November 20, 2009

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Choosing Your First Bike


Beginner Motorcycles
Bikes we recommend to start on  
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If you're thinking about getting into motorcycling and buying your first bike, you may be wondering what motorcycle is right for you. We at Women Riders Now generally advise to start out on a smaller motorcycle, one that you can easily and confidently practice the skills learned in the motorcycle training class. Here are some suggestions of motorcycles that are ideal for most beginning riders. There are certainly other motorcycles out there; some small displacement dual sport motorcycles are often recommended as a beginner bike. This is a list we've put together based on what we've found are the most popular choices among beginning women riders. Note that we did not list prices because they vary from year to year.

Major Manufacturers: Cruisers
Kawasaki Eliminator 125
Displacement: 124cc
Seat Height: 26.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Weight: 291 pounds



Description
An entry-level cruiser that's inexpensive to own and operate, this is Kawasaki's smallest cruiser. The Eliminator 125 is an air-cooled, 5-speed, chain-driven cruiser with a seat height of 26.8 inches, low enough that most riders can easily plant both feet on the ground at stops. Weighing a scant 291 pounds, it is lightweight and easy for a beginner or smaller riders to handle. This is a great bike on which first timers can practice their new-found riding skills. Finishing touches include a stepped seat for two-up riding (although we can't imagine riding two-up on this small of a bike for any length of time), and classic cruiser styling that make you think it's bigger than 125cc bike.

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Displacement: 498cc
Seat Height: 28.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
Weight: 439 pounds



Description
This mid-size Vulcan has been in Kawasaki's lineup for years because it continues to be a top seller among women and first time riders. We've seen many smaller women under 5 feet keep this motorcycle as their end-all bike. Despite it's smaller engine size, the Vulcan 500 LTD packs a lot of power into its six speeds. It's the same engine that's mounted to the Ninja 500R sportbike. The 500 LTD features classic cruiser looks that never go out of style like the chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels. Click here to read a WRN Reader Review.

Suzuki GZ250
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Weight: 331 pounds



Description
This is Suzuki's smallest cruiser motorcycle. It has been in the lineup for years because it's a popular choice for beginners. Why mess with a good thing? There are plenty of used ones on the market if you don't want to buy new. The GZ250 features classic cruiser styling but with an upright seating position like many of the cruisers in this class. This motorcycle is often used in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course training classes.

Honda Rebel 250
Displacement: 234cc
Seat Height: 26.6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons
Weight: 331 pounds




Description
The Rebel is the consummate beginner's bike. Many motorcyclists have started on a Rebel because 1) the bike is used in a lot of training classes so beginners are comfortable with it, and 2) it's a Honda which many people equate with reliability and dependability -- so there are many used ones on the market as they retain their value. The Rebel has big bike looks and power that include lots of chrome, spoke wheels, and a twin cylinder four stroke engine. The bike hasn't changed much looks-wise over the last decade or so. This is a tried and true starter motorcycle. Click here to read a WRN Reader Review.

Yamaha Star Motorcycles V Star 250
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Weight: 324 pounds



Description
This is the smallest in Yamaha's Star Motorcycles brand of V Star cruisers. It replaced the Yamaha Virago 250 a few years ago, a popular bike for beginners. The V Star 250 has a v-twin engine, spoke wheels, a two-up seat, and other big bike features. Manufacturers these days are trying to make beginner bikes as appealing as possible so it doesn't seem much like a starter motorcycle.

Buell Blast 500
Displacement: 492cc
Seat Height: 27.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons
Weight: 360 pounds



Description
This is the motorcycle used in Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge motorcycle training classes. It makes an ideal beginner bike for those who are not sure if they want a cruiser or a sportbike because it's considered a standard style motorcycle with its upright seating position.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low
Displacement: 883cc
Seat Height: 25.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
Weight: 583 pounds



Description
The "L" stands for "low" as evidenced by the low seat height of 25.3 inches. The Sportster 883 Low replaced the Sportster Hugger, popular in the 1990s because of its low seat. Like its sister model, the Sportster 883, the Low is relatively light at 583 pounds.The Low has all the same features as the regular 883, but it comes with a solo seat positioned to scoot the rider closer to handlebars that have been angled closer to the rider. Many people argue why Harley's 883 is in the same beginner bike class as the 250cc motorcycles. The reason is many riders want to ride a Harley-Davidson right out of the gate and this is Harley's entry-level motorcycle. We'd be remiss if we didn't include it as a starter bike - because if it wasn't listed people would be saying, "I wanted a starter bike from Harley." We recommend the Sportster 883L for riders who feel confident coming out of the MSF course. For those riders who are still quite nervous on a motorcycle, we recommend continuing to learn and making those beginner mistakes on a 250cc cruisers or the 500cc Buell Blast before trading up to the heavier and more powerful Harley-Davidsons.

Honorable Mentions
If a 250cc motorcycle seems too small to you, consider the next step up in terms of engine size -- that is the Sportster 883L or these other motorcycles very popular among confident beginners: Suzuki Boulevard S40, Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe 600 (discontinued in 2007; only has 4 speeds), Yamaha V Star 650.

Major Manufacturers: Standard Style
BMW G 650 GS
Displacement: 652cc
Seat Height: 30.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
Weight: 423 pounds with full tank of gas



Description
This is considered BMW's entry level motorcycle, and we listed it because some riders are interested in a BMW only, just as some are interested in riding a Harley only. Because it's on the taller side, we wouldn't typically recommend it as a starter bike, but if someone wants to buy into the BMW family, this is an affordable way to do it. The bike is different from the rest listed here because of its dual sport tires. It can be ridden off road on gravel trails. Click here to WRN's review of this bike.

Major Manufacturers: Sportbikes
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 30.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons
Dry Weight: 335 pounds



Description
This is the only sportbike available from a major manufacturer under 500cc. We generally don't recommend sportbikes with a larger displacement for novice riders because they are quite powerful and usually very tall. This is Kawasaki's top selling model in 2007, and for 2008 it got a complete makeover. The price is this Ninja's biggest selling point. You get a lot of bike for the money (under $3500 as of this writing in 2009). It is ideal for new riders (66 percent of buyers are first timers), or experienced riders looking for a fun and reliable commuter bike. The Ninja 250R has 6-speeds with a carbureted engine. New features include a full-fairing similar to the Ninja ZX-6R and 10R supersport bikes, and more aggressive styling that goes head-to-head with big boy sportbikes. It no longer looks like a beginner bike but can still act like one for those who are still "learning." Click here to read WRN's review of this bike.

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Beginner Bikes from "Alternative" Manufacturers
Hyosung GV 250
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27.6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons
Weight: 342 pounds




Description
Hyosung is a Korean manufacturer making a mark in the U.S. with its budget friendly alternative 250cc and 650cc cruisers and sportbikes. The GV 250 feels like a much bigger motorcycle than a 250 and has plenty of get up and go from its twin cylinder engine. This bike is ideal for beginners who don't want to feel like they're on a beginner motorcycle. Click here to see the WRN Video Review of the Hyosung GV 250.

Kymco Venox 250
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 29 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons
Weight: 418 pounds




Kymco's beginner 250cc motorcycle is the largest in terms of weight and heft that the other motorcycles in its class. To that end, confident beginner's who want to feel like they have a bit more motorcycle underneath them will like the Venox. Its 29-inch seat height is higher than the other 250cc motorcycles, but it's easy to handle because it has a low center of gravity.

UM Motorcycles V2C-250 T
Specs at a Glance
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons
Weight: 370 pounds



Description
The UM 250cc feels much larger than a starter motorcycle with its V-twin engine and 370 pound weight. This motorcycle is for beginners who want a decent sized motorcycle underneath them while they practice the skills they learned in the training class. This bike has lots of power and features that make it seem like it belongs in a different class of motorcycle (two-up seat, digital instrument panel and adjustable rear shocks).

Johnny Pag Raptor 300
Displacement: 300cc
Seat Height: 26 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons
Weight: 360 pounds



Description
Johnny Pag is relatively new to the motorcycle market as he started importing 300cc full sized motorcycles from China in 2006. All the models fall into the 300cc class each differentiated by a different chopper look and ergonomics. Johnny tells us he carefully monitors quality control over every motorcycle leaving the factory that he owns in China. The Raptor is the smallest of the models - ideal for beginners who want that chopper feel with a raked front end, and touring accessories as part of the package.

Ridley Auto-Glide Classic
Displacement: 750cc
Seat Height: 24.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons
Weight: 460 pounds



Description
Ridley is one of two motorcycles in our list featuring an automatic transmission, meaning no shifter and clutch for the rider to deal with. Just twist the throttle and go. This is the base model with an extremely low seat height that nearly every rider can reach the ground on. Beginners who are skittish about dealing with the clutch and throttle action may want to consider riding an automatic motorcycle like Ridley. Click here to read the WRN review of another Ridley model to get a sense of what it's like to ride with an automatic transmission.

QLINK Legacy 250:
Displacement: 250cc
Seat Height: 27.6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons
Weight: 260 pounds



Description
The QLINK Legacy is gaining ground in the automatic motorcycle market among riders who want an automatic transmission but don't want to ride a scooter -- they want a motorcycle. The Legacy makes an ideal beginner bike for those who have issues dealing with the clutch and throttle action. Click here to read WRN's review of this motorcycle.

Classics, if you can find a use one...

Honda Nighthawk 250
Manufactured: 1982-2008
Displacement: 234cc
Seat Height: 29.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.3 gallons
Weight: 286 pounds




Yamaha Virago 250
Manufactured: 2000-2007
Displacement: 249cc
Seat Height: 27 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Weight: 301 pounds






Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 Hugger
Manufactured: 1988-2003
Displacement: 883cc
Seat Height: 27.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
Weight: 486 pounds


Suzuki GS500e
Manufactured: 1989-2002
Displacement: 487cc
Seat Height: 31.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Weight: 372 pounds


Yamaha Virago 535
Manufactured: 1987-2001
Displacement: 535cc
Seat Height: 28.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.27 gallons
Weight: 401 pounds




If you're feeling confident...

Ducati Monster 696
Displacement: 696cc
Seat Height: 30.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gallons
Weight: 355 pounds



Triumph Bonneville SE
Displacement: 865cc
Seat Height: 29.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
Weight: 355 pounds
Click here to read WRN's review of the Bonneville.




Triumph America
Displacement: 865cc
Seat Height: 28.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.1 gallons
Weight: 497 pounds




Related Articles:
Riding Right: Advice on finding the best bike for you
The Lowest Of The Low: The lowest seat heights on the market


Reader Comments:


I love that others had some fear about riding. I use to ride my brothers minibike at a young age. Couldn't wait to get home from school to ride his bike. I've always loved the feeling of freedom. We have a friend who has a Honda 250 Silver Wing. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. I knew I wanted one. We went to our state BMW rally this year and I rode a couple there. I was completely petrified. I was thinking maybe this isn't for me. I surprised my husband by taking the written test first, then the drivers. I called a few dealers to see if they could get this Honda Silver Wing in red for me. It took a week and it is beautiful. I have a 600 and it scoots right along.

What I love most about it it's mine and I feel completely comfortable on it. The 650 BMW just wasn't for me. I rode mine the first time out 15 miles on the highway and knew this was it. I love the feeling of power and control you have. It's a stress reliever for me. I did the same with skiing. We have skied now for 25 years and have said over and over, "Why didn't we start this a lot younger?" Next year I'll be 50 and what a great gift. I now have a friend riding too so now all four of us go out when ever we can. I've put 1000 miles on it so far. I just got it in the first of Sept.

Julie Weiler
Ft. Madison, IA
10/17/2009



I took my motorcycle course seven years ago on a small 250 bike and then bought a 1995 used Sportster. I was not comfortable on it and it was very top heavy and I gave up on riding at all for six years. Then three months ago I decided to give it another try (I kept my motorcycle license all this time as I did pass the course with no problem on the small bike). I settled on the Yamaha V Star 250 and I love it. I regained my motorcycle skills fast and was on the road in no time at all!

My husband has a Harley Ultra Classic and we have been everywhere and I have even ridden highway with speeds up to 65 mph (although we try to keep it under 60 mph since it is such a small bike). I now have more than 1,200 miles on it and am ready to upgrade. My new bike has already been chosen. I plan to get the Harley Softtail Deluxe and I will be putting the Reach Seat on it to help me be able to put my feel flat on the ground. I am 5 feet 4 inches and with the factory seat I can barely reach.

Definitely excited about moving up and am so very, very glad I gave motorcycle riding a second chance. By the way, I am 50 years old, so it's never to late to start!

Alice Martin
Bear, DE
10/5/2009



I am so glad I came across this article. Just this past weekend I went through a MSF course and I am now researching what type of motorcycle would be best for me. I am only 5 feet 2 inches so I am looking for a motorcycle that I will fit on.

The MSF course that I went to used the Kawasaki Eliminator 125 which I fit on with no problem but it's not the type of bike that I really would want as my own. This article has shown me that I have quite a few choices of bikes that I can check out and see if they will work for me.



Heidi
Salisbury Mills, NY
8/11/2009



I am surprised that the new V Star 950 wasn't recommended especially since the HD Sportser 883 was which is close in size and weight. As a new rider (who completed a safety course), I purchased this bike this spring after lots of research (including a road review on WRN). I wanted something for a beginner yet wouldn't have to trade up within a year (I live in the country and do lots of highway riding). I love the 950! It's easy to handle, nimble, and very forgiving. Many other rider reviews that I've read say the same. Haven't read one bad review. It also has a very low seat - one of the lowest. I am 5 feet 5 inches, am flat on the ground with lots of bend in my knees. I will never need to trade up; she has all that I want!

Gayle
Stettler, Alberta, Canada
8/2/2009



I took the MSF Riders Edge class at the local Harley dealer this last March. After that I went out and sat on about a half dozen used bikes. I found a 2007 Honda Shadow Spirit 750. Love it. I liked the look of the V Stars but the seat was hard for a cruiser and uncomfortable. I got my Honda in April and ride whenever I can. Have had a couple of long rides on the weekend and am looking forward to more.

I also had the Buells for the MSF class. Hated the shifting on it. The only good thing about the Buell was the engine size, a 500cc.

I have forward controls on my Honda. Love them. Love the seat height, just over 27 inches. I am 5 feet 4 inches with a short inseam and can flat foot it. I had thought of starting with a 250 but knew that after the 500 I would not keep it long so I just went with the 750 and this bike will last me for a long time.

My suggestion is to go and sit on as many different bikes that you can. When you find the one that fits, you'll know it.

Sandy
Tucson, AZ
8/1/2009



This is a great article and has lots of info for any new rider looking for feedback from other "newbies."

This is my sixth season of riding after taking the MSF rider course. I loved the Rebel 250 that we all learned on, but couldn't find a used one for sale. So, I bought a Yamaha 250 and rode that for one season. Sold that and bought a new Shadow VLX 600, which I loved to ride as a beginner, it was low for my height of 5 feet 2 inches and easy to handle. I had that for two seasons and traded up to a new 07 Honda Spirit 750 shaft drive. I have almost 10,000 miles on it and it's just perfect and I'll never have to trade up. It has plenty of style, power and a low seat height. My feet still firmly touch the ground. My husband (Harley) and I ride everywhere and I am confident on my Spirit every time.

Michele Brouillard
West Warwick, RI
7/17/2009



I’m a "keep it simple”"kinda gal. As a beginner rider in 1998, I bought a new Suzuki Savage LS650 (now Boulevard S40). Eleven years older, I still ride the 350 pound thumper, gallivanting around town on the weekends and commuting 25 miles to and from work, averaging 47-50 mpg.

When getting into the sport, I had a goal in mind of riding a lightweight, maneuverable, low-maintenance commuter in a cruiser package and my Savage has served me well in this role. Now though, my focus has shifted from daily commuter to light tourer and I’m currently looking at the classically styled Suzuki Boulevard C50T or the new modern Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer.

The Savage is fun, low-tech and a completely non-threatening confidence building bike. Single cylinder, one carburetor, 5-speeds and belt drive. I, for one, didn't need much more.


Alexis
Bloomfield, CT
7/16/2009



I pick up my first bike tomorrow - a Honda 750. I had considered the Kawasaki 500 but I was put off by the chain drive. I have completed the motorcycle ed class and am very excited, though a little nervous, to begin to ride. Living on Cape Cod, I deal with a great deal of tourist traffic during the summer months...crazy traffic. It is terrific to read what other women have to say about their bikes and riding. Thanks.

DD
Mashpee, MA
7/15/2009



It's barely been a year since started riding last June 2008. My first time sitting on a bike by myself was on my boyfriends 08 H-D Dyna Superglide and I rode it around a college parking lot on a Sunday morning. The next week I was sitting on a Honda Rebel 250 at the MSF couse, boy did it seem small after riding a Dyna. The next weekend I practiced on the Dyna again and it seemed too heavy after riding the Rebel. I was close to buying a H-D 883 but the dealer gave me a special deal on a XL1200L Anniversary Edition. I bought that bike on July 5, 2008 and had to have my boyfriend ride it home from the dealer since I hadn't ridden on the street yet.

The 1200L was a perfect fit for my size, once we swaped out the stock seat for a more comfortable Mustang seat and a perfect bike for me to learn on. I have put 8900 miles on my Sporty in the last year and I wouldn't trade it in for anything other bike. If you are planning on taking long rides, bigger is better.

Sally White
Burbank, CA
7/14/2009



I started with a Yamaha V Star Custom 650 and five years ago never regretted it. I practiced on the side streets around my house till I was confident to get out on the main roads. This bike has great balance and turns real nice. More than 20,000 miles later and I still have this bike and will probably never trade up. It gets me over the mountain passes here in Colorado and rides like a dream.

Betty B.
Colorado Springs, CO
7/14/2009



I totally agree with Coralee about the scooters. I started on a 150cc about six months ago that I had to take the MSF class and have a motorcycle endorsement to ride. Learning on a scooter really builds a good foundation for how a bike moves, turns, and rides. My MSF class was on a Honda Nighthawk and now I have my husband's Honda Shadow Spirit 750. I'm becoming more and more comfortable on it and am really enjoying the riding.

Sandi
Louisiana
7/14/2009



I am a beginner rider and have a 2001 Suzuki Savage. It is a 650. I love this bike. It is very light and low to the ground. I am 5-feet-1 and my feet are planted firmly on the ground. I would recommend the Savage to any new rider.



Trava
Jonesboro, GA
7/13/2009



I used to ride behind my husband on his Harley until I decided at age 55 to try to learn to ride myself! I took the Rider's Edge class through a local Harley dealership but had trouble learning on their Buells and failed the test on the range. I almost gave up, but after doing lots of research on "learning" bikes, I decided to try the Honda Rebel 250. I bought a 2001 (which had been previously used by a riding school) at a Honda dealership auction, and what a difference! It felt much less intimidating than the Buell and made me feel so much more confident! I practiced and practiced on my own in a parking lot behind our house for over a month and finally passed the test.

I love the Rebel so much I'm in no hurry to move up to a bigger bike! I drive it to work (34 miles RT) whenever the weather's not too bad and have put almost 7,000 miles on it so far!

Karen S.
Lombard, IL
7/13/2009



My commuter bike is a scooter, a Genuine Buddy 150 St Tropez, and in just over a year, I have almost 7000 miles, mostly commuting 20 miles each way on streets to Irvine. It's great, so easy to ride, and gets about 80 mpg to boot!

Mary Henning
Garden Grove, CA
7/13/2009
To read more about the Genuine Buddy be sure to visit ScooterRidersNow.com, our sister site.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

I have to agree with Liz Petersen
Fort Bragg, CA. I also have a Kawasaki Ninja 500R as my first motorcycle. In fact, I am 5 feet tall and had a Corbin seat modified to make it lower. I can almost flat foot when stopping. I bought it new in 2000, after riding a 125cc and 250cc enduros for a couple of months. My Kawi 500 is more than 9 years old and has more than 68,000 miles on it. It has been cross-country four times, as well as averaging 500 to 700 miles per day and 50 miles to the gallon. It will keep up with any other motorcycle on the road and no need to trade up. I have also done track days and on straights had it up to 130 mph. It's very nimble and is fun on twisty roads.

Cathie Rouse
Las Vegas, NV
7/13/2009



"Because it's on the taller side, we wouldn't typically recommend it as a starter bike, but if someone wants to buy into the BMW family, this is an affordable way to do it."

Sssshhh! Can I let you into a secret? The BMW G 650 GS is available in a low frame, low seat option for no extra cost. That brings the seat height down to 29 inches. The bike also has a very low center of gravity (check out the filler cap on the side, routing gas down low into the bike instead of balanced on top).

The bike is capable of going off road, but a rookie rider can save that pleasure for later. I'm an experienced, but extremely vertically challenged rider. After all kinds of bikes, I'm back to a smaller bike as my new favorite. Ladies, don't get hung up on image and what others want you to ride. Sit on as many bikes as you can, and choose what feels good for you.

Jill Hall
Huntington Beach, CA
7/13/2009



Great article! Turns out, my hubby knew what he was talking about when he insisted on a new Virago 250. It was a great starter bike, not much different than the Rebel I learned on in class. It didn't take me long, however, to need to move up. He has a big Harley, and my little Virago just couldn't keep up with him. He was determined to buy me a Harley as well, but at just 5-feet-1 I had a hard time finding one that fit. I must have sat on every bike in our area, still unable to find the right one.

Then one day, we stopped at our local Yamaha dealer, and as soon as I sat on the used 650 Yamaha V Star Custom, I just knew it was the one. It fits me perfectly without any modifications whatsoever. We plan to add foot boards soon, as the foot pegs don't really allow me to ride relaxed for long trips. Other than that, my Rose is just perfect!

Monica
Lisbon, OH
7/13/2009



I am riding a 2006 Suzuki GS500F, the faired version of the GS500E. I love this bike! It is not too heavy and not too tall. I am 5 feet 9 inches and this bike fits perfectly. I made the mistake of buying a Triumph Bonneville as my first bike on the recommendation that I would "grow into it." It was a great bike, but the seat was too wide and I had trouble flat-footing and it was very top heavy. I am no weakling and I felt that I had to wrestle with the bike to get it to do anything I wanted. Needless to say, I dropped that darn thing more than once. The Suzuki, never! I feel completely confident on it and it has plenty of power.

Keep up the great work on your articles and I look forward to your newsletters.

Tatiana Hill
Rising Fawn, GA
7/13/2009



How about that Suzuki Boulevard C50 (805cc) I know most would say this is not a beginner's bike but It's what I started on and I love it! I am 5 feet 11 inches and this bike is wonderful. It handles wonderfully at slow speeds and is very forgiving with changing gears.

My husbands rides a Harley Ultra Classic and he had to admit that my Suzuki was one great handling bike. I've been riding just about a year and I am becoming truly one with bike. My one suggestion is don't make a lot of changes such as pipes and added gear until you become comfortable with the bike just as it is.

Jodria Bufford
Winston-Salem, NC
7/13/2009



Nice article. Nice to see so many choices, but I could never ride a "Low."

I started on the Yamaha V Star 650 and found it an easy ride - but I am tall, at 5-feet-10 and don't feel well balanced on any of the lowered bikes. After a year, I traded up to an older Harley Sportster 883 Standard, and a year later traded up again to a Harley Dyna Super Glide. With forward controls, there's not much I can't do on the Super Glide. I was amazed at how much better this bike fit me than the Sportster, because I thought the Sportster was a great fit. But I'm seeing that the Dynas - just about any of them - are a great next step up for a woman who is looking for something that rides a bit more smoothly than the Sportster.

Tammy Kinkade
Defiance, OH
7/13/2009


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