LADIES - First Bike for a chubby gal????
LADIES - First Bike for a chubby gal????
Hi, I am new to this forum but have enjoyed reading the posts tremendously. I am a "big girl" (at least in weight - nearly 300#), but only 5'1 3/4" (yes that 3/4" counts ). Anyway, I have been riding a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter for the past year and am ready to try a manual transmission.
I am taking the MSF course next weekend, so I am sure I will be able to sit on different bikes, but I wanted to ask the experts - women who ride - what the best starter bike for me would be. I have read a lot on different forums about 250cc bikes (GZ250, Rebel, Ninja), but I am concerned that with my weight, none of those bikes will really pull. I do not want to peel out and do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds or anything, but want to enjoy the ride bike enough to ride often. Also, I have images of the Flintstones in my head - peddling with my feet because I am too big for the bike.
I need to build up skill and confidence in my ability to handle a motorcycle before moving up to something else. Thanks in advance for any advice/input.
I am taking the MSF course next weekend, so I am sure I will be able to sit on different bikes, but I wanted to ask the experts - women who ride - what the best starter bike for me would be. I have read a lot on different forums about 250cc bikes (GZ250, Rebel, Ninja), but I am concerned that with my weight, none of those bikes will really pull. I do not want to peel out and do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds or anything, but want to enjoy the ride bike enough to ride often. Also, I have images of the Flintstones in my head - peddling with my feet because I am too big for the bike.
I need to build up skill and confidence in my ability to handle a motorcycle before moving up to something else. Thanks in advance for any advice/input.
- Z (fka Sweet Tooth)
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Are you looking for a sport bike or a cruiser?
If you've been riding around on a 400 scooter for the past year I can't imagine why you would have trouble with something like a 650 cruiser. Take the class first, make sure it's for you, then hit the dealerships and try them out for size.
If you've been riding around on a 400 scooter for the past year I can't imagine why you would have trouble with something like a 650 cruiser. Take the class first, make sure it's for you, then hit the dealerships and try them out for size.
2006 VTX 1300 R
Life looks alot better through a set of handlebars!!
Life looks alot better through a set of handlebars!!
- CNF2002
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Sit on the bikes for comfort, not necessarily the engine size. The small 30hp bikes wont even notice your weight.
At 5 feet I think height should be your main concern...find a bike that has a low seat (or low seat option) that you can flatfoot it when stopped.
At 5 feet I think height should be your main concern...find a bike that has a low seat (or low seat option) that you can flatfoot it when stopped.
2002 Buell Blast 500 /¦\
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[url=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=11790]Confessions of a Commuter[/url]
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[url=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=11790]Confessions of a Commuter[/url]
- Z (fka Sweet Tooth)
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- bok
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after the course depending on your comfort level, you wouldn't be out of line looking at a 650 V-Star or 750 Shadow. Both of those have fairly low seat heights compared to something like the ninja 250.
Keep at the weight watchers, not only is it good for you, but it will help your riding by making your balance a bit better.
Keep at the weight watchers, not only is it good for you, but it will help your riding by making your balance a bit better.
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Short Biker List
A good resource for new riders, female motorcyclists and precision-sized male riders is the Short Biker List web site and mailing list: http://www.ki.org/sbl
Here is a list of beginner motorcycles to consider, listed by size:
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl.html
Here are suggestions for techniques for short riders:
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.faq.html
Mad Mac
www.best-motorcycle.com
Here is a list of beginner motorcycles to consider, listed by size:
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl.html
Here are suggestions for techniques for short riders:
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.faq.html
Mad Mac
www.best-motorcycle.com
- sharpmagna
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check out the yamaha vstar custom/classic. they're both 650cc models that have low seat heights. or if you think you can handle a slightly larger bike, check out the suzuki boulevard 50ci models.
don't let your weight hold you back. a guy at work who's pretty large but dropping the weight has been showing interest after I got my bike. I'm trying to help him get over his reservations on the bikes he wants to try.
don't let your weight hold you back. a guy at work who's pretty large but dropping the weight has been showing interest after I got my bike. I'm trying to help him get over his reservations on the bikes he wants to try.
1987 Honda <B>SUPER</B> Magna
[i]Bikesexual - I like to ride it long and hard...[/i]
[i]Bikesexual - I like to ride it long and hard...[/i]
- Loonette
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I'm on the heavier side as well and am only 5' 3" tall. In the MSF course (at which time I weighed 50 pounds more than I do now), I got freaked out when we had to get to know the bike by putting both feet on the pegs while on the side stand. I was convinced I would break the side stand!!
I rode a 250 cruiser once I was done with the MSF course, and it pulled me around just fine. I felt the bike was limited when it came to highway speed in the wind, but I hear that can happen even with a smaller rider.
Given your road experience on two wheels, you should be able to do just fine on a cruiser of 650cc on up to 900cc. As long as you're comfortable being seated on the bike, reaching the hand grips and foot pegs, etc..., then getting used to the increase in power should be relatively easy. Just take your time getting acquainted.
Let us know what you finally choose. Good luck!!
Cheers,
Loonette
I rode a 250 cruiser once I was done with the MSF course, and it pulled me around just fine. I felt the bike was limited when it came to highway speed in the wind, but I hear that can happen even with a smaller rider.
Given your road experience on two wheels, you should be able to do just fine on a cruiser of 650cc on up to 900cc. As long as you're comfortable being seated on the bike, reaching the hand grips and foot pegs, etc..., then getting used to the increase in power should be relatively easy. Just take your time getting acquainted.
Let us know what you finally choose. Good luck!!
Cheers,
Loonette
FIRST RESPONDERS DO IT WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS!!
Find 'em hot, leave 'em wet...
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2006 Mean Streak 1600
Find 'em hot, leave 'em wet...
********************
2006 Mean Streak 1600