No...I just got used to it. My hands do get tired, but I have noticed that the more I ride, the stronger they get. I may get grips with a throttle boss for long rides, however, I'm not too sure as they are much wider and my fingers are short. I'd recommend she take the msf course, buy a cheap/reliable bike that can be beat up to learn on...then if and when she's ready, rent a sportster just to make sure she likes it. I found that the Yamaha vstar's clutch was VERY funky...it released so far out...and when I bought my harley, I was in heaven - plus, make sure you get a sportster model '04 and up because that's when they switched to the soft clutch - which is such a huge difference!

Also, I occassionally just use my hand grips to strengthen my hands - they look something like this:
http://www.google.com/products/catal...047&os=sellers#

I'd love to hear how it all evolves...keep me posted!

Hi Miz Roo,

I have the lowest bike Harley makes. I have the mid controls, but bought my bike used and it has mini-apes (which I love, it's comfortable). I believe I was wearing my hiking boots in the photo which gives me about 1.5 inches more on my sole. I'm only 5 feet tall -lol- so every little bit helps! I started off on a v-star 650 - learned to ride on it, and then I was itching for more power especially because I was riding in a group. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my nightster, this April it will be a year since I first sat on a motorcycle. I was totally anti-motorcycles at first!

The other bike I looked at was the superlow and I just couldn't justify paying that much for a new bike - esp. since I wasn't sure that I wouldn't outgrow it. I wouldn't mind getting into a larger bike like a deluxe or street glide one day esp. for long distance journeys, but being flat footed on the ground is a MUST...and I know I would have to modify any other bike significantly!

If you have any other questions, let me know. BTW, my height never bothered me until I discovered that I was limited in motorcycle selections...lol and I just discovered how short my fingers are also!!! oh well, if I can do it, anyone can! But...if your friend is a female, don't let her learn on the nightster...the torque is something you should crave and not something you should learn on..IMO (my other car is a bmw335i-so I LOVE POWER!!!)! Definitely invest in the msf course....it's worth every penny!