What kind of bike would you recommend for a beginner 5’8” girl 150lb?

[KittygosMeoWW]

Updates

8 mo

Motorcycle

[Tarifa]

I was going to ask the same question as mat678. If it's a bicycle, it will depend on the road use and distance you plan to travel.

If you mean a motorcycle, you will have to take into account a learning curve. Don't buy too big, too heavy and too powerful, never more than you can handle in all safety. I've seen too many people buy a bike that outperforms their skill level, get scared, leave it parked and eventually sell it. It takes a couple of years to be reallt confident moving around in traffic.

[KittygosMeoWW]

I appreciate the advice and yeah it’s for a motorcycle, definitely looking to invest into good gear and a bike that is beginner friendly and work my way up to the one I want.

[Tarifa]

I had to look up the height equivalent in cm. You're not very tall, nor petite. You'll find most bikes will be perfect for you.

I'd advise you to try out some bikes in a shop, just to see if you're comfortable. Just sit on the bike, pull it straight, off the kickstand. I feel most comfortable when I can put both feet firmly on the ground with the bike straight up. That's important when riding out there and you need to come to sudden stop. You don't want the bike to tilt over one way or the other and only be able reach the ground with your toes.

Most bikes have mid controls, where your feet (controling gear shift on the left side and rear brake on the right side) are down and your knees bent almost 90 degrees. For me, that's the perfect position. Other bikes have so-called 'forward controls', where your legs are almost completely stretched out. It's up to you what feels most comfortable and natural. The height and width of the handlebars are important on longer trips. You want your arms relaxed, not pushed out completely forward.

As for the engine, I started with a rented 250cc, then moved up to 600cc for a couple of years. Only when I was completely confident riding the 600cc did I get a bigger bike.

You'll find the nearest parking lot (an empty lot on a Sunday) to be your best learning ground. If you know someone who can ride a bike, ask for help. If you don't, take some lessons. Learning to brake properly and to do it gently with front and rear brake at the same time is the trickiest part.

Any questions, please ask or send me a DM. There's tons of videos out there to help beginners and take out bad habits from experienced riders as well.

[KittygosMeoWW]

Yeah my friend will be going with me to check some out, he bikes but I get a bit shy with him. Also, I’m going with used since I’ll most likely be dropping it and learning for a bit. I’m going to go the MSF course route.

[Tarifa]

That's the best way to go. Take a course with an experienced instructor, buy your first bike used and take it one step at a time. You'll do a lot of stop-and-go during the first couple of days. You'll learn how to gently let go of the clutch while you rev up a bit, it's what they call the friction zone, where power gets transmitted to the wheel. You go out of the friction zone by pulling in the clutch again. You'll learn how to brake with both brakes. You'll learn how to engage first gear and get to neutral again. Forget the other gears from 2 up. You don't need those when practising.

And yes, you might drop it a few times. It can happen at an intersection, in a parking lot or at complete standstill. Take it easy, stay safe and you'll enjoy it for the rest of your life.

Why do you get shy with your friend?

[KittygosMeoWW]

Yes to all of that and buying really good gear going to check facebook marketplace a lot. He’s hot and younger lol

[Tarifa]

Good gear is important: helmet, jacket and long trousers, boots with a reinforced tip, although you could do with normal boots when you start out. Leather, especially black, gets very hot when you ride around in the summer. You'll end up with am extra jacket in a lighter colour for the hot weather months.

Younger? Good for you. Hot? Even better. He could be your perfect riding partner when you get over the basics.

Just off the record : is he part of your decision to get into motorcycling?

[KittygosMeoWW]

Yeah definitely always wearing the gear I’ll probably take some hot pictures with it off but I’m not about being a human crayon.

He’s set on teaching me but I want to be as independent as possible. I’ve always wanted one but yeah watching him ride and being backpacked helped that decision lol.

[Tarifa]

Riding on the back seat gives you zero control, but you have complete trust in the rider. Wait till you get to handle a bike yourself, you'll have a wide grin on your face the whole trip.

Now you've got me thinking about your riding gear and the pictures you'll take...

[KittygosMeoWW]

Oh for sure know it will be fun, I’m scared of dropping his bike and stalling it I don't know that’s why I refuse his but it’s got me giddy af to get one already.

lol don’t think too hard now you’ll end up using the little head now

[DJB72]

Depends if you're into speed or cruising. Personally I'd suggest something with a low centre of gravity - easier to lift if you drop it. Get your full license on a 125cc then scale up.

I'm a big guy and I prefer the style of the big Harley-Davidsons, but even a Sportster is a heavy bike if you drop it.

If you're just wanting to see if riding is your passion I'd look for an older machine like a Yamaha Virago to start with. The Japanese bikes are lighter and parts tend to be cheaper.

Enjoy

[KittygosMeoWW]

Thank you 🫡

[DJB72]

The most important thing is get a decent bone dome (helmet). Fibreglass is ok, Kevlar is better. Don't get a cheap one and having had a couple of tumbles I strongly suggest you get one with a visor at least. I still have my face thanks to a good visor getting ground out instead of my face!

Ride for life! It's great fun 😊

[KittygosMeoWW]

No it’ll be a full helmet I want one with the cardo too

[DJB72]

Get a Go Pro mount. Your insurance will thank you!

[KittygosMeoWW]

Yes I plan on getting that too

[Shiprex]

Get a bike with up to 400cc that has a low seat. Used to start with then try other types.

I started on 125cc then moved up to 250 then 650 now 1300. The weight and height are important for smaller riders

[KittygosMeoWW]

Gotcha yeah I’m a big bitch lol I think I should be fine

[Shiprex]

600 or up to 800 but much more the bike ends up being really heavy.

[KittygosMeoWW]

I know

[WhiteSteve]

I got nothin’🤷‍♂️😂

[KittygosMeoWW]

lol thanks though

[Nik1hil]

Start with 100cc or 120 Cc, Once you learn to Control and Drift.. then you can go for bigger ones.

You are 150 Lbs you don't need more than 120cc to Pull you

[KittygosMeoWW]

Lmao ok

[bowenw]

It depends where you will by cycling. Be sure to find one with a frame that is the correct size for your height. Visit a bicycle store for some advice.

[KittygosMeoWW]

Not cycling lol

[bowenw]

Sorry

[Wiredone]

I wouldn't recommend any motorcycle to anyone. You have no protection around you if you got in an accident. My brother in law got killed on his bike. Someone cut him off and he went flying into the guardrail head first. His helmet didn't save him. You can be the best driver, but it only takes one dumbass driver to kill you.

[exitseven]

i would , not recommend any motorcycle. Lots of people get really banged up. One of the cops in my town lost his leg. Fortunately he did it on a police bike so he went out on disability.

[KittygosMeoWW]

thanks how come it’s always terrible stories and never ride safe

[exitseven]

@KittygosMeoWW I know lots of people that have been riding for years with no accidents and i have known a couple of guys that gave it up when they got married or had kids because they decided it was too dangerous. I also know a few that have gotten into accidents. Usually the consequences for the rider are a lot more serious than if you were surrounded by Detroit steel.

[Surely]

Smaller isn’t always better. It all depends on what you can handle and what type of roads you are riding on.

[Surely]

Have fun and be safe!

[Ironco]

Go for a Japanese bike, 500 to 750cc

Once you feel comfortable on these bikes, move to a small Harley.

Then keep going to the Harley of your dreams.

Live and ride free, baby girl...

[KittygosMeoWW]

Baby girl…. Ew and I was thinking of a sports bike

[Ironco]

By all means then, get a ninja... start small, get used to it. Then go bigger. Just have fun

[KittygosMeoWW]

Ok 👍🏼

[slatyb]

What do you want it for?

[KittygosMeoWW]

Crotch rocket activities duh

[slatyb]

Sorry, duuuuh. I thought you meant bicycle. Still there are a wide variety of motorcycles. I think you should not get a powerful bike until you have some experience with one a bit more forgiving. If you want to really learn to ride, get some track time with a club. I had a sports car and it made a huge difference in my skills.

[KittygosMeoWW]

For sure

[Agape93]

Triumph Thunderbird

[mat678]

Motorcycle or a bicycle?

[KittygosMeoWW]

🏍️…..

[mat678]

Go for something that's 250cc or below. Cause even a 125cc can kill you. So I wouldn't recommend anything above 250

[Tarifa]

Correct. I took the same route : 250 - 600 - 1200. The best advice I got when I just started out : imagine you're completely invisible when you overtake a car, truck or bus. Most drivers will not see you or misjudge distance and speed.

[KittygosMeoWW]

Ok……

[Awantika03]

Any bike not more than 350 cc

[LiamS95]

A mountain bike.

[KittygosMeoWW]

Motorcycles man