Hi everyone,

I am looking for some advice on which bike I should buy. I am relatively new to motorcycling. I got my license two years ago, but being that I don't have a bike, I haven't been able to ride very often since.

I am looking for a bike that I can handle (I am a 23 year old girl, 5'3, 120 llbs) but that I also won't outgrow in a year or two. I have been looking at Honda, Kawasakis, and Yamaha's in the 500cc-900cc range (though I am willing to go higher, just not sure about it right now)

I would appreciate any advice anyone would have to offer.

Thanks!  

I got a Honda Shadow 750 this past August and love it.  In 6 months I have just over 5,000 miles so far.  I am male 5'8" and 170lbs.  Unless you are going to be spending a lot of time on the freeway it will have plenty of power for you.  Even ride two up a couple of times a month and have no complaints.  Best part is I get anywhere between 60 & 65 miles per gallon depending on how hard I ride it.  

My advice isn't what you want to hear but a first bike and a bike you won't outgrow are two different bikes. I recommend you find a cheap, used Rebel, Virago,etc. take the MSF riders course if you haven't already, and put at least 5,000 miles on the bike in a variety of riding conditions.

THEN, sell it for near what you paid for it and find the bigger bike of your dreams. Way to many new riders get in over their heads with a bigger bike than they can handle and, believe me, a split-second incident can spell disaster. (Don't ask me how I know :>).

Whatever your decision I wish you many years of fun, safe riding!!

Bob F.  

HI; First take the Motorcycle saftey course. Then set on several bikes. Get your feet flat on the ground move the bike side to side. This will let you know if it feels to heavy for you. If you have to get on your toes the bike is to tall. This is not good while waiting in parking lots and stop lites. Put both hands on the bars turn the steering lock to lock if you can't keep your hands on the bars you may need differant ones or try another bike. You must feel comfortable on which ever bike you get.
The 500-900cc bike would be a good choice. I don't think that you will out grow that size for a couple of years. It just may be that you will never get rid of it. I have a C50T which is 805cc. I am 5'10" 190lbs. I have not had any trouble riding with guys with much bigger bikes. Hope this helps scruffy...  

I would definately go for a bike with a low seat height - one that you can easily get both feet firmly planted on the ground. Unless you can do this it's unlikely to be very confidence inspiring for you. I reckon your idea about the 500 - 900 cc range is good and will hopefully last you a good few years.  

I have a c-50t and love it.  I'm only getting about 40 mpg on a consistent basis and I am light on the throttle.  I let someone take it for a test ride yesterday who was about 5'3" and he had to stretch a little to reach the ground, but he had no problem.

I bet you would look great on that bike...

I'd check it out as well as the Honda 750, and the Kawasaki vulcan 900.  There is also a Vstar in the 650 range.  I think Kawasaki makes a 500 too.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, but just make sure you feel comfortable sitting on it.  Take a test drive if you can.

Good luck and have fun...