The first question most people ask when deciding to ride a motorcycle is, “What bike is the best for me in terms of fit and for building confidence and practicing skills?” WRN has updated its hugely popular section called “I Want To Ride A Motorcycle” with a new list of beginner bikes and since last week when we first posted this weve added one more important motorcycle to the list. Our proprietary list of motorcycles is gleaned from years of interviewing and hearing from thousands of beginning women riders.
Find out what the most popular motorcycles are for women riders just getting into motorcycling, plus read the comments WRN readers posted over the last week. Our list covers cruisers and sportbikes, and new and used from major manufacturers and alternative brands.
I just returned from a two-year tour in Iraq. This was my fourth trip. When I got home I took the Rider's Edge course. The course was wonderful amd my fellow riders were wonderful. The instructors were super and full of knowledge.
Before I took the course, I spoke with several individuals about what bike would be the best for me. I am so glad I didn't do the “Beginner Bike” thing and buy a Sportster. I graduated on 22 July and walked over to the dealership & purchased a 2006 Harley Davidson VRSCA – V Rod 1130cc. It's the best thing I could have ever done. It's low enough and really steady. Of course, it was used, which made the decision all that much easier.
It's 15 September and I've put more than 2000 miles on that bike. I ride it to work every night. It's so much easier to handle than the Buell Blast. I am so glad I made that choice. I can go anywhere. Now, all I need is a bigger tank (which is available), and I'll be ready to take on the longer hauls. I don't have to worry about outgrowing this one.
I wrote an earlier comment and stated I was looking at a Rebel after owning a Honda Shadow 600. After testing out the 450 Rebel I bought a VLX. It is so much bike for the money and knowing I won't outgrow It in a season. They are great bikes with lots of power and easy to handle.
I have been riding more than a year now and started this awesome adventure with a 2006 Honda Shadow 600 VLX. After taking the motorcycle safety course I thought I would purchase a Yamaha 250 Virago. My husband rides a H-D Street Glide and luckily talked me out of the 250 as he wanted me to somewhat keep up with him. The Honda Shadow is absolutely perfect for a beginning rider, and a woman. I could completely handle the bike myself and was very confident riding alone. My husband surprised me for my birthday in May with a 2009 H-D Sportster XL883L and I am truly in heaven! I believe if I would have purchased a 250 I would have wanted to move up to a bigger bike much sooner.
I am a woman around 5 feet 5 inches and just turned 51 years this past May. My son purchased a Hyosung 250 sportbike and it was an awesome bike and comes at a great price. He, too, moved up to larger bike within six months of purchasing the 250.
I started riding two months ago after taking the two-day beginner class that resulted in my license. To-date I have put on 2,000 miles even with an unusually wet summer here in Maine. I purchased a Yamaha Virago 250cc from a women who had outgrown the bike after only 400 miles. Great price, great starter bike.
I now have outgrown it for what I want to do, but so appreciate the size, power, and ease I have experience with my Virago. I recommend it for anyone starting out. It is lightweight, you can hold it on a hill with ease and just enough power to keep you out of trouble. I am 5 feet 3 inches so the low profile worked for me too, and I know what I want now. Forward controls, 25-inch seat and short reach. Now I can go into any dealership and talk with confidence without worrying that I might get talked into a bike I won't be happy with.
And my Virago, I have at least three people who will buy it from me for what I paid for it. You can beat that. I would recommend any new rider start off on a bike they feel comfortable with and go from there. If it wasn't for the need to drive on the highway, I would never sell my Virago and I will be sad when I do.
One fact I haven't seen mentioned about purchasing a bike is proximity to the dealership. To me it was a big consideration because
I knew that I would need servicing on a regular basis, and I would want to visit the dealer to buy parts/clothes/oil, etc. And there is always the possibilty of breaking down and having the dealer near is important for that, in case i need to be towed.
I owned a 2002 Honda VLX two two years ago. I rode alone a few times and just felt as a beginner riding alone it was too much at the time. I sold it last summer and am now looking at a Rebel. I think this would be better to learn on and not feel intimidated, and next summer I will buy a new VLX.
I looked at a lot of bikes to start on, and I kept coming back to Hyosung GV 250 and the GV 650. Both great beginner bikes. Light weight, well balanced good safty features and rideability. I have the GV 650 and love it. I am 5 feet 5 inches and a plus-sized 50 year old, so the adjustable foot pegs came in quite handy. Give these bikes a closer look before you decide. I think you will be pleased.