So decided to join the tribe, now that I'm legit :)
My husband's bike is too big (an 1100, customized by West Coast Choppers in chrome flames and the like), so I'm looking at a Shadow Aero. Any of you ladies out there have suggestions for your favorite bikes for new riders?
My husband's bike is too big (an 1100, customized by West Coast Choppers in chrome flames and the like), so I'm looking at a Shadow Aero. Any of you ladies out there have suggestions for your favorite bikes for new riders?
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Utah
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Sun, July 16, 2006 - 8:28 AM1100 is big?
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Sun, July 16, 2006 - 10:33 AMCome here so I can smack you, Jim.
JUST so you know (ahem), 1100 IS big when
a) You have to pick the bike off your husband who has just forgotten the kickstand is on his OTHER left (which scared me into getting a bike I can upright in an emergency)
b) You're a new rider and newly pregnant as well.
The whole class, I would ride up behind husbandy-poo and bump his bike (he's been riding for years) with the comment of, "Oh, I see, get your wife pregnant, and THEN stick her in motorcycle class in 107 degree heat." Ah, morning sickness when learning swerves in 3rd gear.
If I were more experienced (or not pregnant), an 1100 may not seem big. But for someone who still cannot ride a two wheeled pedal bike, a 750 fits me just fine, thank you very much. :)
One day, Jim, I may grow up to be big and strong and have a big bike just like you :) -
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Sun, July 16, 2006 - 12:08 PMheh heh heh
750's are nice.
I was happy that I learned to ride on an ironhead sportie (1000cc). I really needed that power commuting in Sillycon Valley.
Does Yamaha still make the Virago? Those are good.
Course, Honda is excellent too.
Can't go wrong if you stick with a brand that's resilient, been in the market, blah blah blah.
It's the ones on the upper ends of insanity (both sport and cruiser) that you have to worry: Some big Hondas and Yamaha's handle like shopping carts...or are overpowered...etc.
Sit on them.
Test ride them.
The motorcycle safety course people can help you decide too. Or at least they used to. They used to be MUCH cooler years ago when I first learned to ride. <sigh>
(BTW - I've been thru the basic Cali one twice; once when I started to ride in the early 90's, and once again when I bought my new bigger bike and as moral support for Ron) -
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Sun, July 16, 2006 - 3:23 PMWe learned on Virago's, actually. But it was like a lawnmower that happened to be more stylish. -
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Wed, July 19, 2006 - 5:48 PMCongratulations, Rom. You get me vote as heroine of the year: Motorcycle safety training course, pregnant in 107 degrees! I wouldn't have made it. Hey, I loved my 1997 Virago 535 as a starter bike. My roomie started on a V Star 650--looks bigger and heavier than it really is. But heavy enough for the freeway. Lots of women like the Harley sportster 883, the Kawasaki Vulcan (think it's 750), the Suzuki Volusia or Marauder 800. Personally I ride and love my V Star 1100 custom. But only after 10 months of starter bike experience.... cheers and shiney side up! Aruna -
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Tue, November 7, 2006 - 4:31 PMYep Kawasaki has vulcan 750 and now a 900. If you think you might want to do a littl off roading to or if you just have a lot of dirt roads where you are the BMW F650 is a good bike and can be lowered using KUBA links if you have a short inseam. Another cool bike is the Triumph Bonneville and Bonneville adventure but what's getting everyone's attention right now in Triumph is the Scrambler, pretty cool and not too big.
If you want something on the sporty side a lot of women up here ride Ducati Monster 600/620.
Can you tell i work at a cycle shop????
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Sat, July 22, 2006 - 11:55 PMHey Rom,
I learned with Aruna on a Virago, most fun I think we have ever had. I now own a 1999 Harley sportster 883 cc low to the ground since I am short..this has been a nice bike to start on. Hey Jim Boz, I now have greater respect you starting on an iron head. In case I didn't mention it at Wiggles. We have one of those still at home. 1978 sporter 1000
Now that is something I WOULD NOT recommend a woman start on! -
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Tue, November 7, 2006 - 6:47 AMHey, we just went to Biketoberfest in Daytona a couple of weekends ago, and I saw a demo from this former cop who taught his wife (tiny little thing) how to ride a Road King like it was a freakin' bicycle. He has a website from which he sells his instructional DVD's. I believe he sells one specifically for women. I think it's www.ridelikeapro.com. I personally stick to riding bitch, but watching the DVD's got me thinkin........
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Re: Just got my motorcycle's license!
Tue, November 7, 2006 - 4:26 PMso does this mean you'll have the sparkliest motorcycle in town??? (referring to eye kandy!)
there's a trick to lifting those big bikes, you have to turn your back on them, find the two hand holds that are comfortable for you then lift with your legs, believe me it works!
there is a woman out there somewhere (can't remember her name at present) who teaches women only on how to handle thinks like break downs, lifting the bike, etc etc.
But you are right on track, start with what is most comfortable for you.
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