Need advice on riding
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
yep, a 1200 is rather intimidating for a smaller framed/weight woman. I started out on mine, and I'd say in a heart beat, I should have started out on a smaller bike, right out of the safety course. Now a month and a half later, it's fine, but you're about 2 inches shorter than me, and if you still have the stock seat on it, it may not fit you properly
A mustang seat will drop you an inch and move you forward an inch if you're interested in changing out seats.
See if you can get your hands on an older smaller bike, just to build confidence on. The sporties also have a higher center of gravity, from what everyone else says on here, but I think I agree. I remember the first time I started up the bike in the school parking lot, it had so much power, I thought I was going to take off like a rocket, it was so different than the 250s in class!
did you do any maintenance to the bike if it's sat for two years?
A mustang seat will drop you an inch and move you forward an inch if you're interested in changing out seats.
See if you can get your hands on an older smaller bike, just to build confidence on. The sporties also have a higher center of gravity, from what everyone else says on here, but I think I agree. I remember the first time I started up the bike in the school parking lot, it had so much power, I thought I was going to take off like a rocket, it was so different than the 250s in class!
did you do any maintenance to the bike if it's sat for two years?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
and be sure to check out the Women's only forum on here!
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-q...kers-only-139/
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-q...kers-only-139/
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
If you have been riding dirt bikes you have already started out on a smaller bike so no need to go that route again. I pretty much go along with Imold's post. I don't think you need to be at 3k rpm in lower gears on a sporty but once you are moving you will feel much better and more in control than when you are moving it around in the garage or driveway. All of us have almost dropped a bike before and most of us have dropped it. As someone posted awhile back, if you drop it and can't pick it up, lie down beside it and someone will stop and help you get it back up.
If you just can't get over being intimidated by it than a Buell Blast is a good ride. But I think once you get it on the road, not in a parking lot or around the block, but actually on a highway for a couple of hours ride, you will be hooked and feel more confident. Good luck.
If you just can't get over being intimidated by it than a Buell Blast is a good ride. But I think once you get it on the road, not in a parking lot or around the block, but actually on a highway for a couple of hours ride, you will be hooked and feel more confident. Good luck.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Take the MSF or Riders Edge course! A smaller biker isn't a bad idea. Also, can you flat foot while you're on the Sporty?
You need to practice what the MSF course calls the Friction Zone. That's the point where the clutch engages. Throttle and clutch control will be important to get down well. You should really feather both. A little throttle and a little clutch will get you moving.
Whoever said not to go into aa parking lot to practice is dead wrong. If you can't do slow maneuvers you can't properly and safely ride any motorcycle. Let alone the Sportster. Practice riding at slow speeds lower than before countersteering takes hold at about 10-12 mph.
The more you practice the better you'll get and you're confidence will improve. There are women out there your size that can manhandle a touring bike and many that ride a Sporty.
Take the safety course and ride safe.
You need to practice what the MSF course calls the Friction Zone. That's the point where the clutch engages. Throttle and clutch control will be important to get down well. You should really feather both. A little throttle and a little clutch will get you moving.
Whoever said not to go into aa parking lot to practice is dead wrong. If you can't do slow maneuvers you can't properly and safely ride any motorcycle. Let alone the Sportster. Practice riding at slow speeds lower than before countersteering takes hold at about 10-12 mph.
The more you practice the better you'll get and you're confidence will improve. There are women out there your size that can manhandle a touring bike and many that ride a Sporty.
Take the safety course and ride safe.
at 5'3 i would recomend havign the seat foam altered to suit your stature, mean city cycles i think should be able to help you there. also think abotu a suspension drop as well. also a crash bar/ engine guard might be of benifit to you, then just throw on some gear and get comfortable moving slowly around. while a little hgih centered a sporty is a good bike to start on, if you havent taken it yet take a MSF course
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 659
Likes: 1
From: Marlton NJ
I think you might be intimidated by the bikes weight and having to pick it up if you did drop it. Check out this video on how to do it..
There are other videos on you tube on this subject. Take your time and you will be able to do it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 15
From: The City Of New York
All great advice above. I purchased a Rebel 250 for my now ex and trained her on that. She built confidence for a year and now rides a Softail Deluxe.
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,095
Likes: 25
From: dutchess county,ny
Zona,probably gonna catch some flak for this but..You having ridden dirt bikes have probably gone down or dropped them.Unless your worrying about junkin' up the finish & some parts on the bike , go ride it. Everyone and I do mean all of us have probably dropped a ride at least once.Hey gravity never sleeps , so go and ride it and build your confidence.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
Sporty's are some what top heavy. I always sit on my bikes when I move it around, anywhere. Just ducky walk it around a little and you'll get the feel of the bike. Take some short rides around no traffic area until your dirt bike skills kick in. You should look into a seat that will lower you. Tippie-toeing a bike just sucks and you will never be comfortable.I one for get on it and ride.