Riding has always been a predominantly male pastime, and nothing has changed in this decade. In fact, about 90 percent of motorcyclists are male. However, statistics show that female ownership is growing as we head into 2020. That being said, riding is a bit different for men than women, so let’s take a look at five tips for female motorcyclists.
- Make sure you have a comfortable ride. The bike you choose should be, above all, comfortable when you ride it. Don’t just sit on it at the dealership or take it for a quick spin around the block—really see what she’s got so you can tell if it’s a good bike for your body. Most bikes are made for the male body, which means you’ll have to work extra hard to find just the right fit. Consider making modifications for special circumstances. For instance, if you’re too tall, buy a lowering kit or get boots with a heel. Whether you choose touring or sport, the bike you select should be the perfect match for you.
- Prepare for your trip. If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you’re well-prepared. Take a riding course, whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider who just wants to brush up on her skills. Even an off-road course would be great to improve your handling off the beaten path.
- Dress for comfort. Sure, the latest leather outfits may look amazing on you, but you should really be riding for comfort – those trips can get mighty long and uncomfortable, and hot depending on the time of year and region. Before making a major purchase, try the outfit on when sitting on the bike. Make sure it feels comfortable and you can maneuver with no problem.
- Take frequent breaks. If your male counterpart has 100 pounds or more on you, he may be able to go for much longer stretches than you can. Break frequently to get up and stretch, get your bearings, grab a coffee and use the restroom.
- Have a grasp of basic repairs. On long trips, something inevitably goes wrong. You may have a flat tire, or you run out of gas or your bike just simply breaks down. Your first instinct may be to rely on the kindness of strangers, but sadly, as a woman, you’re more of a target out there on the road than men. It’s best to know you can take care of your own situation than rely on passing cars – although you may find a plethora of people willing to help a woman on the side of the road out of sheer concern for fellow riders. Carry a membership to a roadside assistance company so you know someone’s always got your back no matter the time of day or night.
Before you head out on that long-distance road trip, be sure to secure motorcycle transport from your trusted motorcycle shipping company. Check us out for a free shipping quote online today.
Totally agreed! One, not only women but also men, only should ride a motorbike he or she can handle.
Thanks for the tip about making sure a motorcycle is comfortable before I buy it. I’m 5’3″ tall, so I’ll have to make the bike I pick out isn’t too tall for me. Not being able to put my feet on the ground when I need to isn’t fun! When I go look at used motorcycles, I’ll be sure to look out for this during the test drives.