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NewGuy wrote:

slimcolo wrote:The other bike really popular among women is the 450 Honda Rebel. (this is usually the first bike that local dealer sells out each year)

That's unusual since Honda only made the 450 Rebel in 1986 and 1987.

This is true. Honda only makes a 250 Rebel now. But I'm sure they move a lot of them. They are cheap, easy to keep, and re-sell at equal their purchase price. I'd guess the Ninja is similar in these respects.

That's unusual since Honda only made the 450 Rebel in 1986 and 1987.

Yap it turns out that the last one that was bought from dealer this spring was an 86. (I never actually seen bike)The dealer had 2 of these w/ less than 200 miles traded in by same people (husband and wife) The friend that bought it called it her "new Honda rebel" and said it was the last one at dealership. (well I guess it was)And I hear of people looking for the 450 all the time.( also many people looking for Trans Alps and CB750As)

Only direct exposure I have had w/ Rebels was a friend had one for a few years. He later traded it in for a 88 (in 89)Wide Glide.

It would be nice if Honda made the 450 Rebel again .... that's a nice intermediate size between 250's and bigger bikes.

jstark47 wrote:It would be nice if Honda made the 450 Rebel again .... that's a nice intermediate size between 250's and bigger bikes.

I agree. That one and the Nighthawk 450 were a really good way to bring beginner bike a little closer to the next level. Otherwise you really make a big leap.

jstark47 wrote:It would be nice if Honda made the 450 Rebel again .... that's a nice intermediate size between 250's and bigger bikes.

I'm sure Honda views their Shadow VLX as a nice intermediate size bike. However, I wonder why they don't put a 5 or 6 speed transmission on the bike. Hell, even the Rebel 250 has a 5 speed transmission. There are some other great intermediate options from other manufacturers. Kawasaki Vulcan 500, Suzuki S40, Yamaha V-star 650, Buell Blast, etc.

I also have never heard of a woman not being able to ride a cruiser. Plenty of women ride cruisers....including me and several here on TMW.

I think it boils down to personal preference.

You seem to like the a style of bike called the UJM universal Japanese motorcycle. It has a sit-up-and-beg riding position, foot pegs pretty much right under your butt, handlebars that extend out. I like this position best as well.

Consider a used Japanese bike, from '84-'94. There are many out there but all are used. Almost all, with the exception of sportbikes, are UJMs.

Most cruisers have forward controls, which means the shifter and rear brake are in front of you. I find it a little awkward. There are some cruisers that have mid controls, which are close to the UJM but still a little forward. You can get used to it.

Try the Honda Nightwalk, Rebel, Kawi 250 Ninja. There are many bikes that you would like.

I think it depends on the person. I didn't care for the seating position of the cruisers, and I found most of the sportbikes to be too intimidating. I ended up going for a standard myself. I would try an SV650 as others have suggested. It seems to be a very well thought-of bike.

I think the main reason you see so many women with cruisers is because of the relatively low seat height.

I'm a 5'3" tall woman, and I ride a 650 LB. cruiser. Granted, I didn't start out on such a large bike, but handling it is very easy for me. (of course I do consider the Mean Streak to be the best handling cruiser out there, but that's just my own very biased opinion ).

During my first year of riding, I got most of my newbie practice on a 600cc sports bike, and once in blue moon I'll take my husband's ZRX (1200 cc standard/sports) out for a spin. On these bike there is a bit more front end control for me, but I still feel way more confident with a lower seat height.

If you like standards, then shop around for the most comfortable standard. If you like the look and general feel of a cruiser, then shop around for the most comfortable cruiser. But you shouldn't feel that you're somehow precluded from enjoying the ride of a cruiser just because you're a woman.

Cheers,
Loonette

Loonette wrote:I'm a 5'3" tall woman, and I ride a 650 LB. cruiser.
But you shouldn't feel that you're somehow precluded from enjoying the ride of a cruiser just because you're a woman.

Cheers,
Loonette

Man do I agree, I have seen the smallest most pitite woman driving large CC cruisers and sports bikes. We were over at Dukes (a local food place that a bunch of bikers come to) and this person drives up in a sports bike like it is no bodies business and when the person takes off the helmet out comes all of this hair and she was no bigger then a twig. Half the place was clapping and such. My wife and I were at a motorcycle convention and again this petite women was driving a big ole cruiser better than I would/could handle that. It just depends on how the bike fits the person. If you like it and it feels comfortable ride on. Just my two cents.

Patrick