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Bikes for the Ladies

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Posted by: LoriKTM

Since there has been a lot of discussion about "what bike do I get for my wife, girlfriend, sister..." etc, Sharla (Firecracker22) has taken it upon herself to compile a lot of the opinions and experiences into a nice article. At the end of the article is a table showing the different bikes and some of the important characteristics that women look for in a bike (low seat height, low weight). The article was limited to mostly beginner bikes, and bikes under 250cc, since this is where the majority of women will be starting out.
I threw in a few pictures and saved it all off in PDF format, so please feel free to download, print out, and read at your leisure. Enjoy!

http://dirtrider.net/Bikes_for_Gals.pdf

Here's the link to download Acrobat Reader: (it's free!)

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html


Posted by: dirty~d~

Thanks ladies! The work is greatly appreciated.

I love this place.


Posted by: ChaCha

WOW, what a great guide. Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together. It was awesome!!!!


Posted by: firecracker22

Cool, Lori, thanks for your help! I found a mispelling already though. It's just a typo, I really do know how to spell it.


Posted by: Moto'n Mama

Thanks for keeping it simple! I actually better understand other bikes now - always heard of them, never understood the differances spoken in male language!


Posted by: Dede

That's was a cool idea. Sounds like it will be really helpful. I can't view it though cuz that program won't work in my computer


Posted by: Michelle

Dede and any others who can't view pdf's.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html is the place to get Adobe Acrobat Reader which views pdf's. It's a free programme.

Lori, maybe you'd like to edit your post to include the link?

Well done Sharla

Now, can you do the same for clothes hehehehehe


Posted by: LoriKTM

Thanks Michelle-- added the link to Acrobat Reader in the main post!


Posted by: 70 marlin

Nice job Sharla! This should be very helpful for every new rider! One bike you might want to add for the more advance "New" riders. The 02 thru 03 FE400E Husaberg Line of bikes tends to be a bit more compact in frame design and the seat height. It feels to be shorter that the Ktm's of the same displacements. The bike is very user-friendly horsepower wise and has an E button. But as in any boutique style race bikes. These bikes are high maintenance.


Posted by: bbbom

Nice job!!

If you add the 400 you better add the CR in though, at least the 94-95 years just cause they are PINK!

BTW Lori, do you prefer lots of glitter on your macaroni art or just a hint of glitter?


Posted by: LoriKTM

Quote:
Originally Posted by bbbom
BTW Lori, do you prefer lots of glitter on your macaroni art or just a hint of glitter?


Somewhere in between-- just not so much that it looks like you spilled the jar!


Posted by: blackhawk468

Good job!


Posted by: GETMETOCA

NICE WORK LADIES!!!! Hahahah, my first post on DRN was about "which bike????"

Sharla, you are an amazing writer!


Posted by: mojoscojo

Awesome job ladies! Thank you for sharing your experience! I have been contemplating getting another bike for my wife. She tried for a while on a KX125 that I lowered the best that I could. She had a difficult time because she was not comfortable not being able to touch flat footed. This list and explanation helps narrow the list of bikes we should consider greatly. With any luck, I'll get her on something soon and get her out riding with you and bbbom and karl. So far, the only bikes with an appropriate seat height in her opinion are the crf100 and maybe a kx/cr85. However I'm not confident either of those choices will provide enough power. We'll see....

Scott


Posted by: Biker2B

Quote:
Originally Posted by mojoscojo
Awesome job ladies! Thank you for sharing your experience! I have been contemplating getting another bike for my wife. She tried for a while on a KX125 that I lowered the best that I could. She had a difficult time because she was not comfortable not being able to touch flat footed. This list and explanation helps narrow the list of bikes we should consider greatly. With any luck, I'll get her on something soon and get her out riding with you and bbbom and karl. So far, the only bikes with an appropriate seat height in her opinion are the crf100 and maybe a kx/cr85. However I'm not confident either of those choices will provide enough power. We'll see....

Scott


How tall is she? I've been looking around at different bikes myself and I'm 5'4". So far, I've felt most comfortable on the Yamaha TT-R125LE but the suspension compressed under my weight (I'm an in shape chunk, if that makes sense ) I think I would end up liking the Honda CRF150 more but the weight bothered me. Most of my riding is going to be with my children so there will be a lot of stop and go, I'm sure and I might get more tired getting on and off the bike so much. Anyway, this is all coming from someone who has never ridden before soooo...don't pay any attention to me I guess I was just thinking out loud


Posted by: LoriKTM

An update: The August, 2004 issue of Dirt Rider has an article on picking beginner bikes. They even had some quotes and pics from their female staff.

ALSO-- the same issue has a quick test on the KTM 105SX-- sounds like a very cool bike! Claims to have a lot more low-end torque than the 85, so it may make a good trail bike as well.


Posted by: CNM

Great article! I've been trying to explain the differences to a freind of mine who is learning to ride. She's about my height (5'3") so I told her to try the TTR125-LE. She's had it about a year now and is progressing. She read the Dirt Rider article on the KTM 105 and got a wild hair and went and bought one. I can't believe she even found one. Anyway, I've ridden the bike and could tell a difference in the power immediately. Compared to my KX100, it has alot more bottom end. However, it seemed to be a little lacking on the top. In defense of the KTM, I was the first to ride it, so I wasn't going to go flat out. At least not until she is through with break in! It does feel a little taller but overall, I wish I had one!


Posted by: jennifer

Nice Report. Well done. I would also recommend a DRZ250 four stroke for a beginner. The bike is very forgiving but has enough power for those who are a bit more daring.... it is a bit on the heavy side, however. I started dirtbiking on the Suzuki and am glad that I did. After a year of giving it a beating, I have now moved to a KTM 250 four stroke.


Posted by: firecracker22

I have to add a new comment--I rode a KDX 200 this weekend, and what an AWESOME bike! It's a lot like my KTM only SO much more forgiving! I wish I had gotten one of those when I was a beginner! It was great, great fun to ride. I really liked it. I want to get one as a second bike.


Posted by: Biker2B

Funny, that you say that! I've been reading that alot lately on different boards. WOuld you have found the height to be an issue as a beginner?


Posted by: firecracker22

Depends on how tall the beginner is. If you're 5'7" or taller, you'd be fine. Shorter than that, probably not. At 5'7" (that's how tall I am) I felt fine on it, but my KTM is tall so I am used to it. However cutting down the seat would enable you to flat-foot on it. Also, many people have lowered KDXs with "dogbones" or lowering linkages.


Posted by: pyrofreak

I think ya need to put some bigger bore bikes on there. Other than that GREAT job. Another thing ya could do if ya had any spare time is maybe somehow put a hieght/weight/ bike chart, now that would be cool. Hell yeah, keepin us girls in the game. Lol, great terminology though, i understand the "guy talk" but i have found myself using a few of your terms to describe bikes to some of my friends how arent quite (or not at all) up on the whole internal combustion engine thing. Lol, In Diver Ed, i was the only one of the whole class to get 100 on the test about engines and maintitaince, msotly cuz of bikes, lol, some girls even ahd trouble opening the hood, wow, glad im not one of them, lol, no offense ladies. Lol, Some one needs to make a book about motors for girls though for sure.


Posted by: Camaro

I just got my girlfriend who is 5'4" a crf 150 and she loves it. prior to this she had only ridden a cr 80 and that was only for a few minutes but now she rides all the time without being afraid she's going to bite it on a little 2s. So far has been a great bike and i would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a smaller (bulletproof bike).


Posted by: CSL



As I am constantly on the lookout for CJ's next bike , I thought I'd pass along the link for this site. May be useful for those of you who want to get onto a bike but are deterred by the specs (height).

http://www.koubalink.com/

Cheers! - Will


Posted by: surthngaz

Great article!!

Oh it was so nice to see another 80 rider also.

I'm 5'1 and like both feet on the ground, my 80 is perfect for me and as I'm new to this whole dirt thing feet on the ground is good.


Posted by: roost-gal

Hey thanks for the guide! I just bought my first bike today! : I decided on the kawasaki KX100! I can't wait to take it out tomorrow. Thanks again!


Posted by: Colorado

That was a nice article --- very helpful. But here's a question from someone who wrenches and rides vintage bikes. My daughter's used XR100 cost more than any two of my own three bikes (not counting parts and rebuilds, of course). She learned to ride it cautiously, but progressively. She really fit right between the two images you pictured, Karla. She never got mad, but never got intimidated either. She just got up and got back on.

She's 13 and 5'1", maybe 125-130lbs of almost all muscle under some feminine curves replacing baby fat. She's got good sized bones and broad shoulders for a girl, and did gymnastics since she was three (she was really kind of big for a gymnast and gave it up). She rides the XR with spirit without exactly pushing it to it's limits. She thinks she want's a KX85, and there's a used one I've looked at --- but I've been stalling, thinking she at least needs a big wheel with the 16" rear and 19" front of the XR, but better suspension.

She won't touch my KDX175 or a newer 125 because of tha saddle height. But, I just bought a 1975 Yamaha MX400 (for myself). I'm still sorting out some stator/CDI issues, but she seems to want to ride it. The saddle height is pretty low --- a first generation monoshock --- maybe 33"? Her feet will touch the ground.

But heck! It will have low end (I have two other 400s of a little newer, taller variety), and some smoothness, until it hits the pipe --- then it's wheelieville and real adreneline. It isn't a punch. It's a long puuuuunch!

Do I let her ride it just because she's willing, and because she is so methodical by nature? Part of me will glory in her taking to it and mastering it. Or do I let the protective Dad part of me keep her off it because I don't want to see her crash and burn at 60mph?

What do you ladies think?


Posted by: pyrofreak

DONT, unless you can rig up a throttle stop. She will be fine if she doesnt get in the powerband, but if she does then she may not want to get back on a bike. Her getting hurt or scared is alot more important than pride. ;-P No offense i think its a guy thing. I remember when i learned to ride on my YZ80. I was 5'5'' and could touch alright, but a year later, at 5'6'' when i could flat foot it, wheelying in the powerband was still a little iffy. Those powerbands are some great fun, but its better when you only have enough power as you can handle. Even if your daughter is an exceptional little rider an accidental slip of the wrist could turn fun into falls and possibly injuries. Be safe, and if you even had the slightest thought of second-guessing putting her on the bike, that is a clue NOT to.


Posted by: Colorado

Thanks pyrofreak. That's the way I was leaning. I just don't want to scare her just because I say it's too much for her though. I mean, I do see women not much bigger than her on 1K+cc's on the street. I'm thinking now that I may caution and caution her, but let her make the choice herself. I've got a flat 5 acre fied nearby where she can try it if she insists.


Posted by: tiggywiggy

Excellent guide! So great that you included the 125s and fast fours - there is nothing that pisses me off more than when i go into a dealership looking at 2-strokes, and a salesman comes up and tries to point me towards a TTR125.
good to know that there are other women riders who want to start out on the same bikes the guys do


Posted by: mx314

great guide!!! but im still stumped on what bike to get... im about 5'4" and 120, at first it was a 250f but dad thinks its too big (i just came off a ttr125 got used to it in a day)....yea im tippy toed on it and the weight would be a problem but motorwise i think it would be perfect...i really didnt want a 125 2 stroke...i would get a 85 but its too small height wise and ill be 16 next year too old for the 85 motocross class...so i thought a cr 85 expert but I would have to race in the supermini class and around me nobody races in that class??? or if im going to have to race the supermini should i just go ahead and get a kx 100?? help please!!! thanks


Posted by: srellis

I went from a TTR125L to a CRF250X. Other than it being tall I didn't have a problem with it. I think you would do fine on a 250F. The engine is tame enough for you to handle and it can go fast enough to have fun. I'm not a 2 stroke person either. You will be too cramped on an 85. A KX100 would work also but I like the feel of the 250F frame. I used to think I couldn't handle, or pick up a bigger bike but after just a few rides I didn't want to go back. Bad thing is the 250f's are almost twice the price of the 85 or 100's... Good thing is the big bike will last you a lot longer.
Good luck
SusanE


Posted by: shellbelle

I havn't been riding, but I'm very into it ( I won second place in the kids mx at dirtweek!). Although it is not the fastest bike, the honda XR100 seems to be a great, mellow, fun bike. Once you get more advanced, chooseing a Kawasaki KX100 is perfect! It is scary fast, and just fun; but it if a little advanced for me. If you r looking for something in between, you're on your own. :-P

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((shellbelle)))))))))))))))))))))))


Posted by: mx314

thanks for all the replys....I have decided on a 250f though!! I went and rode a friends and it was awesome it fits me just right, im not tippy-toed or anything and its not too heavy and the power is just right....cant wait to get one!!


Posted by: cutlass45

you have got to be the most amazing email me i love kx


Posted by: redridinghood

Hello. New to the forum. I just got a 2006 crf150 and was hoping to get some advice/info here. Does anyone have this bike and how do they like it? I was torn between the TTR125LE and the crf150. I'm only 5ft3 but weigh 135lbs (just had two kids back to back). I am not flat foot, more like tip toed. I have only ridden a 50 (my nephews). I do have a somewhat athletic background being an agressive snowboarder (back in my "hay day" ) so I decided to go with the heavier (by about 40lbs) bike. Also reviews helped with my decision. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Anne


Posted by: FoxRacrGurl213

I have a questioned. I need help looking for a bike. I'm 5ft 6in and i play a bunch of sports so im pretty strong i weigh about 140 but i have really short legs so i'm on my tippy toes on my kx100 but i kinda fell like i want a 125 and im a beginner at this so im not too good at all so i need help! im kinda stuck in the middle of what i want to get...


Posted by: justalonewolf007

Quote:
Originally Posted by redridinghood
Hello. New to the forum. I just got a 2006 crf150 and was hoping to get some advice/info here. Does anyone have this bike and how do they like it? I was torn between the TTR125LE and the crf150. I'm only 5ft3 but weigh 135lbs (just had two kids back to back). I am not flat foot, more like tip toed. I have only ridden a 50 (my nephews). I do have a somewhat athletic background being an agressive snowboarder (back in my "hay day" ) so I decided to go with the heavier (by about 40lbs) bike. Also reviews helped with my decision. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Anne


It may not exactly be my place to give advice (brand newbie here), but I think you've made the right choice. I'm 5'2 110, and judging from the number of 150s that I've sat on, you're probably the right size for it. Although I currently have a CR80, the 150 would be my next bike if I could ever get the money to purchase one!

As for the TTRs, I've only sat on one. They are pretty well known for their soft (very user friendly) power, but are also pretty heavy for their size as well.

Hope this helps,

Tolle'


Posted by: shezza

Thanks for that, was about to add a post "im a girl what bike shoud i get!?".....dont need to now!!


Posted by: justalonewolf007

Which ones have you picked out?!


Posted by: moto-a-gogo

Fantastic read. Thanks for putting it together.. I'm learning more as I go.

I still think I'll get the Yami ttr230A ( I need a road rego bike), if I can lift Honda XR 250.. I'm definately getting the Yami.


Posted by: DirtyGrl

That is an awesome article. I wish I had found it before I went bike shopping because it would have saved me SOOO much time while doing my own research - especially the last table comparing weights/heights/brake types. After reading the article, I feel even more confident that I chose the right bike for me, the KX100. : ) Thanks for such a great article!


Posted by: LizD

Great article! Exactly the info. I was looking for. I'm even smaller than average at 5' 1" and 100 lbs. so seat height and weight are key factors for me. It was great to put all the characteristics together. Gives me a good starting place. Thanks!

Any advice on bikes that are also street legal? No harm in maxxing function.

Liz


Posted by: BigRedAF

My wife loves her CRF230 with electric start. She is 5'9" and fits reasonably well, the bikes is easy to ride and not to fast...

When she falls over she can pick it up with out help, very important part of the decision if you know what I mean.


Posted by: ebony dream

i thought id add..i recently got a suz dr 125...my first bike and its sweet i love it i recommend that bike for the ladies..my boyfriend picked it out for me and its perfect!


Posted by: cdomitro

Great post, so simple and helpful.. couple of questions though. So i learned how to ride on a crf100 (2006) and bought a new one a week or so later.. It's fun, just too underpowered. I'm a 21 year old female, about 5'3-5'4 115 pounds, definitely strong, but still pretty much a small girl.. I wanted to get a crf150, but my dads buddy is selling a GREAT 2003 yz250, he worked as a mechanic and always took really good care of the bike, i mean its practically new and it is a REALLY good deal. I just really don't know if i can hang with the yz250. The height & weight difference especially worries me. Selling my 100 is a must, (in the process of selling it right now) and i can't afford a new bike, so this seems like the best option. Especially because buying a new bike like a 150 from some random can be sketchy being that a lot of people in the area beat their bikes pretty bad... If anybodys got any suggestions or is riding a yz250 or anything it would be greatly appreciated!!


Posted by: MXGirl230

I'm the same size as you and I ride a YZ125. I do ride my husbands YZ250 sometimes, but I can't start the thing. I have fun on it, but I do like how light my 125 feels compared to the 250. I can ride it, but I don't feel like I can ride it to it's full potential. I get better on it each time I ride the 250. Now if I could only start it I might think about it...


Posted by: XRpredator

XRpredator sneaks in . . .

I figured this was how the ladies rode

http://chicagoist.com/attachments/c...licia/vespa.jpg

XRpredator sneaks back out . . .


Posted by: GETMETOCA

M'Lord, vespa's are cool....I had a 1984 Honda Puch for a while, but crashed it so many times, I sold it a year later for $25 (yeah, it was THAT messed up). I am currently playing around on a Yamaha Zuma. Its not only a cool Chick Bike, you can put a six pack under the seat!!!


Posted by: ladyMXracer232

In 2006 I learned on a 1985 XR 350 which was way too heavy but it got me into riding. I was able to pick up a YZ125 last year and began riding/racing motocross. At 5'8" the YZ125 was perfect but ended up bogging too much on the track. I switched to a 2000 CR250 but as a beginner racer...way too much power than I can handle. I loved the power on the starts, corners, straights but not so much on the jumps. My husband just got me a KDX 200 which will be put into a KX125 frame later. We took the KDX out today and I really liked it. If I had the money I would probably be on a CR250F like my husband rides.



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