Hello ladies...
I've just joined the forum and am looking some advice. I've been wanting to learn to ride for a while and now I'm doing it! I'm looking to get my first bike upon completion of my MSF BRC class. I've read the entire new riders thread, as well as every thread in the women's section from new riders.
I'm 44yo woman (5'4", 120lbs, decent strength), a good athlete--expert road cyclist (100+ miles per week), expert skier, advanced wind surfer...I have great balance and am very coordinated. I've only ever owned manual transmission cars so I fully understand about throttle, clutch, shifting, engine braking, etc. (current car is a MINI Cooper S 6spd manual).
I'm signed up to take the MSF BRC class in August and I'm buying my helmet (already tried them on and know which one) and gloves within the next couple weeks. The rest of the clothes will be purchased after the class...the instructor indicated what I currently have is enough for the class.
I realize that since the bikes at the class are 250cc, once I take the class and actually ride those bikes, I might answer my own question and opt for something in that range. I'm not one to get myself knowingly in over my head, and considering the risks of motorcycles in general, this is not something I'm going to make a snap decision on.
But I'm SERIOUSLY interested in getting a Ducati Monster 696 as my first bike. Fit wise, the weight of the bike doesn't seem unreasonable (355lbs), and the reach (to the bars and turning the bars fully) and seat height and general comfort seem good as well...without having ridden it. The levers would have to be changed to be adjustable as they don't quite fit right. The fact that it is a twin and has a more user friendly power-band is another positive in my mind.
My brother is a super experienced rider (but cruiser type bikes only...mostly Harleys) and I've talked at length with him about it and he went to check out the bike last week so he could learn about it. He thought I was nuts until he went and checked it out. Now he's on the fence
. I've talked at length with the guy at the Ducati shop...my brother and I both think that if the guy felt it was a bad idea he would have said so (based on some of the stories he told us about people with no experience and some of the bikes they've came in looking at).
So now I'm here asking some experienced women riders if this would be a mistake. As I said before, once I take the course, I might decide to get something smaller, but what if I don't. Am I crazy...would this Monster be a really bad idea?
Don't worry, you won't insult me...I'm looking for honesty.
Thanks in advance! Kim
I've just joined the forum and am looking some advice. I've been wanting to learn to ride for a while and now I'm doing it! I'm looking to get my first bike upon completion of my MSF BRC class. I've read the entire new riders thread, as well as every thread in the women's section from new riders.
I'm 44yo woman (5'4", 120lbs, decent strength), a good athlete--expert road cyclist (100+ miles per week), expert skier, advanced wind surfer...I have great balance and am very coordinated. I've only ever owned manual transmission cars so I fully understand about throttle, clutch, shifting, engine braking, etc. (current car is a MINI Cooper S 6spd manual).
I'm signed up to take the MSF BRC class in August and I'm buying my helmet (already tried them on and know which one) and gloves within the next couple weeks. The rest of the clothes will be purchased after the class...the instructor indicated what I currently have is enough for the class.
I realize that since the bikes at the class are 250cc, once I take the class and actually ride those bikes, I might answer my own question and opt for something in that range. I'm not one to get myself knowingly in over my head, and considering the risks of motorcycles in general, this is not something I'm going to make a snap decision on.
But I'm SERIOUSLY interested in getting a Ducati Monster 696 as my first bike. Fit wise, the weight of the bike doesn't seem unreasonable (355lbs), and the reach (to the bars and turning the bars fully) and seat height and general comfort seem good as well...without having ridden it. The levers would have to be changed to be adjustable as they don't quite fit right. The fact that it is a twin and has a more user friendly power-band is another positive in my mind.
My brother is a super experienced rider (but cruiser type bikes only...mostly Harleys) and I've talked at length with him about it and he went to check out the bike last week so he could learn about it. He thought I was nuts until he went and checked it out. Now he's on the fence
So now I'm here asking some experienced women riders if this would be a mistake. As I said before, once I take the course, I might decide to get something smaller, but what if I don't. Am I crazy...would this Monster be a really bad idea?
Don't worry, you won't insult me...I'm looking for honesty.
Thanks in advance! Kim