Women motorcyclists?

[larakitten]

Hi, i am thinking of learning to ride a mototbike! Just wondered if there were any other biker chicks out there? how do you find handling a bike, given im a bit on the short side? is it easy to learn? what bikes do you all have?

Have to say, im a total novice, so any pointers would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

exx

[Impret-Sir]

Lara, Hope you dont mind me answering this, I am a male motorcyclist, but I have several female bike owning friends, who are all very competant riders, and who all really enjoy being on their bikes. They all got plenty of training, and started off with small, lightweight bikes, but now at least one of them rides a decent sized middleweight that many men own as well. For girls who are a bit on the short side, bikes of the 400cc class are popular, like Honda's CBR400 or VFR400, they have low seat heights and a quite lightweight, but are still fast enough for most people and handle really well too.

You might prefer to start of something smaller until you gain more confidence (and some no claims discount!) like a CG125, which is easy to ride and cheap to run.

For a first bike I would reccomend you get a biking friend to come with you to look at anything you are thinking of buying, and maybe getting a bike from a dealer would be a good idea, rather than buying privately, they will often do a good deal on some clothing and/or a helmet at the same time. Remember, get the best protective stuff you can afford, and take care of it, so it can take care of you.

I would get some insurance quotes on any bikes you are thinking about, bike premiums are going up all the time and can be surprising expensive.

But, it you can do it, do it! biking is a whole different world to being in a car, and you will find that other riders are a friendly lot, more so than car drivers, always willing to give advice and a helping hand.

As a final note, I am sure their is at least one female motorcyclists club around, try doing a search on Google, joining them would be a good idea.

[landie]

Larakitten, theres a column in the Sunday Times (Driving supplement) written by a lady biker. You could read up some back issues or write in to her, Forgotten her name sorry.

[larakitten]

thank you so much for the tips! impret-sir, i dont mind you answering at all!  its so nice to just get some advice and suggestions.  Was def gonna start with a 125, something managable and easy to let me gain some confidence!

am keen to read up lots before i take my CBT, so will search for the times column.....

......cant wait to feel the wind in my hair!!!!

x 

[Impret-Sir]

well sadly, you wont feel the wind in your hair unless you have forgotten your helmet!

[larakitten]

true impret-sir......but i have long hair so at least some of it will feel the rush!!!!!

x

[mycatis]

That's my next plan once I've passed my car test! I want to get some experience on the road first before I learn on a bike. I fell out with someone once cause I suggested that his girlfriend maybe shouldnt drive his bike ( a Z ) cause it was too heavy for her if she fell off and it landed on her, I'm a girl and dont think I was being sexist

[lethologica]

I passed my theory bike test on friday and am hoping to do my CBT soon...

Good luck with it! (I'm also female btw)

[landie]

Her name's Jane Omorogbe and this week is on page 23 of the 'Driving' supplement. You may be able to view online.

[larakitten]

congrats lethologica!!!!!!

Ive boooked my CBT for a week on Thursday....eek!!

xx

[Harleylady]

Hi Lara

I'm 43 and until last year had never been on a bike. I took a direct access course with a local instructor and passed my test second time on a 500 ccc Honda.

Since then I've been trying to find the perfect bike. I've tried lots of 600cc bikes i.e Yamaha Fazer, Suzuki Bandit, BMW 650GS and all are a bit on the tall side for anyone under 5ft 6ins (how tall are you?) I've just discovered Harley Davidsons and am amazed how easy they are to ride. Although they are heavy they are so low you can control the weight without any problems.

If you don't fancy the idea of a Harley (and many people don't I know) I'd say from my experience the Fazer is the best "big bike" for a short woman.

As for Jane Omorogbe, I met her a few months ago and she's a great advert for women bikers. She only learned to ride five years ago and is reckoned to be one of the best. She's got the advantage of being six foot tall which helps.

Hope you pass your test and get a bike

[larakitten]

good for you harleylady!

im determined to do this, sitting CBT next week!  do prefer the idea of a sports bike instead of a cruiser, but being only 5'2", looking for something small!  think id like to start with a Aprilia 125, had a shot of a mates and it feels a good size to begin.

So good to hear of other women doing this!  Lets go girls!!

x