December 24, 2008
Female wanting to learn to drive a street bike?
CRAZXY asked:
I’m 5 foot, 110 lbs. Been wanting to learn to drive a bike, ive only been on the back of one ONE time and i loved it, now i wanna learn. I live in florida. I’ve never driven a stick shift car, so do you think i will have extra hard time in the MSF class learning to shift, etc etc. Any pointers you can give me? How tough is the class and what should i know going into the class knowing NOTHING about motorcycles?
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Comments on Female wanting to learn to drive a street bike?
Not an answer but…
When you find out let me know, I’ve always thought that would fun!
well you would first need to know how to balance on one, because that would really help alot
You should be fine its really not like driving a car shift, the shift could be at your feet on in the handles depending on the bike. I know a lot of girl riders, my guy drives his Honda Shadow to work it has 60,000 miles on its.
Go to a bike shop/scooter shop and try different ones for size you want a bike that you can sit and still put your feet flat on the ground that gives you confidence when your at a stop.
There are electric ones out there look for a Zap dealer.
Of course you have to price them and depending on how old you are check with DMV that you are in an age group they will allow you to have one in CA they won’t let you get one until your over 18.
MSF course here- Madison,Wi- used to use 125 Hondas and Suzuki’s. beginning riders learned OK. start with clutch/1st gear start drill then clutch/brake application to stop.
I’ve been with the program for 3 years.
Get on a bicycle and learn very low speed turns. Practice doing figured 8′s as tight and slow as you can without putting your foot down.
I know we all speak jargon around here but we prefer to think of it as RIDING, and not as DRIVING. Driving moves the body, RIDING moves the Soul. A motorcycle is not MERELY a means to get somewhere.
The class is not hard unless you go into it determined to do things your own way, and not to payattemtion to the instructors, or if you are complete a KLUTZ.
You may be a little short for most motorcyles, but on the other hand, those that fit you will take you to a greater speed, and get to that speed quicker.
You need to be aware that asphalt is not noticeably softer in the middle of summer heat waves. Keep that in mind when you don’t want to wear the jacket and the helmet and the boots, the back protector, the gloves etc. etc. etc.
You should have no problems learning to ride even if you never drove a stick shift. I am in Calif., and we suggest to all new riders to call 800-CCRIDER (800-227-4337), I don’t know if they have classes in Florida, but it is one of the best riding courses you can take. They also have classes for advanced and refresher classes regularly. You might want to call them and see if they can refer you to some place in Florida.
A smart thing to do is go to your local DMV office and get the Motorcycle Handbook and learn as much as you can before taking a class, that way you will have some knowledge of what it’s all about.
I have been riding since the 60′s and believe me you can’t be too careful, I have been involved in 3 major accidents (no of which were my fault) they usually are cars turning in front of your because they don’t see the bike. Both Right turns and left turns, so be aware when approaching every intersection.
Good luck, be careful and watch out for the road demons,
When you buy a bike, take along a good friend and have them buy you a “Bell” most dealers especially Harley dealers will know what you mean. The bell wards off the road demons.
You probably think I’m messing with you, but us Harley riders as superstitious and when your on your bike every little bit of luck is needed.
I have ridden over a 500 thousand miles, between 1996 and 2001 I rode one of my Harleys 158,000 miles before I sold it and got a new one,
Good Luck
Lenny
Sign up for and take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course. It is comprised of 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of hand-on riding instruction.
They supply the bikes and helmets. All you need is good over-the-ankle footwear, heavy clothing (jeans are fine, plus long sleeved shirt) and weather appropriate outer wear and optionally, riding gloves.
As long as you can ride a bicycle, you know all that you need to know right now. They will teach you everything else.
i learned how to ride the bike and have never ridden standard b4…. i watched a lot of youtube vids and talked to bikers… then i bought a bike and tried out my shifting and THEN i finally took the course
Connecticut is adding automatic scooters to their fleet of bikes for the MSF course. Call your local site and see if Florida is doing anything like that.