female motorcycle riders?

booyainyoface
booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
in Chit-Chat
Any female motorcycle riders out there? i just got my license on Friday and am looking into buying a bike. I really want a Royal Enfield C5 http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/ a 500cc bike with a 1955 style BSA body (400 lbs filled) but am wondering if I should get something like a Honda Rebel to learn on- 250cc 350 lbs.

My friends don't ride so they have no information to offer me... Any fellow bikers out there have any input? im on a limited budget $6000 max, and am lucky to live in San Diego so gravel isn't a problem for me and dropping the bike! I am not one to get all crazy, so dropping the bike is something i realize might happen, but why buy the Starter bike only to outgrow it and sell it and buy my Enfield later?

Ha sorry this is kind of a brainstorm, but any input on RELIABLE affordable 500ccish bikes would be awesome!
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Replies

  • ket_the_jet
    ket_the_jet Posts: 1,257 Member
    This isn't at all what you asked for [and I'm not a female] but this:
    http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/range/classics/scrambler/2011/scrambler

    Cheers.
    -wtk
  • the_journeyman
    the_journeyman Posts: 1,877 Member
    Kawasaki makes a Vulcan 500.

    JM
  • booyainyoface
    booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
    ooh i love the triumphs, too bad they are a bit out of my price range... the life of a teacher isn't exactly balling... :)
  • bushidowoman
    bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
    I used to ride (boy do I miss it this time of year!)
    I would say don't waste your money on the Rebel; you'll very quickly wish you had something bigger. I've ridden a Rebel on the freeway before (riding it home for my cousin who wanted to learn on something small), and it scared me to death--I felt every little bump in the road and everytime a big truck passed, I felt like I was being blown over!
    Really, I think it has less to do with the engine size and more to do with the way the bike is built and whether or not it fits the way you are built. Of the bikes I've ridden, the Vulcan has been my personal favorite because they seemed to have a low center of gravity and were easy for me to balance (I'm medium height and build.) The handlebars were the perfect distance and width--I could drive on a whole tank of gas (about 300 miles) without having to stop to rest. My hubby could not--he had to lean forward slightly to reach his handlebars, they were wide, and he would need to stop and rest his back. I owned a 750cc Vulcan, but I could just as easily handle my Dad's 1500cc Vulcan.
    But that was about 10 years ago. I don't even know what all is out now. Sigh.
    Anyway, look around some. See if you can test drive a few. Get something you will be comfortable on.
  • booyainyoface
    booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
    damage has been done... the royal enfield will be mine this weekend. i sat down and fell in love! 1500ccs! yikes, i would be too scared to get the full power out of that engine!!
  • bushidowoman
    bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
    damage has been done... the royal enfield will be mine this weekend. i sat down and fell in love! 1500ccs! yikes, i would be too scared to get the full power out of that engine!!
    Post pics! :love:
  • rbn_held
    rbn_held Posts: 689 Member
    Congrats on getting your license. I haven't had my lisence too long so I don't know alot about bikes so I am not probably alot of help on advising you what kind to get. I have a Harley Sportster 1200 that my boyfriend gave me.
  • booyainyoface
    booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
    woo hoo!!
    530576_10150647851863227_503088226_9495983_27766410_n.jpg
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    I was going to say not to waste your money on the smaller bike. My fiancé's first, and current bike, is a 1700cc custom chopper. I so want a Harley Nightster.
  • booyainyoface
    booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
    I was going to say not to waste your money on the smaller bike. My fiancé's first, and current bike, is a 1700cc custom chopper. I so want a Harley Nightster.

    yikes thats big! i live on the beach and cruise coast highway 101... this bike should meet my needs for a few years :)
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    I was going to say not to waste your money on the smaller bike. My fiancé's first, and current bike, is a 1700cc custom chopper. I so want a Harley Nightster.

    yikes thats big! i live on the beach and cruise coast highway 101... this bike should meet my needs for a few years :)

    For sure. You don't need to use all the power it's got until you get comfortable. But at least you have the option to do it when you want.
  • journalistjen
    journalistjen Posts: 265 Member
    You are an ambitious lady to learn on a 500 cc bike. I learned on a DualSport Honda CRF 230L (I think that's right model number) last October. That is more of my street bike. I also have a two-stroke, Suzuki RM 125 for off-roading. My husband was a little worried about what I learned on. Even though my bike is smaller--he likes riding it because it is so easy to ride. If I were to buy a Sport Bike to ride, he said I should get a Ninja 250 to learn on. Do what works for you. If you get a big bike, go easy on the throttle.
  • booyainyoface
    booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
    You are an ambitious lady to learn on a 500 cc bike. I learned on a DualSport Honda CRF 230L (I think that's right model number) last October. That is more of my street bike. I also have a two-stroke, Suzuki RM 125 for off-roading. My husband was a little worried about what I learned on. Even though my bike is smaller--he likes riding it because it is so easy to ride. If I were to buy a Sport Bike to ride, he said I should get a Ninja 250 to learn on. Do what works for you. If you get a big bike, go easy on the throttle.

    i already got the bike :) its nice, its got a 500 mile break in period where i can only go up to 40 which is nice... its awesome- very relaxed ride and comfortable to sit on cause its a cruiser style. i love it- now to find a motorcycle posse :)
  • MrsLVF
    MrsLVF Posts: 787 Member
    Just buy something you're comfortable with (used) you can always upgrade next year. :smile:
  • bushidowoman
    bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
    woo hoo!!
    530576_10150647851863227_503088226_9495983_27766410_n.jpg

    Sweet! :love:
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    I see you already got the bike, so congrats! I'll write this for anyone else reading this who wants to know.

    I started on a Suzuki 250 because I didn't know what kind of bike I wanted longer term, and I wanted to get some miles and experience while I decided. So I rode the Suzuki for 3-4 months and then I got a Harley 883 Sportster. I talked to a lot of women about their bikes and their experiences. Many said don't get a sportster, but many like them. I found that the shorter women had a problem riding them but the taller women didn't. Some of the bigger bikes are a lot heavier, but they have a lower center of gravity, and lower seat so they are easier to handle for shorter women. Bikes can also be modified for shorter riders with different seats and lowering kits. Also, take into consideration what kind of riding you are going to do. Mostly short trips of a few hours here and there? Do you want to ride long distances where you are on the road all day covering lots of miles?

    I highly recommend starting on a small inexpensive bike to gain road experience before deciding what to ride longer term. It is a big investment.
  • AmyLRed
    AmyLRed Posts: 856 Member
    yeah! go you!
    I had my permit and let it lapse. We have a Harley Sportster 1200 and my husband drives, i ride. However, he would like a bigger bike, and i'd love to make that Harley mine and get my license, but i think i need a smaller (less expensive!) bike to learn on.

    You must be super excited!
  • the_journeyman
    the_journeyman Posts: 1,877 Member
    Congrats on the bike!!! The motor isn't crazy powerful, so take you time learning and you'll do just fine.

    Enjoy that bike! I'm a teacher too, and commute almost every day on my bike!

    JM
  • AbacoRaveness
    AbacoRaveness Posts: 15
    I think it depends on the rider. I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class at the same time as my neighbor. We took our tests on Honda Nighthawks (250cc). I went out and bought a Triumph Speedmaster (865cc) (http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/range/cruisers/speedmaster/2011/speedmaster) and I LOVE it. It was easy enough to handle in the beginning and a year later it still has plenty of power for me. On the flip side, my nieghbor went out a bought a Suzuki GSXR (650cc). Within three hours of having it she'd laid it down six times, burised her leg, sprained her ankle, and damn near broken her arm. It's done nothing but collect dust in her garage since. Now, she's trying to sell it and I doubt she will ever ride again.
    The most important thing is not the size of the bike. You have to feel comfortable on it. You have to be able to reach your handlebars comfortably and your feet HAVE to be firmly on the ground.
  • nitepagan
    nitepagan Posts: 205 Member
    I got my MC license about 10 or 15 years ago. Never had the money to buy the bike. When I moved to Maine in 07, the girl at the registry talked me into keeping the MC license. I still have it, but don't think I will ever ride. Right now, I feel the risk is just to high for me. So I wish you a safe and fun riding experience.

    If I did ride, would not wear a helmet and that is just too dangerous for me to risk.
  • LadyBuell
    LadyBuell Posts: 164
    damage has been done... the royal enfield will be mine this weekend. i sat down and fell in love! 1500ccs! yikes, i would be too scared to get the full power out of that engine!!

    Don't let that 1500 thing scare you. The bike only has whatever power you GIVE it. Just be easy on the throttle. Just because it has all that power doesn't mean you have to use it but it is nice to have if/when you need it.

    That's a nice bike and you look good on it. Enjoy. I would like to suggest that you get the Ride Like a Pro dvd's and get lots of parking lot practice.

    I have an 1100. I wanted a Blast (500) but hubby wanted to make sure I had enough power in traffic. I don't regret it. It goes as fast as I WANT it to go. I have had it up to 95 personally but hubby has taken it over 100 with no problem. (That's one of the reasons he now has a Wing and doesn't ride the Buell anymore!)

    I have had my license for 6 years and I just took my first solo long distance ride this last weekend. 262 miles.
  • ScottyNoHotty
    ScottyNoHotty Posts: 1,957 Member
    Nothing sexier than a woman riding on a 1500 CC vibrator!
  • HealthyBodySickMind
    HealthyBodySickMind Posts: 1,207 Member
    Honda also made a 450 Rebel for two years (1986 and 1987) before harley threatened to sue them because it looked too much like a sportster. Mine is a 1986 Rebel 450, and I love it. It's also around 400 lbs (with fluids, not dry weight), and I never feel like I'm going to drop it or anything. (I'm only about 109 lbs, myself).

    SSPX0198.jpg

    and my step-daughter sitting on it:

    SSPX0202.jpg
  • the_journeyman
    the_journeyman Posts: 1,877 Member
    The 450 is a good all around size, good for fun or commuting. It's similar in weight to the Hawk 650 from 88-91 and that is a great weight.

    JM
  • BeeElMarvin
    BeeElMarvin Posts: 2,086 Member
    Nice bike!
  • booyainyoface
    booyainyoface Posts: 409 Member
    awesome to see so many female riders and thanks for the words of caution.

    i did buy the bike new... its only 500ccs and a really old engine style so i cant go above 35 for the first 500 miles anyhow. i do plan on practicing in parking lots in the business area on weekends so i can cruise around and get comfortable with low speed turns, bumps, dips and breaking before i hit the roads for any trip longer than a few miles.

    i also plan on lowering the seat so my feet can touch all the way! i saw this bike and decided i couldn't spend $3000 on a used crappy bike when i could have a brand new one for $5000 that i fell in love with the minute i sat on it :) all the more reason to get comfortable slowly and keep all 400 lbs upright :)

    -kelli
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    damage has been done... the royal enfield will be mine this weekend. i sat down and fell in love! 1500ccs! yikes, i would be too scared to get the full power out of that engine!!
    Dont pay attention to the ccs. My 250 could pass some of those 1500 bikes. Just dont get one that will flip over if yoi grab the throttle :p
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    You are an ambitious lady to learn on a 500 cc bike. I learned on a DualSport Honda CRF 230L (I think that's right model number) last October. That is more of my street bike. I also have a two-stroke, Suzuki RM 125 for off-roading. My husband was a little worried about what I learned on. Even though my bike is smaller--he likes riding it because it is so easy to ride. If I were to buy a Sport Bike to ride, he said I should get a Ninja 250 to learn on. Do what works for you. If you get a big bike, go easy on the throttle.

    My little 250 can chug away at 175 km/h. The highway was my friend. Some of the "bigger" bikes are slower. My bfs triumph america cannot keep up. He tried out a few harlies in the 1500 range and they were slower.

    I gotta say the little 250 is a fun little bike. Ive taken it drag raci.g and I know a bunch of guys who have been asking to ride mine for years. Its very nimble and fun on turns, you can wheelie it and all thai jazz. My only complaint is the stock tires. They're like rocks
  • JeNn45nFiT
    JeNn45nFiT Posts: 125 Member
    I ride a Yamaha Vstar 1100....I would go with a bigger bike IMO! :)
  • exercisediva
    exercisediva Posts: 127
    Congrats on joining the club of girl riders! dont be afraid of power....my first bike was a GSXR 1000 - i'm a sports bike girl :) it will only go as fast as you turn the throttle! Don't be afraid of a little power between your legs LOL - Be safe!

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