QuestionIm a 19 year old female and I would love to start riding. I'm just not quite sure..where to start. Ive taken a basic riding class and I have my CY endorsement, but now I'm ready to find my bike. I would love some tips on what to look for and what to look out for! Thanks!
AnswerHi Megan
Sorry about the delayed reply. Great to hear that you've taken some training and got your CY endorsement in preparation for your riding career. Motorcycle training is a lifetime experience and you will always continue to learn more, if you wish to.
The best advice on buying a bike I can give you is:
- don't aim to run before you can walk, i.e. be prepared to ride smaller, less powerful models until you've got comfortable with your riding, then move up the ladder another rung, e.g. I spent a year on a 200cc bike, then 400cc then 500cc before moving up to big bikes.
- go with what attracts you, because motorcycling should be fun, but make yourself a check-list first to see if the models you are looking at can do what you want them to; many sports' bikes look very pretty but they have a lot of plastic to repair/replace if you drop them, their seating positions can be uncomfortable for longer rides and their ability to carry luggage is limited,
- get a bike that is ergonomically right for you, i.e. suits your height and stature and you feel comfortable putting one foot down firmly to stop. (No need to be able to put both feet down.) There are new bikes now with adjustable seats and bars, e.g. the new Honda CBF600 - don't know if that's available in the USA?
Hope this is some help, come back to me if you want more specific advice or let me know what you have in mind for your size.
Regards
Alec
www.alecgore.com
