If you have a question, email it togschmitt@womenridersnow.com.
Im a new rider. I just got my license today! Now comes the grueling task of trying to pair me with my first bike. I was leaning towards a Honda Rebel or a Suzuki Boulevard. Someone mentioned the Suzuki may be too heavy for me. He said the Honda Rebel is good, but if something happens it doesnt have that much power to get me out of a situation? Im 5 feet and about 105 pounds. Dont know if that makes a difference.
Someone also recommended the Buell Blast 500cc for a beginner. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Stacie
Hawthorne, New Jersey
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We’ve been test-fitting different motorcycles for my girlfriend recently. She is 5 feet with about 26-inch inseam. Although the Rebel is lightweight and easy to handle, I am concerned about its ability to go cross country at interstate speeds. The engine would be doing close to 100 percent at 75mph in my opinion. We have all but settled on the Shadow Spirit or VLX. The seat height is right and with 600cc I think it will do fine in most areas. Something to consider when searching is not only height but width has quite a bit to do with fit.
First, let me say, it does my heart good to see so many lady riders giving their advice and wisdom to others. It seems like every year, there are more and more women riding their own motorcycles and it puts a big ol’ smile on my face every time I see one on the road! I also took a beginner’s class, and it was the best thing I could have done. So anyone reading these comments, please take the advice and go through a course. It has nothing but benefits and will help you become a better rider. The bike I used through the course was a 250cc Honda Rebel. The bike was easy to handle and let me focus on what I needed, what they were teaching me! I had already purchased a bike before taking the course that I would ride on a regular basis. It was an 800 cc Suzuki Maurauder. I loved that bike! It was light, easily maneuverable, and handled like a dream. The only downside to it, because of my long legs it felt like I was sitting at a dining table the whole time, and on long rides it did tend to get uncomfortable. This was a great bike to ride to get used to riding and gain the confidence needed. I sold the bike after a couple of years and bought a Softail Standard, and still ride it today. When I went to look at the bike, I had already decided, if the bike “fit” me, I was going to buy it! So I went from a 49ci to an 88ci (1400cc). It’s not the size of the motor, it’s the comfort of the bike, both physically and mentally! If you respect the bike, it will respect you.
Congrats on your license. Try different bikes on for size. I started with a Virago 750. It was a good fit and had enough power for the highway. You outgrow anything below a 650 really quickly. On the 750, I could touch the ground easily and the seat height was just right. Handlebars were brought forward for a comfortable reach. Make sure to adjust footpegs, handlebars and get a good fitting seat and you will ride for longer periods and get the practice you need.Remember, you won’t be carrying the bike anywhere, just keep your revs up and keep in the friction zone in slow speeds. Practice those parking lot speeds. I have moved up from a Virago 750, to Heritage Softail 1450 to 1800cc Street Glide. Ride what you feel comfortable riding and have fun.
While some look for a lighter bike to start with, I found that my first bike, the Sporty 883, was too light for the winds here in Wyoming. I was always being blown around on it. No joke. While the light weight gave me confidence in town, once I hit open country, I wasn’t happy with it. I sold it to a new rider and bought a Dyna Super Glide. Much better in the wind and much more comfortable. The lower center of gravity made it easy to handle and a dream to ride. As others have stated, do not buy a bike without at least sitting on it and picking it upright to see how it feels. A test ride would be great, but not always possible. And advice from men regarding what is right for you, while well meaning, has little bearing. Men and women ride differently. Find what feels good to you. That’s what’s important.
Best advice I ever heard regarding first bike is low weight, medium power and $1 to $2’s a cc cause statistically speaking it’s likely to get broke.
Kudos to you for riding, Stacie! I’m a new rider myself, just got my license in March 2014, but am already on my third bike. I listened to the men around me and bought a Honda Shadow 750 for my first bike. After laying it down six times because it was too heavy for a first bike, I gave up. Went back to riding behind my husband. Three months later I felt the itch to try again and got a reasonable 395 pound Honda V Star 250. It was like heaven! It was small enough and short enough for me to make mistakes while learning, yet still could get me back and forth to work. I just stayed off the freeways with it.A month ago I sold it to another new rider – she was so excited – and now I’m on a Harley Sportster 1200T. Learning on a little bike, gaining the confidence to turn and stop and to know when to put your feet down, is beyond valuable. And now I can ride confidently because I have the technique.My opinion? Always start with a little bike, and don’t listen when they talk about needing the power to get out of “situations.” Get what will allow you to gain confidence.
I definitely agree with those who have mentioned test riding before you buy. When I purchased my first bike, I fell in love with the way it looked and felt because it is a completely stripped down, bare bones, no frills, old school bike – all engine, a 2009 Brass Balls Bobber, which is a rigid frame. I still love it! I’m only 5 feet even at 110 pounds and and often get the comment (especially from men) about how they can’t see “how such a little lady can handle such a big bike!” It’s a 1300cc, 80 cubic inch EVO engine and I handle it just fine. However, I ride so many highway miles across Texas and much of that being done on the back roads that are not always smooth and easy so being on a rigid was not very conducive to long distance rides. I considered the Scout as well, but after talking to several mechanics I trust and doing some more research, I decided against it. I was a little concerned when I learned they offered a seven year warranty, which made me wonder how many things they expect to go wrong with it to be offering such a lengthy, almost unheard of, warranty. Also, with all of the recent issues and recalls that have been issued by Polaris (Scout’s manufacturer), I feel as if I dodged a bullet. Instead, I recently invested in a used HD Heritage Softail that I luckily fell upon at a reasonable price. It’s an even larger bike, 1550cc and 86 cubic inch engine that I was already fairly low and I had lowered another inch and a half. I don’t regret either! You should absolutely get something that you are comfortable with and that is adaptable to the type of riding you will be doing. Just keep in mind that simply because some of us might be vertically challenged, it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice what we truly want as long as we are comfortable and confident we can handle it. Many of the heavier weighted bikes have a better and lower center of gravity that makes for a much smoother ride! Best of luck to you and wishing you many years of safe riding on your new iron horse!
When you are a lightweight and not accustomed to how a bike handles in various situations, the weight of the bike becomes very important. I am 5 feet 6 inches 120 pounds. My first bike was too heavy for me and I wound up dropping it doing the simplest of things such as moving it forward in a crab walk or even moving slowly in a turn. My solution was to sell the heavy bike and get a bike in the 300 to 400 pound weight range. There are plenty that have enough power to keep you interested, reasonable on price and have an upright riding position. I bought a Honda CB500F. I ride this bike to work, to do chores on the weekend and for our all day rides for fun. No matter what your choice, don’t buy if you can’t try the bike. That was my first mistake because many of the dealers here won’t allow it. I wound up going across the state to find a dealer who would let me try the bike before buying, but it’s worth it and may keep you from making an expensive mistake.
After years of riding lighter bikes, I’d strongly recommend you don’t worry about weight. Buy the weightier bike on which you can flat-foot it! I’m riding a HD Deluxe and wish I hadn’t been as reticent about the heavier feel years ago.
I personally ride a 900 Vulcan and love it. I have added a lot to it in the five years I have had it. It’s the fifth bike I have owned and like it better than anything else I have had. I’m looking at the new Indian Scout. You should also. They say it’s very light and very low. I’m 65 years old, and fell in love with the Scout, because I don’t think I can handle the big Chieftan Indian Vintage model. Why don’t you take a look at the Indian Scout and decide how you like it.
We reviewed the Indian Scout recently on WRN here at this link. You are right Sue. It is an ideal bike for women; maybe not one’s first bike, but certainly shortly thereafter when a rider has some confidence.
I’d start by thinking about the kind of riding you plan to do. Daily commuter, weekend only rides, 25 miles round trip, 200 miles round trip, etc. Then, what else is important to you? Eye candy, weight, the ability to ride with heated gear or heated accessories? All of that will have an impact on the type of motorcycle you end up with. I personally started with a Suzuki M50. It was around 800cc. I could flat foot it, and it wasn’t overly heavy for me. The only drawback – and the reason I later traded it in – was the brakes were old school, and not as quick on the response as I wanted. I’ve been through a number of bikes since, with my current ride being a Kawasaki Ninja 1000. I chose it, because I wanted the lightest motorcycle I could ride that would still enable me to run heated gear. So check around, look at ALL of the various brands, and try to take advantage of some demo days too. You’ll find your perfect motorcycle.
I started on a Honda Rebel that my late hubby put back together for me. (It had been laying around in pieces in the garage for several years.) I dropped it once in a minor accident while learning. It got a little more banged up. I was bruised and sore for a few days, but got right back to learning. After practicing on it for several months, we found a used Sportster 883 XL in nearly mint condition at a price we could afford. I started my classes right after we bought it, but continued using the school’s provided bike as they were smaller and a little less intimidating. I practiced riding on the Harley outside of class; hubby was always up for a ride, even if it was a short one around town. (He was such a great guy!) I still have and ride the Harley, although now that he’s gone, I mostly ride it back and forth to work. Still enjoy riding, and it makes me feel close to dear hubby. Love the size and handling of the Sportster. It fits me just right.
Bought a Boulevard s50 after getting my license. It’s low enough so I can sit or stand flat footed, and has enough horsepower for me. I’m 52 and am 5 feet 6 inches. It’s a tad heavy, but I love it. Hope you find the one you’re looking for and always remember to ride safe!
My first bike was Suzuki Savage 650 and it was awesome! Only problem — I outgrew it way too quickly. I am 5 feet 4 inches. Got my first bike when I was 60 years old so it handles very easily! Anything smaller I would be concerned you would outgrow it in a couple of months.
I just started riding about a month ago and have a V Star 250 that I love. I’m 5 feet 3 inches and can sit comfortably on it and maneuver it easily. I also took the Mew Rider Academy class on a Harley Street 500 (a few were lower than the standard height) and while it was a good bike to learn on, I feel more comfortable on the 250 while I’m still a newbie. Good luck!
I’ve been riding my Honda Rebel 250 for the last year and a half, and an so very glad that I made it my first bike. For city driving it’s got plenty of get up and go, and it has been so manageable. I feel vey secure with its low seat height, and that has really saved me from dumping it three different times (two parking lots and once getting off gravel). The low height, combined with its light weight, let me use my legs to maintain control and right the bike before it went down. (And I don’t want to scratch my baby cuz it is a really cute bike!). Yes, it does have less power than a bigger bike, but once again, this bike always left me feeling in control and not over-powered. I’ve put 3000 miles on it now, and I am starting to yearn for a bigger bike. On highways I am definitely underpowered compared to my hubby’s 850, and the light weight seems less stable at highway speeds and highway crosswinds. But I do still love my Rebel, and that’s making it a little harder to pick my next bike. (They say you’ll never forget your first!).
Try to ride several bikes before making a decision. Just because some of us love certain bikes and don’t love others, doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same. Honda Rebel isn’t a bad choice. Get a used one, spend time on it, have fun, and sell it later if you decide you want something different.Some of the others don’t recommend Buell Blasts, but I’m 4 feet 11 inches, 117 pounds, and fit my Blast very well. I can flat foot it with the short seat. Two seats were available for the Blast. My own cruiser is a Kawasaki Vulcan 500. It’s about 450 pounds. I’ve ridden it a little over 20,000 miles and keep wishing it were about a hundred pounds lighter. It’s nice for travel, but is extremely difficult for me to pick up from a fall. Fortunately, I’ve only had it fall a few times and had help picking it up. If you really want to ride cruisers, there are several good ones to choose from. The 2015 Vulcan S looks like it’ll be a great bike. Have a look at one as well as the Suzukis, Hondas, and Yamahas. You may find you always will want to be on cruisers, but want variety. I find the more experienced I get, the less I like the riding position and limits of cruisers. That’s why I have my Blast and a dual purpose bike.My Suzuki DR200 fits me very well, but I had to lower it with a shock from a Ninja 500 and I put a skid plate on it. There are several great dual purpose bikes for short riders, Kawasaki Super Sherpa and Yamaha TW250 are a couple more.I’m seriously thinking of trying on a BMW F 650 GS for size, since I know a couple of ladies close to my height who ride them, and selling both my Vulcan and Blast if I can do what I want on the F 650 GS. I’ll have to ride one first. Try not to think of “starter bike.” Try to think of what will be fun and do what you want right now. That’s why I said to get the Rebel, have fun with it, and sell it later if you want something different. If you’re worried about having power available to get out of situations, don’t put yourself in those situations. My biggest pieces of advice are buy used and learn how to work on it so you can save maintenance money. I wish I’d bought my Vulcan used. If I sell it, I won’t be able to get half what I paid for it. Buying an older used Rebel, and keeping it maintained in decent shape, you’ll be able to sell it for nearly what you paid.
After I passed my MSF I began with a Honda Nighthawk to train then a Buell (did not like Buell) then a Vulcan 500…(loved this bike) then bought a Sportster 883 (got rid of fast.) Didn’t like that one either. Went with a Vulcan 800. That’s enough for me. Have ridden this for eight years and I recently got another a Vulcan 500 as I always had fun on that bike. Husband fabricated an engine guard, added floor boards, chromed upper forks, added a tachometer and away I go! Love this bike. I am 5 feet 6 inches, 124 pounds, if this helps. Kawasaki stopped making the Vulcan 500 in 2009, but, there are plenty of them to be had and very reasonable for a first bike. I hear too many comment, “Oh, that’s a training bike.” Well, I can keep up with hubby and he rides a Harley Street Glide. So, go enjoy your adventure on what is comfortable for YOU. (I’m also 60 and learned to ride when I was 51.) (Personally, I recommend the 500 for a first bike.)
Thanks for your advice on the Vulcan 500 Deb. It’s worth noting that this little 500 has 6 speeds so it has a lot of get up and go and is the reason it can keep up with the bigger bikes. I’ve personally ridden this motorcycle and was surprised at all the power it has for such a smaller size bike. That’s its advantage: small to handle, decent size engine.
When I was looking for my first bike I wanted a Buell Blast. Mostly because my husband had a Buell Firebolt and I kinda wanted to “match.” My husband said he was afraid it wouldn’t have enough power when/if I needed it. I’m 5 feet also so finding something was a challenge. We looked at several bikes. Most I couldn’t even touch on. Then my husband called me one day and asked me to meet him at the local Honda dealer during lunch. He’d found a 92 Yamaha Virago 1100 and wanted to see if I could touch the ground. I could and we bought it. I rode that bike for nine years and just recently moved up to a Harley. I did change out the risers for a little more comfort but that was about all I did to it. When I was ready for a new bike, I again, had to consider my height. I sat on a lot of bikes and found a few that were possible choices. Finally settled on a 2012 Harley Super Glide. Now I can’t even come close to being able flat foot this bike but it hasn’t stopped my from putting on over 3000 miles since I got it in July. My point is, sit on a lot of bikes. Pick them up off the side stand. If you can do that and can hold it up, you’ll be fine. Don’t count any bike out until you sit on it. I tried to do that with the Super Glide but once I sat on it, then test rode it, I knew that was the bike for me. Yes I’ve had to again change out my risers for a more comfortable reach, but that is easy-peasy. I did it myself in 10 minutes.I’m glad my husband steered me towards a bigger bike to begin with. Chances are that if you get the smaller bike, it won’t be long before you will feel like you need to move up to something bigger.
I just got my endorsement in April after riding as a passenger on bikes for 40 years. I am 5 feet 3 inches and 135 pounds and bought a Suzuki Boulevard S40 the week after I got my license. It is the perfect starter bike for me. I can plant my feet firmly on the ground, it’s got enough power to get me down the road, it’s easy to maneuver and light enough that I can move it around, roll it backwards to park, etc., and it looks cool! I looked at the Honda Rebel but thought it was too small. Go to dealers and look at them, sit on them, then decide. Good luck, have fun and be safe!
A Honda Rebel is what I started with, and after a few months on it, I was ready to move up to a Harley Sportster 883.
I just got my first bike last week after taking the riding class on a 125. I bought 2005 Harley Davidson 1200XLC. My suggestion have your girlfriends or riding coach go with you. I am thinking of getting a cheap bike to get familiar with riding on real roads and then get back on my bike. It’s a lot of weight as I am 125 pounds and 5 feet 7 inches. I work in an office so it’s harder for me to man handle anything. Just a suggestion as I have dropped it a few times already.
I got my license about five years ago at the age of 49. I’m 5 feet 2 inches and weighed 110 pounds when I got my license. My first motorcycle was the Honda Rebel. I highly recommend it! After I got comfy on the Rebel I moved up to larger bikes. Take your time and don’t let anyone steer you into something you do not feel comfortable on. Take the test ride yourself by purchasing from craigslist. Don’t ask a friend, spouse, etc. to test ride for you, because if you’re not comfortable taking a test ride then you won’t be comfortable riding it after you purchase it. I also loved my Honda Reflex (scooter). It was awesome!
You’ve gotten a lot of good information. I read the beginners section here extensively and repeatedly as I was coming up on taking my MSF course this August. There is a lot of advice out there about starting on a 250cc bike. There is merit to this since that is usually what is used in the regular MSF classes (though Harley’s class uses a 500cc bike they sell). The ability to flatfoot I have heard isn’t everything, but I think for a new rider, it helps give you confidence in the balance of the bike at a stop.Used is always a good idea, as it is when you first learn to drive a car…you’re probably going to beat it up. Anyway, what I wound up doing was sitting on a lot of bikes and getting advice from people I know who have ridden a long time, including a female MSF instructor I know from New Hampshire. They advised the the fit is more important and maybe staying under 800cc merely for the fact of the weight especially in the beginning with those slow maneuvers where you will feel the weight of the bike most.In the end, I wound up buying a 2003 Honda Shadow ACE 750 which weighs about 500 pounds. I liked it. It felt smoother all around than the Suzukis we took the course on. I did drop it twice…topped while getting ready to make a turn practicing in the parking lot. With a heavier bike you might need to spend a bit more practice time in an empty lot before venturing out into traffic, but that time is well spent. I spent a month in the lot and then slowly worked myself onto local streets and then the bigger streets in our area. I’m thoroughly happy I bought my 750. I did pick the bike up myself after one of the drops because I had watched numerous videos on YouTube of how to pick up a dropped bike. Worked like a charm.Go with what fits your size well and feels ergonomically comfortable as well as light enough that you know you can get it back up if or when you drop it.Good luck! I’ve been having a blast the last couple of months since the course. I’m sad that the really cold weather and ice and snow are coming here in the Northeast soon and I’ll be putting the bike away for winter, but I really look forward to next season and going all over the place. Take your time and you’ll do really well.
I am 4 feet 10 inches and weigh about 110 pounds. I have a 1987 Honda Rebel with 9000 miles on it. I love the Rebel. First of all, I removed the rear pegs, it’s far too small to consider taking a passenger on it. The seat height is just 27 inches, it’s lightweight and compact, which means that it is super maneuverable. It has plenty of speed, I’ve gone 65+mph with no problems. The seat is very comfortable for me. The body style has changed in newer years and you will find that with the body change the battery cover will hit your inner thigh more than an older mode. Probably why I never plan to sell mine. Curb weight is a little over 300 pounds, the HD Sportster 883 is more than 500 pounds. Two hundred pounds makes a huge difference when you’re just learning to ride and you need to learn to hold the bike on a hill. It’s a great first bike and I highly recommend it. Mine has been very reliable, the services are easily performed by me, oil changes, new battery, etc. The one complaint I do have about the Rebel is that if you’re driving in windy conditions the bike will feel like it’s drifting with the wind. You do feel a bit tossed around, I wouldn’t recommend it for the highway either as acceleration isn’t quite as fast as you really need to achieve a safe speed. But, I love mine to cruise around town, I installed bags on it and often use it to take a quick trip to the store. My ‘other’ bike is a recent upgrade to a HD 883 Hugger with a slammed down lowering kit. I look forward to it’s enhanced performance and the ability to keep up with my taller friends who have Harleys. So, put aside the Harley until you’re a confident rider and start on something just a bit lighter a lower, then when you’re ready, jump up to the Harley. Ride Safe!Cindy
I’ve been riding for about five years. I started on the Suzuki Boulevard. Loved the bike when I bought it, BUT bought it before I really knew how to ride. Hubby dropped it and it was totaled by insurance company. I now have a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. I love, love, love the Kaw! It is so much more balanced than the Boulevard was. Lighter and easier to handle.
Best advice I got was from other women.1. Get a cheap used bike, why? Because your are going to fall down probably in the garage. Why? So you have time to attend bike shows and test ride, bike events and test ride, and dealerships and test ride, which is much easier after you have done a couple of thousand miles and know what you are looking for. I did and spent $2500, and later sold for $3500 and researched and looked and looked until I found what made my heart skip a beat. Bought my current bike, which I just love. She has 145,000 miles and I’m not tired of her yet.
At the very short height of 5 feet, I have a Ridley Auto-Glide that I love. My daughter, who is also a light weight, has a Honda Shadow C2 750 that is also low enough for me to ride comfortably and has the power to move if and when needed. Best suggestion is to go sit on some bikes, lift them up and see how they feel till you feel the right one. That is what I did
I just got my license this year also. I started out on my husband’s bike but never felt very comfortable on it. After riding for a month I bought Honda Shadow Aero. It is a smaller bike with plenty of power for a beginner. It also handles very good. Good luck with choosing a bike.
Your strength and even your experience are unknown but your height and weight would imply a shorter and lighter weight bike would be better for a starter bike. Each larger size engine comes with more power but also heavier weight and often a taller seat height and higher price. If you are going to stick with riding and possibly trade several times, I always suggest starting with the cheaper-lighter-shorter bike since you will more than likely lose money at each trade.Yamaha, V Star Custom, 650cc – $7000Suzuki, Boulevard S40, 652cc – $5700Harley Davidson, Iron 883, 883cc – $8400Triumph, Bonneville, 865cc – $7900You might also want to consider a maxi scooter/a> but they are all pretty tall for me and I’m 5 feet 9 inches tall. Vespa GTS 300, 278 cc – $5500 – Speed: 80 mphSuzuki Burgman 400 ABS, 400cc – $8000
There is no comparison between these bikes. The Buell has better features and that could take yourself out of dangerous situations.
I have a Yamaha V Star 250. Like it a lot. After three years I may be moving up!
I am a new rider as of August of this year. I found a Honda Shadow 600. It is perfect for a first bike. I was told I would outgrow the Rebel too fast. I am more comfortable on the Shadow than I was on the Harley-Davidson Street 500 that I used in class [Harley-Davidson’s Training Academy – Editor]. And the price was great.
I started with a Suzuki 250 and it was fine, but I rarely hit the highway with it; it was mostly an around town bike. Now I ride a Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Suzuki feels really light. I’d recommend trying out a few bikes to find the one that you’re most comfortable with when it comes to the weight, power and fit. I’m only 5 feet 2 inches and I know getting feet flat on the ground can be a challenge.Good luck and have a fun!
I am a pretty new rider as well. Made the mistake of buying a Sportster 883 before taking the class thinking that it fit me well, not too heavy, etc. Then I took the class on a 250cc bike and was scared to ride my Harley afterward. I bought a used Honda Rebel just to get my confidence up.I like the Rebel because it is not heavy, easier to maneuver allowing me to practice the things I learned. It would be a great bike for in town and back road riding, don’t know I’d want to get on interstate and go very far. BTW, I am 5 feet 6 inches, 125 pounds. My advice is to test ride several bikes if possible because each will ride just a little different and you definitely want to be confident that you can handle the bike.
I started on a Suzuki Boulevard but I am 5 feet 10 inches and heavier. My girlfriend started on a Honda Shadow 600cc. It was short for her since she is only an inch or two shorter then me. It was a great starter bike with it being a bit shorter to the ground; it’s a cruiser style with enough power to get her going if in trouble. My best suggestion is to go sit on a number of bikes to get the right feel for what’s comfortable. That’s what I did and I always went back to that Suzuki! I now have a Harley Street Glide but I rode my first one for five years. Great job on getting your endorsement and good luck in riding!
Hi Stacie, I would not recommend the Buell for you because I think the seat would be a bit too high. Also, since HD no longer manufactures Buell there is little resale value and parts will be harder to come by. The Suzuki Boulevard S40 650cc is your best bet, as it has much more power than a 250 but it’s still a newbie-friendly bike. Only you will know if it’s too heavy for you. I suggest going to a dealership and trying one on for size. If you do find it heavy, try a V Star 250. It has a little more power than the Rebel but it’s still a small, light bike. Hope this helps.
Start with being fit for your size. My wife is 5 feet 1 inch. You will want to find a bike that sits low, so that your feet can be level on the ground as you sit in the saddle. Next, make sure the grips are in easy/comfortable reach, and make sure rear brake pedal and gear shift are within easy/comfortable reach. Finally, as has already been shared with you, make sure the weight is comfortable for you. Have the seller show you to correctly upright the bike from a down position, and make sure you can do that.Once you have the right fit, ask yourself what type of riding do you plan to do? A sport bike accelerates quicker, but may or may not be as comfortable of a ride. On short rides it won’t matter much. If you want to take trips on it eventually, you may want to find a bike that fits but offers more luggage capacity.Most dealers schedule demo days, where as long as you have a motorcycle license and a helmet, you can test ride all of their models. Once you have narrowed it down to a single bike or two, check local want ads and cycle trader, as there are many good deals in the used bike market. The advantage of buying from a dealer is you can often get a warranty on the bike, which may give you some piece of mind.None of us know what bike we want until we try a bunch of them, so take your time and don’t let anyone push you!