Are you a lover of the wind? Do you enjoy the fresh touch of the cool breeze on your skin when on the road? Want to feel the rush of excitement and pleasure? Or you want a means of transportation for rocky roads and the mountainside? Then, a motorcycle is the answer to your questions.
After the successful completion of your motorcycle rider test, the next step is to buy a motorcycle. In case you are interested in riding it for fun or as the primary mode of transportation to your school or workplace, there are several motorcycles that you can buy as a beginner.
Buying a motorcycle designed for a woman’s physique makes it easier for you to operate and handle. You don’t want to be stuck with a motorcycle that will see more of your garage than the road. Making the right choice can be exhausting. But you don’t have to worry anymore; I have compiled a list of the factors you must consider before buying one and a good number of motorcycles that will suit your needs.
Important factors to consider before buying a motorcycle
The purpose of the motorcycle
You might want to take a moment to ask yourself an honest question before buying a motorcycle. The purpose you want the motorcycle to serve will determine the type you will buy. Will you use it as a means of getting to work, school or home? Will it be a means of delivering goods to your customers or for weekend fun rides with your buddies? Whatever your reason is, ensure to buy the one that suits your needs.
Style and preference
Take a minute to consider your style of motorcycle. Do you want something flashy and chic or a comfortable ride that isn’t over-the-top? Do you prefer an American-made motorcycle or a European-made one? Choose a brand of motorcycle that you like and will meet your needs and have fun riding it. There are various forms of motorcycles and they include:
- Dual-purpose motorcycle: as the name implies, it is designed for on and off-road. It is heavier and easy to maneuver when riding off-road.
- Scooter: it is the best choice for beginners who will be using it as a means of constant transportation to work, school or home. If you have a low confidence level in riding, you might want to opt for this form as it is easy to ride and has an automatic transmission.
- Cruiser: not the adventurous type or you don’t have any intention to ride off-road? This is a good option for you. It is easy to maneuver and proves better balance as it is close to the ground.
- Sport-touring motorcycle: it is designed for distance travel with different seat height. If you have a high confidence level, you might want to buy a sport-touring motorcycle as it has a higher weight than other types.
- Your budget
Doing the right research before going to the dealership will save you a lot of hassle and heartbreak as you will be equipped with the right information, especially the price range of the motorcycle you wish to buy. Depending on the brand you want to buy, the prices of motorcycles vary.
Level of confidence
This is one of the major factors that must be considered before you buy a motorcycle. You don’t want to overestimate your confidence level and end up keeping the motorcycle in your garage for months or in the worst-case scenario, years. You need to understand that different motorcycles have different horsepower. If you are somewhat a nervous wreck, you might want to go for a motorcycle with lower horsepower and after overcoming your fright, you can decide to opt for one with higher horsepower.
Buying a motorcycle with an average horsepower will allow you to work around building your confidence without any rush. Don’t let the sleekness of the motorcycle distract you into buying one that you will not even have the opportunity to ride – no thanks to your nerves.
Ensure that you overcome your riding anxiety and choose a motorcycle that suits your confidence level. You don’t want to end up buying one that every honk from other road users’ vehicles will make you agitated and uncomfortable. One common myth is “the more you ride it, the more confident you will become”. You might want to ignore that advice and stick to a motorcycle that will be fun and comfortable to ride.
Ergonomics
This is the most important factor when you want to buy a motorcycle. Ensure that you choose one that agrees with your body. Do the necessary research before jumping into the buying process. Some motorcycles are more comfortable than others and this is important if you intend on riding for a long time at a go. Is the seat too high for your height? Are the handlebars too long to reach for your arms? If you are short, you might want to choose a motorcycle that is closer to the ground and has a lower seat with easy-to-reach parts.
Luggage
If the purpose of buying a motorcycle is for distance travel, you might want to get one with saddlebags which will be useful for carrying your supplies/bags.
7 types of beginner motorcycles for women
Now that you know what is important to look for when buying your first motorcycle, I’ll give you seven examples of good starter motorcycles for women.
Kawasaki Ninja 250
- Length: 1990mm
- Width: 710mm
- Height: 1120mm
- Weight: 170kg
This is the ultimate motorcycle for a beginner rider. Although it doesn’t have the super chic look that other brands have, it prides itself on its lightness and great gas mileage. It is easy to maneuver and it offers comfort to the rider – that’s a plus if you ask me. It is equipped with a great engine, has precision and guarantees a smooth ride all the way.
Weighing almost 6 kg lighter than Ninja 400, its horsepower is similar to Ninja 300. The ground clearance is very reasonable and this makes it easy to achieve balance. Its 18.2 liters fuel tank capacity makes it possible to cover a wide distance of about 300 km before topping the fuel.
Want a motorcycle that is easy to handle during windy days? Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a perfect choice.
Honda NC700S
- Length: 1130mm
- Width: 2195mm
- Height: 760mm
- Weight: 211kg
Looking for a motorcycle that is comfortable, fun to ride and affordable? The NC700S is the right option for you. The “naked theme” of the design gives it a sleek, distinctive style. It is a perfect motorcycle that helps boost your confidence as a beginner on the road. The low-riding seat makes it easily accessible to short riders.
It is light in weight and swift in handling. The inline two-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient and has a responsive power package. The fuel tank capacity covers about 400 km and this makes it perfect for long-distance travel.
It is equipped with Optional Dual Clutch Transmission that is a combination of a conventional manual 6-speed transmission or the second generation of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission. This makes it easier to shift gears; manual mode by using buttons and the automatic mode which offers two options – S (sport riding) and (D) for everyday riding.
Whether your preference is city riding or long-distance riding, the Honda NC700S is your go-to motorcycle.
Harley Davidson Sportster 833
- Length: 85.8 inches
- Width: 33.5 inches
- Height: 44.1 inches
- Weight: 256kg
It is a classic vintage motorcycle that is affordable and easy to maintain. Suitable for on-road riding alone, it covers short distances and the maintenance needs are low. It is equipped with a low riding seat and plush design that offers comfort and confidence as you navigate the streets or dodge potholes. The rear slammed suspension makes it a suitable ride for women of all sizes, especially short women.
The 833CC Evolution engine makes the motorcycle run smooth and hard for several kilometers without any worries of running out of fuel anytime soon. Want to add a touch of aggression to your riding gear? The drag-style handlebar of Harley Davidson Sportster 833 gives you a badass look as it puts you forward while riding.
Yamaha R6
- Length: 2040mm
- Width: 700mm
- Height: 1150mm
- Weight: 190kg
It is a perfect choice for women who prefer a sport-touring type of motorcycle. It is designed for the racetrack and adventurous riding. It features low-drag bodywork and a catchy look that screams confidence.
With a mixture of high-end technology and high power which is a feature of its inline-four engines, the Yamaha R6 is a motorcycle for women who enjoy a burst of energy.
It is equipped with
- A Quick Shift System (QSS) that allows faster gear changing,
- KYB upside-down forks that give a more planted feel during braking and cornering, lightweight aluminum fuel tank that allows you to have a firm grip and find a suitable position for your physique,
- advanced Traction Control System (TCS) that allows a higher degree of control,
- Slimline Magnesium Rear Subframe that ensures smooth mobility, a highly defined level of precision and agility while riding,
- A remarkable brake system that allows accurate stopping power.
It is a light motorcycle that is easy to maneuver. Want to put your high level of confidence to good use; Yamaha R6 is your go-to motorcycle.
Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2
- Weight: 246kg
This cruiser motorcycle is an excellent choice for female riders with little experience in riding. With its low riding seat of 25.7 inches, it offers comfort for the rider. The handlebar gives a sporty feel when on the road and the sleek seat gives it a custom look. It has low maintenance needs as the shaft final-drive system provides reliable operation. The 745CC liquid-cooled V-twin engine offers impressive power and a wide rpm range.
It is equipped with an aluminum radiator which ensures a stable level of temperature for a fantastic operation and lasting engine life. In case you are working on building your riding confidence, the lighter weight and low-placed handlebars will help boost your confidence level as well as offer you maximum comfort while riding.
Honda 600 Hornet
- Length: 2055mm
- Width: 745mm
- Height: 1070mm
- Weight: 173kg
Known for its practical operations and comfortable feel, this motorcycle is an ideal one for every beginner. Although it is not as light as other motorcycles, its handlebars are easy to maneuver and gives you an ideal position to look over cars as you navigate the streets. The forward-leaning seat is comfortable and at top speed, the motorcycle is quite stable. Worried about getting numb-bum? The Hornet provides enough room on the front seat to move around while riding.
The 599CC engine gives you your money worth for long-distance travel and the 16 liters fuel tank capacity ensures you don’t have to stop at every gas station on the road while traveling. The new models of the Hornet have striking features and colorful designs. Looking for a motorcycle that suits the needs of on and off-road riding, then you have the right one. It is affordable and easy to maintain.
Suzuki SV650
- Length: 2140mm
- Width: 760mm
- Height: 1090mm
With an impressive ride weight of 198kg, the motorcycle is easy to handle and pleasurable to ride. Want to boost your confidence level and get a quick hang of nimble riding, this is your ride. Whether you are plying the city roads or leaning towards off-road travel, the great handling this motorcycle offers will make your riding experience a memorable one.
The low-riding seat of 785mm is perfect for all sizes and allows you to reach the ground without much effort. The V-Twin engine offers low, mid and high rpm that you can control depending on how slow/fast you want to go. Its fuel tank capacity is 14.5 liters and this makes it a perfect choice for long-distance travel. The five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels give the motorcycle a sporty feel. Equipped with 290mm dual front disc brakes and a 240mm rear brake disc, Suzuki SV650 has excellent precision and control for optimal performance.
As important as it is to buy the right motorcycle for your physique and style, ensure to dress comfortably and properly for every ride. You can only build your confidence by learning each day. Take regular courses to hone your riding skills and become an expert rider in no time.