7 Tips for First-Time Women Bikers
Motorcycle riding has been a male-dominated activity for over a century but, every year, more and more women riders are going full throttle too. According to a 2018 national survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council, nearly one in five motorcycle owners are women, compared to a decade prior when it was only 1 in 10. This data also suggests that women could soon make up 25% of motorcycle owners.
As more women embrace the adrenaline rush of riding and the relaxation of the open road, first-time women riders may not know where to begin. From buying a bike and learning to ride to finally hitting the road, Cycle Trader is here to help you out with seven tips for first-time women bikers.
1. Buy the Right Bike
There are so many options to choose from when buying a motorcycle, but you want to make sure that you can properly handle the bike you purchase. Keep in mind that you’ll want to find a ride with a seat height and weight that best accommodates your body. Your motorcycle should also provide a comfortable riding position that keeps you close enough to the handlebars. Not sure where to start? We previously wrote about seven of the best bikes for women riders.
While buying your dream bike is great, many longtime riders recommend that new riders practice on an older used motorcycle. That way, if you fall from a sharp turn or accidentally drop the bike, you won’t be damaging a brand-new model.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Your Bike
Whichever bike you choose, make sure you’re familiar with all of its parts and functions. Before you can rev your engine, you should be able to locate the start and throttle, as well as learn the mechanics of the clutch and brakes.
Get comfortable with the weight of your motorcycle and practice balancing before you hit the road. This would also be a good time to adjust your mirrors and the height of your bike seat. Unlike a car, you’ll likely need tools to adjust your motorcycle’s mirrors and seat. Your owner’s manual should be able to guide you through this process.
3. Get the Right Gear
Of course you want gear that’s as stylish as your cruiser or sleek sportbike, but it’s also critical that your gear keeps you safe. Dressing for a motorcycle ride requires more thinking than when you hop in a car. Your gear should be able to protect you from the elements, whether you’re cruising at high speeds for miles or making frequent stops on your way to work. Here are a few basic pieces of gear you should have:
- Full-face helmet
- Motorcycle jacket
- Footwear with good traction
- Riding gloves
While no one plans to fall or have an accident on their bike, it’s important that your apparel provides the best cushion just in case. Take care to protect your body’s impact zones, including your knees, elbows, hands and face. It’s also important to remember that your legs and feet will be next to incredibly hot components of your motorcycle, such as the engine and exhaust pipes, so you’ll want to cover your skin to avoid severe burns.
As a woman, it might be hard to find gear that properly fits your body and isn’t pink. Utilize online forums and social media groups for women riders to find the best stores and websites for buying riding gear in a range of sizes and styles.
4. Develop a Pre-Ride Inspection
As a new rider, it can be helpful to develop a pre-ride inspection to follow before every ride. We recommend the T-CLOCS method, created by our friends at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This involves taking a look at the condition of the following: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electric, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands.
Performing this pre-ride inspection on a regular basis can help familiarize you with your motorcycle so you’re more likely to detect any problems as they arise. Your bike’s owner’s manual can help you identify these controls and parts, along with detailed maintenance requirements.
5. Practice in a Safe Environment
When you’re first learning to ride, it’s a good idea to begin practicing on a flat, straight road. A long driveway or empty parking lot can give you the space you need to get a feel for the throttle of your bike in an area that’s not surrounded by other vehicles and people.
Once you’ve got a handle on basic navigation, you can start practicing turns. Again, an open, unpopulated, flat area is perfect for making large turns for the first time. As you get more comfortable, you can start practicing tighter turns that require a lean.
At some point, as a motorcycle rider, you’re bound to experience a rainy ride. To prepare for that, utilize this safe practice environment to try riding on wet surfaces. Wet roads are more challenging than dry, so it’s best to practice in a controlled environment to get a feel for the slick conditions.
You can also take a motorcycle safety course that will teach you the basics of riding a motorcycle with the help of a knowledgeable instructor. Some states will even count these classes as your driving test to get your motorcycle license.
6. Become a Defensive Rider
Defensive riding skills are necessary for any motorcyclist. When you’re on the road, especially fast-moving highways, it’s easy to end up in a car’s blind spot. You have to keep yourself safe at all times when on your bike and ride as if others on the road can’t see or hear you.
Defensive riding involves constantly scanning the roadways for potential hazards, such as potholes, gravel and roadwork. You should also learn to anticipate possible risks. Of course you can’t see into the future, but you must be able to protect yourself and your bike at any moment.
7. Seek Out Other Women Riders
While motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating solo experience, this activity also offers a sense of community. Consider joining a women’s motorcycle club to meet fellow lady riders, get advice, and even learn some new skills. Your first time riding on the highway might be less intimidating when you’re cruising with a companion. The guidance of other women riders could also help you avoid some biker faux pas, such as walking into a motorcycle club’s clubhouse uninvited and other social cues that only a seasoned rider would know.
Once you’ve got your bike and learned the basics, you’ll be ready to call yourself a motorcycle rider. These tips can help get you started and, before you know it, you’ll be burning rubber and racking up miles of riding stories to share with friends, family, and fellow bikers. For more guidance on the right bike for you, be sure to see thousands of motorcycle reviews from riders on CycleInsider.
If you’re ready to find your first motorcycle, browse the nationwide inventory of new and used bikes on CycleTrader.com.
Arielle Patterson
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