, but if you're curious, go to a dealer that sells a number of brands and "try some on for size" that are within the same size/weight range. I am also a "mature" woman, but am about 5'3". I ride an 1100 V-Star. I tried several bikes and felt the V-Star fit me best. It really doesn't matter what brand bike you go with. In the end, it's what you're most comfortable on. That, along with more experience, will help you build the confidence you need for solo riding again.

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