| Author | Message | ||
     Adrenaline_junkie |
My wife is going through this same thing. She really wants a scooter, but I can't find one with a low enough seat height. (need 28" or lower) For right now, I've got her on a 24" kids mountain bike. The next bike I buy her will be a dirt bike. I am in complete agreement with Cycleaddict about learning to ride vs. learning to operate a motorcycle. Learn in the dirt, advance to the street. | ||
| Spike |
The XB9S might be a great bike for her to move up to once she's comfortable on two wheels, but it's not the ideal bike for learning to ride. As others have said, definitely have her take a riding course. Either MSF or Riders Edge is fine. If she's not willing to spend the time/money on the riders course, she's not ready to ride. After taking the riding course she'll have a better idea if it's something she wants to invest it. If she decides to take up riding, get her started on an appropriate beginner bike. The Blast or a Ninja 250 would be fine, but I'd recommend a small dual sport over either of those. The small thumper won't be as cool as something like a Ninja 250, but it crashes a lot better. Also, being able to practice riding in the dirt will really help her build up her skill set and increase her confidence. As an added bonus, a small dual sport will make a great play bike for yourself.  | ||
| Jlnance |
Now the Blast is considered a girly bike Part of that is that the Blast is a very short bike. If you're about 5'4 it will fit you perfectly, and most people around that height are girls. Of course, I'm 6'2 and I still ride one. I'm sure I look like a goof, but it's a fun bike anyway. | ||
| Sweatmark |
1. Training, obviously - either MSF, the H-D program, or equivalent. 2. Blast or equivalent for 1st season. Will be similar if not same as what she rides during intial training program. This assumes she doesn't yet have riding experience. 3. Your XB9S if appropriate for 2nd+ season. And you get a bike upgrade too. Bought my wife an XB9Slow as her 1st bike. The ergonomics were perfect, but the XB9S was too responsive (twitchy & torquey) for her riding comfort. I bought her a BMW that weighed 100 lb. MORE than the XB (with nominally same power) and she was happy. She's now ridden for 3 season and 20+k miles on big Beemers. | ||
| Damnut |
A scooter isn't a bad choice either, but I woudln't count on one to be faster than a Ninja 250. That vespa is about 10hp short and doesn't weigh all that much less. The Ninja will break 100mph, though not much more. never said that it was faster, I said it was quicker. From 0 to top speed I believe that the Vespa I have is quicker than a Ninja 250. It's been a while since I've ridden a Ninja 250 but I remember it being very slow taking off. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
The ninja 250 is a popular choice we take alot of them in on trade. Have her sit on the bikes, and if at all possible demo. The EX500 ninja is only slightly heavier, but a much better longer lasting bike that she will keep for more than a season. And of course dont forget the BLAST . I would avoid the Rebel 250, the geometry on it, for a new rider is a bit awkward. | ||
| Xl1200r |
never said that it was faster, I said it was quicker. From 0 to top speed I believe that the Vespa I have is quicker than a Ninja 250. It's been a while since I've ridden a Ninja 250 but I remember it being very slow taking off. I guess I meant "quicker" in my statement as well. I can't compare the two as I haven't ridden both, but I have a hard time beleiving that the Ninja would be less quick despite it having 50 more cc, twice the cylinders and someting like a 4,500rpm higher redline. Regardless, my point still stands that both would be good options to learn on. Oh boy... now we're bench racing bikes with engines that would have a hard time pushing some lawn tractors i've seen. What has badweb come to... | ||
| Freezerburn |
I can get to top speed faster on my bicycle than my XB12. | ||
| Terribletim |
You guys are killin' me. My wife is 5'-2", and she rides a STOCK Dyna Lowrider. You want my advice? Get her one of those. Also, my wife had NEVER been in control of a bike until she attended the MSF class. Now, she rides circles around most the guys I ride with. How many girls have you seen do Butte, Montana to Sturgis in 1 day? Better yet, she got up at about 7am the next morning wanting to go ride! Soooo. . .Dyna Lowrider, MSF, now! Seriously, while she is still interested, before she changes her mind! Get her on a bike now! | ||
| Borrowedbike |
Oh boy... now we're bench racing bikes with engines that would have a hard time pushing some lawn tractors i've seen. What has badweb come to... It's called "Winter" and it sucks my will to live... | ||
| Reepicheep |
The Super Sherpa is an updated KLR-250, but with a lower seat and electric start. Dirt bikes are easy to ride, cheap to drop, and very un-intimidating. They also let you practice in some really low stress environments. And though its a bit on the low side, the spouse and kids would probably enjoy being able to play on it as well. Probably still on the high side for some women though. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Terribletim, I'm quite happy with my wife's riding ability as well   But starting out on a Dyna? Not a good idea IMHO. My wife did the Rider's Edge course, and a season and a half on a Blast. Then moved up to a CityX as here bike of choice. | ||
| Rydberg |
i got to take a ducati 1100 hypermotard off the line on my stock 12Ss thru 4th gear (traffic, ran out of room). And i din't get over 5,500 rpm. I was impressed. but i knew it would. | ||
| Cowtown |
My wife is 5' tall. When we visited the IMS the only bike she could sit on with both feet flat was the Yamaha (Star) Virago 250. Since it has a V-twin engine it's narrower than for example the Honda Rebel. The V-twin allows more reach for a given inseam. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
she couldn't flat foot a blast???? there are lower seats available for the blast btw. | ||
| Azxb9r |
My wife is 5'5" and will not ride my firebolt because the seat height is higher than she is comfortable with. She has absolutely no problem with her HD fatboy though. I think that women are more afraid of dropping the bike at a stop, than having it get away from them while they are rolling. My advice would be to have her sit on a number of different bikes, and see which ones she is comfortable on, then go from there. | ||
| Petester |
The Honda Shadow 600 is a good beginners bike male or female and I think it looks a lot better than a Blast | ||
| Luckyduck |
GET A BLAST! They are a great bike for your first 100k miles, expecially if you are not so tall (even though I am 5'10" it fits better than my KLR250 did). Remember, it is Harley's most reliable bike, and not at all bad for a 400 mile day with the Corbin saddle. 70mph with 2 up is easy as well. My final decision was down to either the Vespa GTS250ie and the Blast. The Blast won out with extra hp, durability and less maintenance. Paul PS. sorry about yelling at first there, it just strikes me as odd that everyone says get the ninja with a 31.5" seat height instead of the Blast at 25.5" for short people. And by the way, it is a Buell, so lets buy one for the home team. | ||
| Towjam |
Check out the new 250R Kawi +1 Check out the latest review from Cycle World http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3 &article_id=599 (I LOVE bike forums where members don't have blind allegiance to their brand but will recommend the best tool(s) for the job.) | ||
| Chrisb |
Havent read archived part of this thread... My suggestion is a Rebel 250. Easy resell when its outgrown. | ||
| Terribletim |
Azxb9r - I'm with ya' on this part. .
My girl landed on the Dyna and after test riding it the handling could not be beat. Seriously, the Dyna has one of the best designed "center of gravity" you will experience. Well balanced, easy to handle and maneuver, tons of torque (which girls like 'cause it vibrates  ). | ||
| Webspoke |
My wife got her feet wet on my Ducati Monster 750, which has a nice low 28-29" seat height, and was very light and easy powerband. She took the MSF course, then more time on the Duc which she is now handles like a bicycle. We found her XB9S almost by accident, and after a couple of rides, she is loving it. The responsive brakes, handling, and torque quickly overshadow the heavier, taller feel for her (and me as well). As others have mentioned, not the best 1st bike, but a really good 2nd one! | ||
| Bobr |
The MSF course is the way to go. In FL if you pass the course you get your mc license as well. I took the course when my wife took it. It was fun and I learned from it, although I've ridden for years. The Blast is a great bike. My wife uses hers for daily commutes and now owns an xb12ss as well. I've had her Blast up to 90mph (indicated) and it will cruise just fine at 70-80mph on the slab. Hang on to it if you get one-60+mpg is a good thing! I have a xb9sl and a dyna T-sport. I can't see someone starting out on a dyna. True the low is really low but they're very heavy, a high investment of cash, expensive to drop, hard to pick up, and much more likely to cause injury if it ends up on top in a mishap. Great to hear she wants to ride and best of luck. | ||
| Buellpastor |
For a beginning woman I really like the idea of a Blast - Why do you think so many schools (even non-HD) use them? I also like a Triumph Bonneville. They are very controllable, comfortable, and have a certain cache. | ||
| 12x9sl |
+2 on the blast and MSF course. Like Steve my wife started out on a blast for a season and a half (we were living by milwaukee at the time and she put on 12,000 miles commuting and riding in one season). Then we got her a xb9sl because she's 5'2" and 95 pounds. She can ride better than most of our group. In fact we have the most fun riding just the two of us, because we don't stop or slow down much. One of the best things about the blast is the replaceable blinker covers. I think she went through five of them. But she insisted on picking up the bike on her own when she dropped it. I'm soo proud of her riding. She's got her eye on a 1125r now. She's ridden everything that Buell makes except for the uly and the 1125r, but that will change as soon as the demo truck shows up. | ||
| Ezblast |
For everything you wanted to know and more - enjoy! BADWEB Buell Blast EZ | ||
| Retrittion |
My fiancee wants to get a XB12Scg and start riding -- I told her she takes the course first, then we can talk. I'm very supportive of course, but I know she needs to sit on a bike, ride a bike, and learn basics first. After, if she wants a XB12Scg she can get one -- I trust her judgment and I would enjoy having her company on rides. My 2 cents. | ||
| Darthane |
Of course, I'm 6'2 and I still ride one. I'm sure I look like a goof, but it's a fun bike anyway. ~~~>Jlnance My Blast has now been the virgin ride for 4 different people, all of whom now have their riding endorsements. My girlfriend likes to refer to my Blast as 'her' bike...but...well...no. It'll always be mine, no matter how many other bikes I have in the garage. =D I cannot say enough good things about the bike. IMO, everything about it makes it the perfect bike for beginners, those who need to build some riding confidence, or are small enough that most sportbikes simply don't 'fit' them properly. In addition to the riding mechanics being so friendly, it's dirt cheap to fix. I've never spent more than $25 to fix my Blast after it's gone down, and with 4 new riders on it at one point or another, it's been on its side more times than I'd like. I'm about 5'11" and while I'm sure I look pretty goofy on it as well I still occasionally leave the Firebolt in the garage in lieu of the Blast...the damned thing's just so easy and fun to ride! | ||
| Jlnance |
Oh, you've given me an excuse to post a picture from yesterday.  Tank cover was off cause the carb needs further adjustment due to the new pipe. My Blast story. I decided I wanted to learn to ride motorcycles, and I didn't know ANYTHING about them. My wife bought me a Riders Edge class for my birthday and off I went to the Harley dealer to learn to ride. I had no idea what kind of bike I wanted, I assumed it would be a Harley just because I'd heard the name before. There was a Blast in the back of the classroom and I liked it the second I saw it. The class was taught on Blasts of course. I remember on the last day of class, the instructor explaining to us that it would be good not to buy an expensive bike as our first bike because we would drop it, and it hurt less to drop a $4,000 bike compared to a $15,000 one. That was all the encouragement I needed, and I owned the Blast from the back of the classroom 3 days later. The ironic part of that, is that I dropped the Blast exactly once, after owning it for over a year. I was pulling away from a stop sign and the engine stalled while I was leaned over. I managed to set it down gently, as I had one foot on either side of it as it went down. That was my sole new rider learning incident. I think that is impressive as hell, and it's not because I'm a great rider. It's because the Blast is a short bike, which makes it easier to ride. That's why I encourage people to start on a Blast, or something similar. I don't really think that people are going to get themselves killed if they buy a larger bike, most have the sense to stay out of traffic until they are comfortable with the machine. I've just heard too many "I wrecked my new Ducati on the way home from the dealer, and it's going to cost $800 to fix" stories from new riders. Emotionally, that's a terrible way to start your riding career. | ||
| Spatten1 |
Suzuki GS500 Kawasaki EX500 Light, handles well, easy to ride, decent brakes, low enough power, cheap and reliable used bikes. I tell all new riders to get one of these two models. |
