Motorcycles for Women

More and more women are beginning to realize the thrill that raw power, the thump from the pipes, and the wind in your face provide. If you have ever considered riding a motorcycle, it is definitely worth a try, for this invigorating experience can change your life. However, for it to be a positive experience, it is essential that you pick the right motorcycle for you. Over the years, cruisers have proved very popular among women. However, these days the preference for sports bikes seems to be on the rise. It is important to try out a few, before you invest in one. The most popular motorcycles for women are as follows:

Topping the list is the Harley Davidson Sportster. The figures say a lot: in 1990, out of all the Harley Davidson motorcycles purchased, 4% were bought by women. By 2008, that figure had increased threefold and women made up 12% of all Harley buyers in the US. Out of all the Harley models sold to women, the Sportster tops the list. The Sportster models that women favor are the XL1200L and the XL 883L. A little further down the list, another popular Harley is Softail Deluxe, with its low seat height of 24.5''.

Next on the list of favorites, comes the Honda Shadow VT750C2. This beautiful motorcycle has a low seat height of 25.7'', that allows many riders to put both feet flat on the ground at stops. It has a classic 45-degree V-twin 745cc liquid-cooled engine and a five-position spring preload dual shock adjustable suspension. Among the innovative features of the motorcycle are a three-valve cylinder-head design and a shaft final-drive system that makes smooth and reliable, low-maintenance operation possible. The stylish Spirit is a good bike for a woman, providing a combination of easy handling, comfort, fit and finish.

Among the good motorcycles for women falls the Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic and Custom. This middleweight cruiser is a long bike, with an overall length of 96.5''. Great attention to detail has been paid while styling this bike, with the only possible flaw being the black, plastic-covered pollution controls hanging out in the open on the left side of the engine. The V-Star Classic has the fat look that is so in vogue, and is powered by a 40-cubic-inch (649cc) air-cooled V-twin engine. It has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank, and docks an average of 49 miles per gallon.

Women have recognized the Kawasaki Vulcan as good cruiser to prowl the roads. The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD and the Vulcan 900 Classic feature among the best motorcycles for women. The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD is a good starter bike, as it has a low center of gravity and lower mass. It has a long wheelbase that makes it solid at freeway speed and also has a narrow body for a cruiser which enables one to squeeze through heavy traffic. It is powered by a four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel twin 498cc engine.

If you want to set the roads on fire, the Kawasaki Ninja is the motorcycle for you. The most popular models among women are the Ninja 500R and the Ninja 250R. A great entry level sport bike, the Kawasaki Ninja 500R comes with a slight upright, comfortable riding position and smooth, predictable power and handling. Its 498cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder four-stroke engine provides sufficient torque to rip up the road, and its lightweight and compact design Uni-Trak rear suspension system makes handling easy. With sporty styling, excellent fuel economy and an affordable purchase price, it is a motorcycle worth considering.

If it's an entry-level street bike (with big-bike styling and snazzy chrome highlights) you are looking for, the Honda Rebel may be your answer. This affordable bike has a reliable 234cc four-stroke twin engine and a five-speed transmission that provides for an easy shift. Though, it has a limited fuel capacity with a 2.6-gallon teardrop fuel tank, it redeems itself by being very lightweight, economical and easy to maintain.

Other popular motorcycles for women are the Suzuki Boulevard C50, the Honda CBR600RR and the Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy.

While these are just a few options, the motorcycles for women are wide and varied, which is good because we women like having options! However, if you fail to find a motorcycle you like, consider getting a custom-made one. Custom manufacturers, such as Wicked Women Choppers and Street Diamond Motorcycles offer these services. While this is an expensive option, there is nothing quite like having a bike built specifically to suit you.