Need help. GF taking up riding.......
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 1
Every time I see this question asked, my first thought is "Who's paying for the motorcycle?" If she is, leave the choice up to her. If you are, then it's a different story. In any event, plan on taking a hit financially somewhere in this. The idea of a "cheap" 250 Rebel is a myth-around me they all seem to be $1500-2000. Sportsters are a beginner's bike only as far as Harleys are concerned. They are top heavy and don't have the same smooth low speed acceleration as some metric cruisers. They are also potentially expensive to buy and alter to a woman's height. Just be prepared to lose some money later when she wants a bigger bike, or doesn't want to ride at all.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 22
From: Tyrone, GA
First off you can go to the Queens of the Road Forum and post this question. We don't want you hanging around there but we like when you ask for our advice!!
I agree with Lady Deluxe. My first real bike was a Triumph Bonneville which I loved (after some little dirt bikes) After not riding bought a NIghtster. Kept it for 9 months and bought the SG last month.
Good advice from the guys about letting her go at her own pace. Have her check out the QOTR forum. We provide lots of support for new riders as we've all been there, done that. The Ride like a pro DVD is too advanced for a new rider. Those are concepts she isn't ready for. The class would be good for her but the DVD's aren't for newbies.
Tell her to have fun and enjoy. She'll get a new level of self-confidence from riding. Good luck!
I agree with Lady Deluxe. My first real bike was a Triumph Bonneville which I loved (after some little dirt bikes) After not riding bought a NIghtster. Kept it for 9 months and bought the SG last month.
Good advice from the guys about letting her go at her own pace. Have her check out the QOTR forum. We provide lots of support for new riders as we've all been there, done that. The Ride like a pro DVD is too advanced for a new rider. Those are concepts she isn't ready for. The class would be good for her but the DVD's aren't for newbies.
Tell her to have fun and enjoy. She'll get a new level of self-confidence from riding. Good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Italy
I agree with the mob.
Cheap hunk o junk ( ours was a Cagiva Roadster ).
An hour of practise after work every day for couple of weeks.
Ride like a Pro videos in the evening, along with commentary... I can do that, I can do that,
oh sh*t, I can't do that !
Safety course ( without you hanging over her shoulder )
Now, the wife is on a Buell. Cant keep up with her anymore in the corners,
Cheap hunk o junk ( ours was a Cagiva Roadster ).
An hour of practise after work every day for couple of weeks.
Ride like a Pro videos in the evening, along with commentary... I can do that, I can do that,
oh sh*t, I can't do that !
Safety course ( without you hanging over her shoulder )
Now, the wife is on a Buell. Cant keep up with her anymore in the corners,
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
There is no right answer here. I know of women that ride full dressed HD's that have never dropped them and I have seen women drop the lighter bikes. Some of the women I know that ride--ride well and do it safer. They are competitive but it isn't ******** stupid competition. All I can say is that if she can't sit on a bike and touch the ground with both feet flat she will be laying it down. If she doesn't like the color, feel, style, or anything else that bike is history asap. If you can't pick up your bike by yourself you can't help yourself when you are alone. If it was me--I would be discussing this with her and not a forum.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 18,776
Likes: 42
From: Walker WV by way of NEW YORK CITY
Addendum :
GF did it all by herself, I stayed away and kept mouth shut (good advice)
About money: I gave her the down payment as a birthday gift for her "48"
and I don't want it back.
She will prolly be getting a dyna next year.
QOTR is good, but not for GF, she hates the internet, says it's mind dumbing, IDUNNO
GF did it all by herself, I stayed away and kept mouth shut (good advice)
About money: I gave her the down payment as a birthday gift for her "48"
and I don't want it back.
She will prolly be getting a dyna next year.
QOTR is good, but not for GF, she hates the internet, says it's mind dumbing, IDUNNO
Last edited by firefighter616; Jul 28, 2011 at 02:02 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick
Madame Moderator
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 25,140
Likes: 12
From: The Peach State
Good advice all around. If she's buying, let her pick. I did. Started out with a Sportster and loved it. Traded it in for the Deluxe after 6 mos and have been very happy though the Sportster was quite a bit more nimble. I don't want anything bigger. I'm 5'2" and can flat foot mine unlowered with boots on. Nothing wrong though with getting a small metric to start off with. Yeah, some don't ever drop them, but most of us did. Do her a favor and put an engine guard on whatever she gets. Lots and lots of parking lot practice to start with helps build confidence and reinforce those skills learned during the safety course. Best of luck to her.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Saint John, NB Canada
OK.. This is the "GF" in question.... and i'm no longer "taking up riding"... i'm completely hooked!!!
Great advice from all - been having a good laugh reading some of these responses!
Anyway, my pig-headed stubborness prevailed (I would NOT be talked into a smaller, girlie bike..newbie or not!).... 2006 Sportster 1200XL Custom was the winner... We picked it up the day after I became licensed...After losing the mini apes for straight bars & swapping out the seat I love it to bits and wouldn't be happy on anything smaller! She's got quite a kick & there's NOTHING like the rumble of a Harley!!
Oh.. I should also say thanks to Kevie for the encouragement & putting up with me grumbling about being "stuck on the back of the Geezer Glide" LOL
Great advice from all - been having a good laugh reading some of these responses!
Anyway, my pig-headed stubborness prevailed (I would NOT be talked into a smaller, girlie bike..newbie or not!).... 2006 Sportster 1200XL Custom was the winner... We picked it up the day after I became licensed...After losing the mini apes for straight bars & swapping out the seat I love it to bits and wouldn't be happy on anything smaller! She's got quite a kick & there's NOTHING like the rumble of a Harley!!
Oh.. I should also say thanks to Kevie for the encouragement & putting up with me grumbling about being "stuck on the back of the Geezer Glide" LOL
