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Copyright © 2000 by M. Hilton Taylor. All Rights Reserved by T.A.M.S. It ain’t rocket science . . . is it. |
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Today there are an increasing number of women riding motorcycles. Some of the issues for women are different from men. While this is not a technical manual I would like to point out some of the differences. I am referring to motorcycles not women. Today the motorcycle manufacturers have recognized this fact are building motorcycles primarily focused for women. This is where motorcycle selection is very important. The first thing is the myth that is unfortunately fostered many times by men, is that the motorcycle should be light or small for women. Not true. Most women could not lift a motorcycle that weighs 300 lbs (few are that light) unless it is balanced. Remember that word BALANCED! When choosing a motorcycle you should sit on it and look for a few important things. The first thing is can you put your feet on the ground with your knees slightly bent. If not, can the bike be safely lowered to the right height? If not, move on; otherwise you will not be able to properly control the motorcycle when pushing it forward or backward. I have seen very small women riding very a large bike without it being a problem . . . but remember it did not happen without a little planning. The next item is can you reach the handlebars comfortably without having to lean forward or reach upward. This again will affect your ability to move the bike around but more importantly how you control it a low speed. If you have to lean you will not be able to maintain a proper balance. Here is that word again! When moving the motorcycle in and out of parking spots, sitting upright in a well balanced position is extremely important. Again, if not, can it be changed to achieve that position by using different bars or using risers? If not, move on. The next important issue is the balance of the bike, not the weight. Be sure the motorcycle does not feel top heavy. You want the weight to feel as low as possible. This will give you more control over the weight of the bike. A top heavy bike that weights 450 lbs. will feel heavier than a 700 lb motorcycle that is properly balanced. This is something that cannot be changed so be sure you feel comfortable with the weight, but don’t go weight shopping. Look for balance in the bike. The only other issue that is worthy of mention is the rake of the bike or in layman terms how far the front tire is away from the front of the frame. The further the distance is . . . the greater the rake. Why is rake important? The rake affects several things but the most important is the greater the rake, the more difficult the low speed handling will be. This is not to say it is not safe, it is just so you will know. Racing motorcycles have a rake in the 25 degree range and choppers have a rake out to 45 degrees. Most cruisers are in the 28 to 34 degree range. Follow these rules and do not be led astray by some fast talking salesman who will not be riding the bike. Unfortunately a lot of sales people do not sell to many women customers and they may not have a clue as to what you need. They may sell you a bike that is not right for you because you were looking at it and were unaware what you really needed. Remember the sales rule. It is to separate you from your money! Your bike . . . your safety . . . your decision and . . . your money! Once you have found which motorcycles will work for you the next thing is to select the coolest bike you can afford and add the chrome! Now to riding it and some of the differences you will encounter. One of the main differences is the strength aspect. Women generally have approximately 60% of the upper body strength of men. This can be a problem moving the motorcycle off of the side stand. The trick is to use your lower body strength where men and women are more equal. When you are sitting on the motorcycle, use the inside of the upper left thigh to push the motorcycle to the upright position. It is kind of like pushing your leg from a bent to a straight position. With a little practice you can get the motorcycle up without using your upper body to lift. Some of the most important things are to become familiar with how your bike operates, where the controls are, and moving it around. Find an area that is flat and practice. While men may not be all that helpful most times this is where they really are of assistance. They will be using their strength and not their brains. It is good to have someone around to be there just in case you become off balance and in danger or dropping your bike. Not good for the chrome! Put the bike on the side stand and sit on the bike in the position you would be riding. Practice reaching or operating all of the controls. Even if you are not moving you can practice braking. What you are looking for is the feel and where they are located so you can operate them without having to think about where they are. Once you feel comfortable then practice moving the bike with the engine off. What you are doing is finding the balance of the motorcycle. Roll it forward and backwards. Be sure you maintain an upright position and use your mirrors when pushing it backwards. First look rearward to be sure where you are going and are clear. Next return to a forward looking position and use your mirrors to watch behind you. Why! Turn your head all the way to the rear and try to walk backward down a line . . . this will help you understand. Oh yes, do it while off of the motorcycle. Being in an upright position will help you maintain your balance and control. Backing and turning is a skill you will acquire with practice. Learn it by doing it slow and learn the mechanics first. When you are learning to turn while backing, do it in steps. Back to the point you need to turn. Stop. Turn the front wheel to the correct position. Back till you need to straighten the front wheel. Stop. Straighten the front wheel and then proceed rearward. With a little practice your can do it all more easily. While even the guys need to learn this, it is more important for the ladies since they will have a more difficult time forcing the bike around. Why spend so much time on moving the bike around? Simple! Low speed riding or moving the bike around is the time when you are the most likely to fall or drop your motorcycle. Will you ever drop your bike? Probably, but practice will make it less likely and give you more confidence. When the wheels are spinning the bike wants to stay upright, but when they are not . . . it is up to you. These are the things that separate most women from men. Once the riding starts there is not much difference, provided you have followed some simple guidelines suggested above. Selecting a bike that fits you will make you feel more comfortable, more confident, and you enjoy riding much more. One final word for motorcycle selection is, peer pressure in your daily life is bad . . . but peer pressure in your motorcycle selection can be dangerous.
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