motorcycles??

[CyclChyk]

Any "biker" babes out there? And by this I am referring to bikes with engines......

my DH is an avid "biker" and hates riding double so I am taking a motorcycle safety beginners class this weekend (have only ever "driven" a moped) to see if I can handle a bike........... I really want a Harley 883L Sportster.......
If I suck they will kick me out of the class, no refund, and I will be forced to give up all hope.

I am hoping I don't suck........

Anyone out there who can share their personal experiences to boost my confidence??? Offer insight??

Thanks in advance.

[Pax]

I've had a bike since 1972, it was my primary ride to High School. ;) Riding motorcycles has always been a passion of mine and I take several long (1000-1500 mile) solo trips every year.

If you want to share your DH's passion then there is no better place to start than The Class. Don't worry about being a newbie, everyone in the class is new and clueless and the curriculum is designed with that fact in mind. The fact that you regularly ride a bicycle will be a huge asset as well. Good luck and enjoy yourself, if you have any specific questions feel free to give me a shout.

[postiechic]

yep...I ride a motorbike
advice?........don't crash - it hurts!
and it wrecks your bike

V...

[horsemom]

Hi! I am just getting into motorbikes (at 46-yikes!!). My DH has put up with my horse racing for 16 years (he is a vet, so it wasn't too much of a stretch) and now he mtbikes with me, but HE really wanted to get back into motorcycles, so I am being a good sport! Actually, I am looking forward to it, and will take the beginner course in May. He bought a dual sport bike (Kawasaki KLR 650) and I am looking for the same type, but smaller. Being dual sports, they can go on and off road, and that is part of the allure for me. I wouldn't be happy just going down the pavement.

We thought we would put the motorbikes and mtbikes on the horse trailer when we go to big races (10 days/500 miles on the Santa Fe Trail in Sept) and then we could get out on non race days and explore.

This getting older with less responsibilities (kiddo just graduated college) is starting to grow on me!!!

Laura

[Bad JuJu]

Hey CyclChyk--I took the class in November and bought my bike in December. I'm in the same situation as you--DH loves riding his motorcycle, but neither one of us wanted me riding on the back with him.:D But if he was going to ride as much as he wanted to, I was going to have to be involved somehow.

The class was great--an excellent way to find out whether you're even going to like riding your own bike. My main tip is to pay attention to your coaches--some of the instructions they give may sound counterintuitive, but they work! But probably the more important thing is to make sure you're rested up for the Saturday and Sunday classes--we were on those bikes most of the day, both days, and I was beat by the end. Also, don't be afraid of a little speed. There were a couple of women who dropped out of the class because they never could get themselves to move out of first gear. I don't think we went much past second gear, but certainly you've got to be able to go beyond first. And after you finish the class and get your bike, be prepared to spend lots of time riding around the neighborhood practicing starts and stops and turns.

And just for you, here's my embarrassing story: the first time we'd been on the bikes, then got off, I forgot to put the kickstand down and the bike fell over on me. The only thing that got hurt was my pride, but I sure did learn to put that @#$% kickstand down.:D The coach was cool--she said now I'd got that over with, the rest would be easy!

I had wanted the 883L Sportster also, but read some reviews that suggested it was top-heavy and therefore maybe not the best choice for new riders. On the showroom floor, I found it very comfortable, as far as height, handlebar reach, and placement of controls. And it sure is HOT! But in the end, I opted for a used Suzuki Intruder 800, which is very similar to the Harley in styling, but with lower center of gravity and ... several thousand dollars lighter in the price tag. OTOH, the Sportster might be just right for you. It might be just right for me, too, in a couple of years, but not yet.;)

Right now we're planning for my first big ride--to Thunder Beach in Panama City, FL.

Anyway, enjoy the class, and keep us posted on your progress and what bike you end up getting!

[CyclChyk]

Thanks Ladies for all the words of wisdom and encouragement.

This class will determine whether or not I can do this. The ONE requirement is that you know how to ride a bicycle. My DH thinks I may as well give up now being as often as I seem to crash on my bike. I'll show him!!:mad:

He thinks if all this goes to fruition I should get a Honda Rebel - I think an older Sportster would be just fine. As much as I drool over the new Sportster I can't see putting in the expense when I am such a novice. However I can get an older one for a fairly decent price. What I like best is that HD's keep their resale value whereas all the others don't. (Besides, he just got a new HD Night Train all decked out so anything I buy would be chump change).

And thats provided I DON'T flunk out................ My classroom part is tomorrow night, and then Sat & Sun will be the riding portion. I will keep you posted.

And thanks JUJU for the advise on the kickstand. I'd hate to do anything to draw negative attention to myself since they clearly state that if the instructor feels you are a hopeless case they can drop you from the class. :eek:

[Kitsune06]

the problem with massive forums is the tendency to duplicate threads.... here y'all go (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=11368)... :D

You hawt ladies and your motors... ;)

Juju! Glad class went well for you!

Chyk- idiot moves do *not* denote hopeless cases. ...well... maybe a certain proliferation of idiot moves... ;)

[Pax]

...He thinks if all this goes to fruition I should get a Honda Rebel - I think an older Sportster would be just fine....

I'm going to echo your husbands sentiments here, a Sportster is a top heavy and quite powerful bike to learn on, if you start on a Rebel (or any similar smaller bike) you'll have to opportunity to learn much better bike handling skills than you would on a larger/heavier bike. I can't count the number of women I know who've given up on motorcycling because they started on a bigger bike and just "couldn't get the hang of it". Smaller used bikes tend to get sold from new rider to new rider so you don't really end up taking a bath on the purchase price.

[CyclChyk]

My hubby always insists that he knows all (gotta love the male ego) - usually however, in my hubby's case he's mostly right. He's the smartest person I know and thats straight from the heart.

QUEEN - (and JUJU) - bike being top heavy is not something I considered nor did my DH express it in those words so it made sense to me (he never gets why I don't always follow his train of thought - must be I'm a ditz). He just kept stressing a "smaller" bike. But I would hate to give up riding because of an uninformed decision on my part.

I will look at the Rebels (or something equal) and heed your advise. "Top heavy" is not something I am used to in any department.

Thats why I love you girls - you help keep me grounded ;)

[Bad JuJu]

Here's the only concern I'd have about a Rebel--you may not be able to keep up with DH at highway speeds, since it's only a 250 (actually a tiny bit less, I think). Several folks warned me about this when I was shopping, and they weren't all dealers just looking to sell me a bigger bike. But then again, maybe you're not planning on any long, fast rides, so this might be a moot point for you. Just a thought.

Have fun in class!

[Kitsune06]

I think if I went with a motorcycle (and I just might) I would think seriously about a smaller bike given my size/weight and handling. Yes it would make highway speeds a little more difficult, but that would be something you'd have to consider for yourself. I was tempted most by a Rebel or a Virago. I'm not much for Harleys given the expense of their parts, but then again, if you do your own mechanical work, it might be worth it in terms of being able to buy factory reproductions etc.

As it is I need to sell the CB 650. PITA does not want it, will not ride it, and will not put the time or effort into it. What a waste. Yet somehow I knew it would be this way, from the moment I started her up and felt her run. Oh well. :(

[Cha Cha]

I took the Basic Rider course a few years back and loved it. It was a long and very tiring weekend, mentally and physically, so you might not want to make any other plans... It proved to be "not for me" (I don't trust my reflexes to be fast enough to get me away from trouble), but it was a great experience and I wouldn't trade it - or the "M" on my license! - for anything!

FWIW, as others have written, I sought a lot of advice about what kind of bike to get, and it seems to come down to two schools of thought: either (a) start with a smaller bike to get comfortable and then upgrade or (b) start with a somewhat larger bike (600) and then you don't have to upgrade. I'd lean toward option (a). Used Rebels in great condition are not hard to find, as people buy them and either upgrade or quit riding altogether.

But it all depends on your comfort level, and you won't really know until after you've completed the course, so the best thing to do at this point is keep a very open mind. You'll have a much better sense of it by then, and your instructors will have some good advice for you too.

Most of all, enjoy - and let us know how it went!

All the best! Vroom!

Cha Cha

[Kitsune06]

A friend of mine in Eugene gave her bike to a friend of hers, bought a hot red motoguzzi and as we sat outside chatting over her sexy machine, she said "That little kawasaki has taught five biker chicks to ride. She needed to be passed on.".
What a legacy.
Perhaps this is the sole purpose of smaller bikes.
but whatever you do, mind your protective gear. @ssless chaps are hot, but not generally a good idea- guess where lots of road rash happens. Look into jackets with really honestly body-hugging spinal protection. A lot these days have very flexible sorta foam/plastic cr*p to say they have it, but I wouldn't trust my mobility to it. for that, look into these (http://www.motoemporium.com/joerocket/armor/armor.html). Make sure it fits snugly. If it shifts under normal circumstances, you better bet it's going to shift if/when you go down.
Rotten.com used to have a great ER pic of a guy who kissed pavement wearing a brainbucket helmet. Not recommended. Cannot believe guy was still conscious.
I grew up with an interesting dual way of thinking regarding motorcycles. On one hand, Dad would tell me fondly of the Honda CB350 he rode from WI to PA when he was drafted for Vietnam... all painted like the bike in Easy Rider- his trips to Canada motorcycle touring, etc...
then Mom's side where after Dad filled my head with enough 'nonsense' she'd make him pull out the white helmet with canuck flag and then the face shield (that nifty '60s sorta bubble-face shield) with the side ground off and gravel imbedded, go on about how he still has gravel in his butt, etc etc after a particularly nasty lay-down/near-collision with a power pole. Why my mom made him sell his bike. :(
So have fun, and be safe. And I'll eye you with more than a little envy 'til I can be there, too. :p ;) :cool: :D

[logdiva32]

Don't know if this is still true. But when I bought my first Harley, I was able to take it back a year later and trade up, They credited me the full MSRP!!

Second note: I have been riding since 12 also. My HB bought a huge bike to match mine, and ride with me, come to admit, he's not into MC at all. So we spent alot of money for nothing. So my .02c do it for you.. Then if it is a mutual hobby, it is a plus.

[horsemom]

FWIW, it is a good idea to by the best helmet you can afford. I have a good friend who was in an accident last summer and if not for the full face, very expensive helmet he was wearing, he might not still be alive. My DH and I just bought SHOEI helmets--$600 for the two, but worth it, we think.

Laura

[Pax]

I love my current bike so I just have to share a pic of her, here we are heading out for a balmy 25 degree ride. :D

http://QB.smugmug.com/photos/42440811-M.jpg

[CyclChyk]

Queen's bike - also referred to as a "crotch rocket"!! (can I say that????)
A very sexy bike!!! I love the bumble bee sound they make - we used to take my chihuahua to the race track in Loudon NH, and while he tended to hide in his duffle bag during the door slammers, he was VERY attentive to the jap bikes and their thunder. It was the cutest thing! So much so that the owners of the track allowed him a front row seat in the tower while they moderated.

Perhaps he will ride "double" with me?????

I am really hoping I don't flunk out - I am so PUMPED about riding solo!

[Pax]

Queen's bike - also referred to as a "crotch rocket"!! (can I say that????)...
My bike is a Suzuki V-Strom and is actually a dual sport bike (meaning it can do limited off road riding). My old banged up body can't handle the hunched over "crotch rocket" riding position. :D


Edit - I meant to suggest to you...have your hubby show you the bikes controls on his bike (they don't typically vary from bike to bike), that way you'll already know where the clutch/throttle/brakes/kill switch are when you get to your class.

[CyclChyk]

So........ just checked out rotten.com.............

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Still have not found the motorcyle shot but the decapitated head was rather interesting...............

[Kitsune06]

it's not there. PM'd you with what it looked like. not going to post that here. =P Rotten had to remove it due to legal reasons. Apparently it's frowned upon for paramedics to upload pics taken from work.

[Bad JuJu]

Woo-hoo, Queen--gorgeous bike! I love the sporty sport bike look, but they all seem to be too tall for me--the story of my life LOL! You look great all bundled up and ready to ride.

[~zoom]

The motorcycle safety course is a "must do". I found it to be a great confidence builder. I have a Sportster 883 Custom and love it (although I've got my eye on this cute black and white Deluxe)

My g/f and I are also members of the "Jersey Girls" motorcycle club which is our local chapter of the national "Women in the Wind" club. It's so cool to have other women to ride with (spouses and significant others are welcome on most rides, altho a few are members only).

Having a club to ride with is awesome. Seems there's always something going on and when you feel like riding more than just the local countryside, riding with a knowledgeable group is the way to go (not to mention they're fun to be around)

remember .... it's always about the ride ;)


~zoom

[CyclChyk]

WOOOHOOOOO!!!! I did it and I passed and I had SUCHHHH a blast!!! Froze my tuskus off (45 and windy) but WOW was it funfunfun!!!!

I am so going to look for a Sporty!! I learned on a Suzuki 250 and it was a bit small for me. There was a Honda Rebel there that somebody else snagged. The Suzuki center of gravity was lower than the Rebel but they both felt more than stable for me. So I can definately look towards bigger ......

WOW Am I pumped!!!!!:D :p And I can defiantely see how this will help my bicycle riding skills as well.

Did I happen to say --- YEA ME!!!!!!

[Bad JuJu]

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/143.gif
WOO-HOO, MOTOR-CyclChyk! You rock!
Enjoy your success, and let us know what bike you end up with.

[Pax]

Way to go girl!!! http://QB.smugmug.com/photos/49063420-Ti.gif

[logdiva32]

Now you can look fwd to the advanced street riders course, have to bring your own bike, case you drop it...

[Cha Cha]

Good for you, CC! Your enthusiasm really shines through in your post!

You rock! And be careful! :-)

Cha Cha :)

[maillotpois]

Ok, I'm reviving this thread.

I had a Vespa.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=16463&highlight=vespa

It was great. But, yes. I am fickle.

I took the MSF course so I could get my license and legally take my daughter to school on the scooter. Well, I really liked how the loaner motorcycles handled - so much more like a real bike, you can lean in corners, etc. So my father in law and I got to talking. He's NOT a good influence. Anyway, he bought my Vespa from me... and I bought this:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/bonneville.jpg

Triumph Bonneville. We're just getting to know one another. I'm working on smooth shifting and downshifting. And not falling over. :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

SSEEXXYYY!!!!!!

I like it!

[OakLeaf]

I didn't see this thread until somebody just revived it. CC, I am SO glad you decided not to start on a Sportster. I did, and it was an enormous mistake.

If you've managed to get 5-10K miles and the ERC under your belt this summer, you can probably handle a Sporty if you still want one. But you probably don't want one any more now that you've been riding a real motorcycle, do you?

The myth of HD reliability is just that, a myth. Now, I never had an pre-evo bike, so for all I know they did improve. But if you get a HD, be prepared for constant, expensive and time-consuming repairs. Not just my experience - I was just talking to a guy last night with a brand new Road King, for example.

Plus, I see the Sportster still has a totally inadequate single front disc. Conversions are available, but very expensive. You really don't want a 583-lb motorcycle that doesn't stop when you apply the brakes, trust me. (Good grief, I just looked that up, it's nearly 100 lbs heavier than my '91. Why in the world would they make that thing heavier? Except, the conspiracy theorist in me says, to make sure they no longer perform better than the Big Twins.)

And they handle like a mattress that you've left out on the curb because it was too sacked out to sleep on, but it's still two more months until large item pickup day. Again, you can upgrade the suspension for under $1000 if you do the labor yourself, but why not just buy a real bike to begin with?

And +1 on getting the best gear you can find. Not just a helmet, but good gloves, boots with shin and malleolus protection, good-fitting jacket and pants with CE armor, and a CE-II back protector, and WEAR THEM... what we call ATGATT (all the gear, all the time).

I'd recommend a brand-name helmet also (Shoei, Arai or Suomy), but you can get a Snell, CE or British-rated helmet for $200 or less, and the rest of what you're paying for is comfort and convenience (light weight, quiet, balance, ventilation, washable and custom fittable liners, etc.). It's worth the extra money hands down, but it's not necessary for safety (unless a helmet is so uncomfortable that you don't wear it). Also be sure to price a base solid color helmet (black or white). Snazzy solid colors are usually $50 above base, graphics another $50 above that, and racer replica helmets can be $200 or more over the base MSRP.

But anyway... sweet Bonnie, maillotpois! That's a nice standard. More and more standards are becoming available: Suzuki SV650N; Kawasaki 650R (despite their including it in the Ninja family, it's a standard, not a sportbike). And the new bikes that everyone's coming out with in Supermoto trim look really cool, and they're supposed to be a lot of fun.

[Pax]

Ok, I'm reviving this thread.

I had a Vespa.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=16463&highlight=vespa

It was great. But, yes. I am fickle.

I took the MSF course so I could get my license and legally take my daughter to school on the scooter. Well, I really liked how the loaner motorcycles handled - so much more like a real bike, you can lean in corners, etc. So my father in law and I got to talking. He's NOT a good influence. Anyway, he bought my Vespa from me... and I bought this:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/bonneville.jpg

Triumph Bonneville. We're just getting to know one another. I'm working on smooth shifting and downshifting. And not falling over. :rolleyes:

I had a Bonnie and LOVED it! If you want to read/chat/learn about them, try checking in at TriumphRat (http://www.triumphrat.net/forum.php). Great forum with tons of info.

[Pax]

I just realized the pic of my bike isn't there anymore, I changed online photo hosting sites...ooops.

Here she is:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb217/Deepliquid/42643662-M.jpg

[maillotpois]

Nice bike Queen! When the picture didn't show up in the link last night, I actually googled your bike to see what it looked like.

Thanks for the link, too. I'm still learning a lot and grateful for any advice, suggestions or references. DH has given lots of advice and suggestions as well. He's off in Mexico on a weekend (mostly off road) motorcycle trip with some friends of ours from down in SD.

Okay, OakLeaf, what's a "standard"? See? I do know nothing.

For me, it wasn't that I wanted a "motorcycle". I wanted a Bonneville. :D

[OakLeaf]

A "standard" is what they used to just call a motorcycle, with a neutral seating position. Not a cruiser, not a sportbike. But also set up with road suspension and tires, not like a dual-sport.

[surgtech1956]

I am planning on getting a motorcycle next year - right now I spend $30+ a week for gas to go to work. I would like a Harley 883 Sportster or a Honda Shadow. I do love that Triumph Bonneville - that is sharp.

[Pax]

...
For me, it wasn't that I wanted a "motorcycle". I wanted a Bonneville. :D
On your Bonnie, keep an eye on the loose paint around the opening of the gas cap. If it starts flaking off too much, make the dealer do either a repaint or the cutting procedure (where they take an exacto knife and cut/peel the paint around the top of the opening).

[crazycanuck]

i'd love a ride on a motorbike! a harley would be nice :cool: and hopefully a nice co-pilot:p

c