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Just licensed female– new to riding, which bike do I pick?!
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July 13, 2009 at 11:35 pm #3144KeekParticipant
I am a 40+ female, 5’6″, about 160 lbs. I’ve wanted to learn to ride all my life, finally took the plunge and took the MSF and passed, now have my license and need to find the best bike for me to learn on before moving up to a bigger one. I live where I will have access to many hilly back roads and straight-aways as well. I am unsure which bike will be best for me– I need one that will help me build confidence so I can always enjoy riding versus a bike that frightens me and makes me never want to get on it again. I took the MSF on a Suzuki GZ250 and HATED that bike– so I know it’s out of the running. I don’t like the feel of the Honda Rebel so it’s out as well. I’ve tested the Kawasaki 125 Eliminator and the Yamaha 250 V-Star so far. Tomorrow, I’m trying out the Suzuki TU250. I was loving the Yamaha except for the ram’s horn shape of the handle bars– made me roll on the throttle a bit too easy which put me off, but that may just be something I need to get used to. I really liked the Kawasaki, but am very concerned that a 125 will struggle with the hills where I live. The Suzuki TU250 is their new bike with classic stying where the foot pegs, shifter and brake would be right underneath– when I sat on it, it felt more familiar, I presume because it seemed more like a bicycle feel. Also, I’m not interested in any of the sport bikes, so they’re out. I would welcome anyone’s opinion, tips, etc. as to what they would recommend and why– particularly from any females too that may have been in my predicament. I am so looking forward to this sport, any suggestions to help me succeed are welcome. Thanks for your time!
July 14, 2009 at 1:09 am #20574MunchParticipantWelcome and grats! First thing is to continue what your already doing but test everything. yea be careful about the throttle roll situation MSF may have helped you get past it but even afterwards I still took a little bit of time to fully relax my arm and hands to get tight turns without some throttle roll.
July 14, 2009 at 2:00 am #20582JtownJJAParticipantI remember there was an article on the TU250 in Cycle World not too long ago, if you haven’t seen it. Here is the link:
http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=1253July 14, 2009 at 2:17 am #20584stuParticipantI like the looks of the tu250.. shame it does not have as good MPG as some if its class competitors
July 15, 2009 at 8:22 am #20635AmorylParticipantyou might also want to look at the hyosung GV250
July 15, 2009 at 9:11 pm #20640roborabbitParticipantCheck out some of the smaller dual sports they have the standard seating / peg position you seem to like. Just one prob is that they’re ugly ducks for the most part and it takes a particularly odd mind to find them beautiful. (Me). You may want to stay away from the Japanese 650s tho they all have seat heights of 35+ inches. And if you’re willing to spend some more money check out the BMW dual sports esp some of the past/discontinued models like the F650 CS(Scarver) from 2007 / earlier. Most of the BMW F-series (non new 2008+ the F-series are now 800cc twin cylinders instead of the calmer 650 singles) dual sports have lower seat heights (around 29-32.5″). If you’re willing to spend the money (7,500 MSRP for the lowest price) check out the new BMW G-series (G650) they all have seats heights at 29/30 inches (cept for the XChallenge) and BMW offers a lowering option that drops them about 1/2 -1″ lower. If you really like the street fighter/ scrambler look check out the Xcountry it’s probably the prettiest of all dual sport machines out there. But if you aren’t willing (and rightly so) to spend that kind of money check out the smaller dual sports like the Suzuki DR200SE, Honda CRF230M/CFR230L( the 230L is more dirt oriented), The Yamahas WR250X/WR250R , XT250, and TW200 for Kawasaki your choices would be KLX 250S / KLX 250 SF(SF is more street focused) or KLX Super Sherpa. All of those have seat heights around 30-32″ and looks only a mother could love. Best of luck to you!
Edit–
I know you said you didn’t like sport-bikes but check out the older suzuki GS500’s they have a more standard seat to peg/handle bar setup than other sporty machines; it also comes in a nice standard/naked/cafe racer/ streetfighter look. (ie zero fairing, round lamp headlight, & no windshield)
July 21, 2009 at 3:05 am #20820mj6466ParticipantMy wife and I are looking for a bike too. We both really like the Hyosung GV250. Nice looks, good power, low seat, lots of accessories. We’re saving our pennies now. Or, we sell my truck….. My wife is 5’4″, and she really felt comfortable on the bike. Most of the entry-level 250 cc bikes are the same height, so sit on ’em all, and pick the one that fits best.
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