Shopping in the Men's Department: Tips for Women Looking to Buy a Motorcycle

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

 

Many riders, myself included, have noticed a change on the roads in the last few years. There have always been women that ride and ride well, but more and more women are taking control and grabbing the handlebars. The Motorcycle Industry Council's 2008 Owner Survey shows that women riders made up 23 percent of the 25 million motorcyclists in America that year; that means 5.7 million women saddled up to ride the open  road.

It's interesting to see the way the industry is reacting to this growing demographic. It's true there have been women riders all along, but the spike in uptake over the last ten years has definitely changed the way bike and gear manufacturers are making and marketing their products. Surprisingly, the big manufacturers are not yet capitalizing on this new market by producing bikes specifically for women, and there are only a handful of custom shops who build bikes for female riders.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help women riders find the best bike for their ride.

•  Safety first: If you have never ridden a motorcycle, take a MSF Course or Riders Edge Course.  If it’s been a long time, MSF also offers a refresher class.  They will supply motorcycles to practice on so you can get current on your skills.
  
• Do your research: Before you buy a bike, think about the type of riding you want to do. Are you looking to commute on the bike, or to cruise around on the weekends? Do you need speed? Do you plan to ride with others, and if so, what is their riding style? There are a few different styles of bikes, the most common being sport bikes and cruisers. Sport bikes tend to be lighter-weight bikes designed for speed and precise cornering abilities. Some require the rider to maintain an aggressive, leaned-forward position in the seat, which could be uncomfortable for long rides or anyone with neck problems. Cruisers, on the other hand, allow the rider to sit in a more relaxed, upright, and comfortable position. They are often a little louder and can come with more "bells and whistles", like mp3 players and backrests. However, they also tend to be significantly heavier than sport bikes, which could pose a challenge for smaller, lighter women riders. Harley Davidson offers a "Sportster" which is still a cruiser styled bike, but lighter and more easily maneuverable than say a “Touring” motorcycle.  Some have argued that previous models have been top-heavy for some women riders, but their new "Low" series addresses that and can be a great option for women looking for a bike that is both fast and comfortable.  You will also benefit from doing a significant amount of research on the type of safety gear you buy for riding. Once you know the type of riding you plan to do, or the type of bike you want to purchase, read up on safety! There are a lot of different options for safety gear, including jackets, helmets, boots, gloves, and chaps. You need to research the material and read about the safety ratings for each item. How do they work together? What are other users saying about the products? There are hundreds of user forums out there, many of which cater specifically to women riders. Find out what others are saying and what works for them before you start shopping.
• Try it on: Once you've settled on a style, get out there and start trying on different bikes. You really can't buy a bike just by looking at it. You need to climb on and see how it feels. Is the seat comfortable? Can you reach the controls comfortably? Is it the right size for your leg length? Can you pick the bike up, and can you keep it up while straddling it? You should also see if it feels top-heavy. If it does, try another. Keep on trying until you find something that feels comfortable and secure. Do not settle. If something is not quite right, consider having it customized so that it's perfect for you. Customization will add to your overall cost, but it's a worthwhile investment because it will make your ride safer and more comfortable. Look for bike events in your area where many different manufacturers will have bikes on hand for you to try. Consult forums and local bike clubs to find out if they host in-person events where you can go to meet club members and try out different rides. Motorcycling is a really tight-knit community, so I suggest you take advantage of that and let experienced riders help you find your perfect fit.
• Know your true budget: The retail price of the bike isn't the only thing you need to plan for when making this purchase. The bike itself is likely to be the biggest ticket item, but you also need to budget for safety gear, and in many areas you'll need to take a safety course in order to legally ride on the road. You should also plan for other costs including gas, insurance, maintenance, and membership fees if you plan to ride with a club or a group. Remember to budget for customization! You may be buying a bike designed for a male rider, so you may need to have a few adjustments made to the bike in order to get it just right for you. 
  

 

My suggestion is to start out on a small, lightweight bike with a lower seat height (depending on your height).  This will help you to truly feel comfortable while learning to ride.  It is always easier to learn to ride a small bike really well, mastering its full potential and then move up to a larger bike.

Some great smaller bikes are; the new Bobber made by Harley-Davidson, the Honda Rebel and the Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Keep in mind that, depending on the type of riding you choose, lowering of a motorcycle does have an effect on the handling of some motorcycles while traveling through turns.  Bottom line, don’t let someone convince you to buy a bike that you do not feel comfortable on – It’s your ride!

Buying a new bike is an exciting event for any rider, beginner or experienced. It's an opportunity to learn more about the sport and the technology available, which just keeps getting better. As the number of women riders continues to increase, we should see more and more companies getting on board and creating new products designed with women in mind.

  

 

 

Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a Michigan attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation as well as Michigan’s Motor Vehicle No- Fault Law. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years.  A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign.  Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877-BIKER LAW. Or visit

* There are exceptions—if the guy was uninsured.  Further, the law is very fact dependent and there are many nuances and exceptions depending on your particular circumstances. Therefore, given the limited space, it is impossible to cover everything. Do not rely on this short article to protect your rights.