“Hey ladies, I’m just starting to ride and I’m looking for a good starter bike. My dream bike is a GXR600 black with pink flames. If you know where I can find one, please let me know.”
Yikes. This cry for help got me thinking: what makes a good starter bike for women? Bikes aren’t gender specific (unless it’s that Yamaha FZ6 with the “fiercely feminine” graphics the salesguy always wants me to sit on). But certain generalities seem fair to consider: most women are shorter and lighter than most men, and height and weight make a difference on a motorcycle.
A beginner bike is a first bike. This is not the same as a dream bike; think of it as the first baby step on a path. Visit every dealer you can find. Sit on a variety of bikes, even if they’re ugly. Put aside the wishes of your partner and the motorcycle salesguy and pay attention to sitting position, reach, controls, and weight.
You’ll learn if you’re more comfortable on a sportbike (pegs toward the rear), a cruiser with forward controls, or the more upright riding position of a standard bike. Check the reach to the bars and see if your hands like the adjustment of the brake and clutch levers. While you’re seated, lift it from the sidestand. Does it feel balanced? Your skills will improve faster and your confidence will soar if you start on a smaller machine. Once you know if you’d prefer a cruiser, or a sportbike, or a standard, the fun begins. Here are a few great beginner bikes to consider in each category:
Beginner sport bikes:
These bikes have the most aggressive riding position and some don’t find them comfortable for any distance riding. But they are fun!
Beginner Cruiser/Standard:
These bikes have the lowest seat height and allow shorter women to plant both feet on the ground. There’s also the culture thing.
Standard:
Great for quick scoot around the mountain or a long distance trip.
Dual Sport: All-rounder, if you want to ride the streets and some gravel or dirt roads.
Consider buying used. If you’re still loving that Ducati Monster or Harley Sportster, remember this: You are 90% more likely to drop your bike in your first year of riding than you are at any other time in your riding career. Get a first bike, learn well, then pass it on!
