Female Night Rod riders out there?
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Live Oak, TX
Female Night Rod riders out there?
I'm a new rider, I'm taking the Basic Rider's Course next month and have my mind set on getting a Night Rod as my first bike. I have NO rider experience whatsoever. I know, I know, you're probably going to recommend I buy a sportster, something smaller and more my size but this is what I've got my mind set on so what are your recommendations for someone my size?
My main concerns are:
-Height - (I'm 5'5) is it too big for me stock? What customization options do I have? Foot pedals? Any short riders have any tips?
-Rear tire size and turns - I've read a couple threads where some women expressed concerns about the rear tire size on the Night Rod Specials and need opinions on that--is it really that big of a deal? Any tips? I know a lot will come from experience but the more I know now the more prepared I can be.
What else should I consider?
If you absolutely recommend I start off with a different bike? What would it be? I'm open to other options but am leaning towards the Night Rod for
-Looks/style/agressive dark and just all around Badass
-Cooling system
-It's just my type
I plan on going to a Harley dealer in town and sitting on one and some others to see how I feel but, like I said, my heart is set.
Advice/Tips appreciated.
Thanks!
My main concerns are:
-Height - (I'm 5'5) is it too big for me stock? What customization options do I have? Foot pedals? Any short riders have any tips?
-Rear tire size and turns - I've read a couple threads where some women expressed concerns about the rear tire size on the Night Rod Specials and need opinions on that--is it really that big of a deal? Any tips? I know a lot will come from experience but the more I know now the more prepared I can be.
What else should I consider?
If you absolutely recommend I start off with a different bike? What would it be? I'm open to other options but am leaning towards the Night Rod for
-Looks/style/agressive dark and just all around Badass
-Cooling system
-It's just my type
I plan on going to a Harley dealer in town and sitting on one and some others to see how I feel but, like I said, my heart is set.
Advice/Tips appreciated.
Thanks!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 949
Likes: 116
From: SW Colorado & CO Springs
Welcome from Colorado.
You might try posting in the queens of the road section, not that you won't get answers where this one is. I don't think I want to advise you on what bike you should be riding. I can tell you it sux drop your brand new pride and joy, and the newer you are the more likely it is.
You might try posting in the queens of the road section, not that you won't get answers where this one is. I don't think I want to advise you on what bike you should be riding. I can tell you it sux drop your brand new pride and joy, and the newer you are the more likely it is.
Yes, come join us ladies in the Queens of the Road.
I will tell you that it's not your height but the length of your legs. I am also 5'5" but with long legs so I can flat foot any of the Harleys. I know guys taller than me that can't.
In the meantime, do the MSF course.
I will tell you that it's not your height but the length of your legs. I am also 5'5" but with long legs so I can flat foot any of the Harleys. I know guys taller than me that can't.
In the meantime, do the MSF course.
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Live Oak, TX
Welcome from Colorado.
You might try posting in the queens of the road section, not that you won't get answers where this one is. I don't think I want to advise you on what bike you should be riding. I can tell you it sux drop your brand new pride and joy, and the newer you are the more likely it is.
You might try posting in the queens of the road section, not that you won't get answers where this one is. I don't think I want to advise you on what bike you should be riding. I can tell you it sux drop your brand new pride and joy, and the newer you are the more likely it is.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
Check in here for more info from female Vrod riders:
http://www.1130cc.com/forums/index.php
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
In my humble opinion the forward controls will be harder to reach and to operate. Mid controls are easily within reach and you will have better control and feel for the bike.
Maybe look at the Street Bob a alternative. I wouldn't worry about the rear wheel as you will be learning on it and will get used to the extra effort needed to turn and corner. I really like the V-Rods except they should have kept the mid controls. Good luck with the course and gettig a bike you will be satisfied with for years to come.
Maybe look at the Street Bob a alternative. I wouldn't worry about the rear wheel as you will be learning on it and will get used to the extra effort needed to turn and corner. I really like the V-Rods except they should have kept the mid controls. Good luck with the course and gettig a bike you will be satisfied with for years to come.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 335
Likes: 2
From: Dayton, TX
I'm interested in this as well as my wife has her mind set on a night rod. We both agree that she will not learn on one (or on my bike) but I guess she really needs to just go sit on some to get a feel for it and make sure it is something she can even do (reach-wise).
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 568
Likes: 147
From: Georgia
I had an '07 Night Rod Special so can only speak to that model.
In terms of height, you may have problems reaching the forward controls but you can always make modifications to move the foot controls back and a reduced reach seat to push you a bit forward. If you still have trouble reaching the controls then you may want to consider another bike.
The NRS is nice and low so you will feel in greater control since you will be able to reach the ground easily. The long rake can be a challenge doing a tight turn (such as a u-turn) but that's something you will get used to. The lower center of gravity makes the bike fairly easy to handle so weight shouldn't be much of a concern.
I had a 260 tire on mine and it handled nicely. You won't be able to corner like a sportbike but it's fine for all around riding.
Overall, it's a great bike with a smooth motor that pulls hard. As long as you have no problem reaching the controls I can't see it being a problem. Karen Davidson used to ride a Night Rod Special!
In terms of height, you may have problems reaching the forward controls but you can always make modifications to move the foot controls back and a reduced reach seat to push you a bit forward. If you still have trouble reaching the controls then you may want to consider another bike.
The NRS is nice and low so you will feel in greater control since you will be able to reach the ground easily. The long rake can be a challenge doing a tight turn (such as a u-turn) but that's something you will get used to. The lower center of gravity makes the bike fairly easy to handle so weight shouldn't be much of a concern.
I had a 260 tire on mine and it handled nicely. You won't be able to corner like a sportbike but it's fine for all around riding.
Overall, it's a great bike with a smooth motor that pulls hard. As long as you have no problem reaching the controls I can't see it being a problem. Karen Davidson used to ride a Night Rod Special!