A bike for my wife?????????????

[captinamerica]

I am looking at getting my wife a bike. she has never ridin one. so I could use some advice on how to help her pick one out. of course its totally her choice, but maybe some technical advice from some other lady riders may help.

[Thumper]

Step 1: She should take the BRC; she'll have a chance to ride a small bike, and see if she even likes it. If she doesn't, you've saved a few thousand bucks.

Step 2: Shopping. She needs to sit on a few bikes to see what feels right to her. She might like a maxi-scooter, she might like a baby cruiser like the Rebel, she might like a baby Ninja... Ideally under 600cc in the sport bikes, under 800cc in cruisers.

Even if you're looking to buy her a used bike, take her bike shopping at the dealerships. That way she can sit on a variety of bikes, different styles and sizes, so she has a better idea of what fits. Plus, it's 10 kinds of fun, and it's cheaper than shoe shopping.

My first was a Honda Rebel...a little 250cc that was awesome for learning on; I wanted something a little bigger within 6-8 months, but I rode it for almost a year and a half before stepping up. If I could go back, I think I might look at a Vulcan 500 instead.

But, it's really a YMMV thing...what fits me might not fit her, and half the fun for me was shopping...the only girly thing I do, it seems

[obfuscate]

How tall is your wife? If she's not particularly tall you'll want to have a look at the short bike thread. Otherwise +1 for Thumper's advice.

[MZ33]

The BRC, definitely. This whole website pretty much confirms the wisdom of that, and I know you are familiar with the site.

Um, I have to wonder: you are looking about getting a bike for your wife? Why isn't she doing it?

[Shorts]

I am looking at getting my wife a bike. she has never ridin one. so I could use some advice on how to help her pick one out. of course its totally her choice, but maybe some technical advice from some other lady riders may help.

Hey, put your wife on the line!

First thing she should do if she interested is sign up for an MSF class or instruction. She might find out from a class that she has no desire to pilot a bike and it isn't for her. She could totally love it and is going to drag you all over town to go bike shopping. Either way, we need more info on what she's looking for.

We can give you a list of bikes that are generally good first bikes, but without knowing her feelings on it, we can tailor the suggestions to a better fit.

[RocketGirl]

Had a great MSF experience and learned on a 125cc.

A month after the course, I shopped and sat on only two bikes in the 250cc class. I'm 4' 11" and when I sat on the Rebel, I didn't like how the battery compartment dug into my legs when I flat-footed the bike. I didn't want that kind of distraction right off the bat because I figured I would have a lot more learning to do.

I picked the Virago 250cc because It was a great fit. The only adjustment I needed to make has been the shifter pedal. Other than that, it's been a great bike to learn and grow into. Good luck!

[captinamerica]

I am looking because I like to do nice things for my wife. so i am doing a lot of leg work so i can present so well researched out options. however as i stated it will be her choice totally. i wouldnt want to get her some thing she dont like. I am taking her to the msc. i am going to take it with her, to make her more comfortable. i have been riding all my life. i was thinking of showing her the Suzuki Boulivard c50 series. and the Honda arrow. well you know the 750 with the big fenders. She has expessed to me she likes those big fenders that look like the old Indian Chief. I want her to have something powerfull enough that she can ride safely on the highway. but not to much. I am going to take her shopping to every bike shop if she wants. i just want enough info to help her make a choice she will be happy with. She can get on this site if she so chooses but she probably will not shes not to social especally on line. She prefers to paint and create artsy stuff.

[Lion_Lady]

I am looking at getting my wife a bike. she has never ridin one. so I could use some advice on how to help her pick one out. of course its totally her choice, but maybe some technical advice from some other lady riders may help.

Send her thru the MSF Basic Riders Course (or Harley Davidson Riders Edge) FIRST. Some folks discover that riding isn't what they thought/hoped, and it isn't uncommon for them to discover this IN the class. (Better to spend $200 to find this out than $3000+.) Until she completes the class, feel free to window shop and have her sit on bikes.

One thing that men regularly forget is that women don't have the upper body strength to manhandle a bike around, so weight is VERY important. I urge you to consider a used machine for the first one. Pre dropped and "little" means less stress and $$ if she drops it. If it will pass a basic inspection, you're set. The resale on newbie bikes are a win-win situation.

It generally takes women longer to get comfortable with riding skills. Because of the strength issue, we often become better riders as we must work WITH the machine, not against it.

As for taking the BRC with her. Not a good idea, even if you think it will make her more comfortable. I hate it when this happens in my classes because the 'experienced' rider seems to find it necessary to "help" teach the class to their companion. The class is a "group" effort and being with you means she may not get the benefit of interactingwith/learning with the other "newbies."

Women who don't learn to trust their abilities don't do well in motorcycling. If you feel the need to "be with her" in the class, either YOU don't trust her abilities, or she doesn't have the gumption to deal with the risk that is involved in motorcycling.

By all means, you should sign up for the Experienced Rider's Course. You'll learn more than you expect and will then be on the same page as she is when she's done (both courses teach the same methods/techniques - geared to experience level).

P

[Thumper]

As for taking the BRC with her. Not a good idea, even if you think it will make her more comfortable.

If my son hadn't gone with me, I'm not sure I would have done it on my own. Aside from needing someone to drive me to the classroom part (it was at night; I'm night blind) I'm one of those people who simply does better if someone I trust comes along with me when I'm going someplace for the first time.

Maybe captinamerica's wife has similar issues...?

Granted, my son was not an experienced rider, but having him there GOT me there...if captinamerica can just kind of be there for his wife but not BE THERE, it might be the best way for her to get there...

[RocketGirl]

One thing that men regularly forget is that women don't have the upper body strength to manhandle a bike around, so weight is VERY important.

It generally takes women longer to get comfortable with riding skills. Because of the strength issue, we often become better riders as we must work WITH the machine, not against it.

Women who don't learn to trust their abilities don't do well in motorcycling.

P

On all points above, I found this to be true for myself as well. The weight was definitely a factor in my purchase choice. In the MSF class I had dropped the bike twice while waiting in line for the next exercise to begin. Nothing more than move up a couple of feet and stop; my inattention and fatigued had crept in and once the bike started leaning to one side, I didn't have the strength to keep it upright. The first time it happens, class stops while the instructor comes over, we talk about how the situation unfolded and how I was, then I signed a form. Class resumed a few minutes later.

Motorcycle fitting, I thought, was similar to bicycle fitting. For many years, I had wondered why my knees would always give out after a two-hour ride (and that was pushing it).

On my Virago, I can flat foot the bike, maintain a good posture holding the handle bars and safely and comfortably grab for the clutch and front brake. At the showroom, the salesman stabilized the front of the bike, so that I could sit on it to simulate my riding posture. This allowed me the opportunity to see if my feet could reach and operate the shift pedal and foot brake. Also did a couple of head checks, simulating left and right lane changes.

I saw a few couples shopping for motorcycles and the other women liked the Virago 250cc. Sometimes the men would point out that they'll need something larger for highway and long cruises. I agree, but at almost 1000 miles and 3.5 months, I'm taking the advice I've read here and will wait two years to get more riding experience in the saddle with the Virago. I got 98mpg out of my last tank and that's enough to keep me happy running errands around town and building up to a full week of commuting to work.