Within the last few years, women have been casting aside the outdated thought that motorcycles are strictly a man's mode of transportation. More and more women are taking to the streets with their own motorcycles. Choosing a good motorcycle is an important step in the learning process, as the right bike will help a woman build confidence in her motorcycle-riding skills.
Identifying Your Needs
- As a new motorcycle rider, you may be thinking about long rides along the open road. But getting to the point that you can confidently ride down your neighborhood road is more important than cross-country travel. Keeping your long-term goals in mind can help you select the right machine. Deciding what style of motorcycle you prefer will allow you to select from a range of machines. An ideal starter bike should have an engine displacement -- a relative measurement of the engine's performance potential -- between 250 to 650 cc. Smaller motorcycles will be easier to ride and operate as a beginner, but their power output can be outgrown as skills increase. Larger motorcycles may be a bit more imposing at the beginning, both in power output and sheer weight, but will be enough to keep you entertained for years.
Small-Displacement Motorcycles
- Small-displacement motorcycles have the distinct advantage of being lightweight and easy to ride, and they offer exceptional fuel economy. On the other hand, most riders upgrade to larger machines as soon as they feel confident to do so, as the smaller engines produce less power than their larger counterparts. Although the range of available machines is not as broad, there are several options that fall into the cruiser, standard, sport and Enduro categories. The Kawasaki Eliminator 125, Yamaha V Star 250, Suzuki GZ250 and Honda Rebel 250 are excellent mini-cruisers, while the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda CBR250RR have been praised as near-perfect beginner's sport bikes. Suzuki's TU250 is a versatile option that exemplifies the does-it-all standard-style motorcycle. Kawasaki's KLX 250 and the Yamaha WR250 are great starters for riding on and off of the road.
Middleweight Motorcycles
- Although physically larger and more powerful than their lightweight counterparts, demanding a steeper learning curve, a middleweight motorcycle will not be outgrown as easily. Several models stand out in this crowd, starting with the Ninja 500 and 650, both slightly less-aggressive variations of Kawasaki's popular Ninja sport bikes that double as capable commuters. The Suzuki GS500 and 650 are user-friendly, versatile sporty motorcycles. Kawasaki and Yamaha also offer cruisers within the 600 cc range, the Vulcan 500 and V Star 600, respectively.
Heavyweight Motorcycles
- The heavyweight category is mostly occupied by cruiser-style motorcycles, which typically have an engine displacement between 750 to 900 cc. These models are usually heavier and require a bit more effort to ride, but not to the point of being too difficult for a new rider to manage. Many of these machines feature lower seat heights that may be more comfortable for a woman's smaller frame. Prime examples include Harley-Davidson's 883 cc Sportster, Honda's Shadow RS, Kawasaki's Vulcan 800 and Suzuki's C-50 Boulevard cruiser.
Ride Within Your Limits
- The motorcycles listed in the previous sections are not the end-all, be-all of starter motorcycles. However, several models were omitted due to the additional skills needed to ride them safely. Most notably are the myriad high-performance sport bikes, mostly within the 600 cc range. While the smaller engine-displacement may seem like they are easily controlled, modern middleweight sport bikes rival or exceed the performance levels of many older and larger sport bikes. These bikes require precise control to ride safely, making them a less-than-optimal choice for a new rider. Larger cruisers and touring motorcycles can be cumbersome, especially at lower speeds. These bikes should be avoided until you have mastered low-speed maneuvers.
Posted in: Recreational Vehicles