The most common question heard from a woman fresh out of MSF school is, "now, what style of motorcycle should I buy?" Sportbike, cruiser, sport-tourer, standard. A lot depends on the kind of riding you’ll be doing. If you’re leaning towards a sportbike, no doubt, you probably are not into cruising. The challenge of the ride is more your domain. If you just want to start slow and learn the basics, many women choose a more standard "street" style motorcycle. If you want to tour, take the slower lane, be a part of the motorcycle lifestyle, you’ll probably end up on a cruiser style bike. The majority of riders end up trading out their first motorcycle after a year or two anyway, after they’ve had a chance to experience the sport. By then, their motorcycling wants and needs are usually more defined. So, don’t be dismayed if you find yourself growing out of your first ride.
Once you’ve decided on the style of motorcycle you want, you must determine the size. With the great variety of models on the market, it is possible to find a machine with your desired engine size that will fit your body. Here are some features to look for to help in fitting smaller bodies: low and/or narrow seat, low cycle weight, low center of gravity, longer handlebars
Ask lots of questions. Gina gets answers from James Parker of All County Cycles in Boca Raton, Florida.
Select the motorcycle for yourself rather than buying the one your spouse would like to have as a second bike, or taking a friend's old cast-off because it is free. Select a bike that takes into account your needs in terms of body size and skill level.
If a bike is not a perfect fit, there are many ways to alter it for a better fit. Before buying something that will have to be altered, get full details of proposed changes, including cost. Always ask, "How will this compromise the performance of the bike?" Nearly all of changes have some negative side effect. For example, if you lower the forks and shocks too much, you may find the bike bottoms out when you ride over a bump. If you remove a lot of padding from the seat, you may not be able to sit comfortably. If you put on low profile tires, your odometer/speedometer readings will become inaccurate.
Since many motorcycles are designed for persons with an inseam more than 30 inches and body weight of 150 to 180 pounds, many women begin at a disadvantage if they wish to ride the larger touring or sportbikes. Why is this? Shorter legs provide less contact with the ground and less control when backing, parking, or stopping. Shorter arms provide less control in steering and less upper body strength means more difficulty in moving the bike up from a leaning position. Lower body weight means less stability of the machine while riding. Smaller people need different strategies for picking up a fallen bike.
In order to keep up with their male riding companions, many women often feel they are forced to ride beyond their ability on a bike that doesn't fit. Women can change this by selecting a motorcycle that fits, and increasing their riding skills to compensate for any lack of height or strength.
My motto: If you can't muscle it, you must learn to finesse it. Skill training classes abound. Most states offer a basic motorcycle skills course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. There are many private schools as well. Specialty courses in racing skills, dirt bike riding, and ice riding (yes, motorcycle riding on the ice!) are also available from various agencies or schools. Remember, if the desire is there, coupled with the required skills, you can ride anything.
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