Let’s face it, because motorcycles predominately have been built for men, a lot of the bikes don’t fit women the way they should. Most women ride perched on the nose of the seat rather than sitting comfortably down in the seat. That’s a starting indicator, can you sit comfortable in the seat or do you feel like you’re nearly sitting on the gas tank?

I’m going to give you a couple of rules of thumb on how to determine if a bike fits you or not.

First and foremost, when you come to a stop, can you plant both feet firmly on the pavement with your knees slightly bent? That is of up most importance in maintaining control of your bike. There are lowering kits and other things you can do to drop your bike a couple of inches, if necessary.

Secondly, are your arms fully extended when you’re simply sitting on the bike? If so, you’ll need to either get extenders on the handlebars, a different set of bars, or a different bike. Now be careful here, because a different set of bars can totally change the handling of the bike.  The reason you don’t want to be fully extended just sitting on the bike is because then you have no turning radius. You will get into situations where you have more turn than you have arm which can be dangerous.  Being over-extended, also causes upper back, neck and shoulder strain. Your arms should have a slight bend at the elbows and be relaxed from the shoulders.

Thirdly, can you sit on the bike with legs comfortably bent and your feet on the pegs or footboards (I switched to footboards several years ago and would never go back, especially if you’re going to do any distance riding). You should be able to shift and brake without having your legs totally extended.

One last thing, the width of the bike is especially important for women. The bike can look low, but if it’s too wide, it won’t be comfortably.  It will feel like the frame and seat cut you in the upper thigh. Trying a bike on for size is like trying on shoes.  They may look great but if they are the least bit uncomfortable when you just try them on, what about after a day of walking? Ouch!!! You may sit on a bike and think you can live with it, but what about a couple of hundred miles later?

I remember the first time I rode a bike that actually fit me. It was a whole new experience! I remember thinking to myself, that’s the way most guys feel when they ride. It was awesome to ride hundreds of miles and at the end of the day not have any sore muscles. And I am in my fifties, so whether you’re young or old, I encourage you girls, ride a bike that fits you, it makes all the difference in the world!