Harley Davidson Store

Motorcycle; simply say the word, and immediately people will have thoughts of their teen years while others have visions of some motorcycle movie made during the sixties and early seventies. Some think rallies, Hells Angles, or choppers ridden by motorcycle gangs and clubs. The motorcycle has given us many models and dreams to dream.

Depending on whether you count a steam engine as a "true" engine, the first motorcycle was either built by Sylvester Howard Roper, an American, who built one powered by a two-cylinder, coal powered, steam engine, in 1865. If you do not consider steam a "real" fuel, then Gottlieb Daimler, automobile industry giant, built the first motorcycle in 1885, when he attached a gasoline-powered engine to an ordinary bicycle.

Motorcycles have changed, a lot, throughout the years. There are now three basic types of motorcycles: touring, cruisers, and sport motorcycles.

Touring motorcycles are exactly that-motorcycles built for touring the country. Touring motorcycles can as many features as some automobiles, including audio, windshields, and even small trunks. On many touring bikes the back passenger seat has a high back that is rounded, and may have armrests.

Motorcycles such as those ridden in "Easy Rider" and other motorcycle movies are called cruisers. "Choppers" or "Hogs", have the seat far back, the handlebars high up in the air, and the foot controls close to the front of the bike. The rider looks almost as if he was driving while lying down with his arms and legs stuck straight out in front. A cruiser's design tells one that this motorcycle is not meant for staid, safe riding down a country road or freeway. Instead, this motorcycle almost has an attitude of its own, which says, "Come on, let's have some fun!"

Sport motorcycles are those that are intended mainly for racing or off-road riding. You will see many sport bikes used on the road moving their rider from Point A to Point B. These motorcycles are smaller than either touring motorcycles or cruisers, and are styled for speed and aerodynamics. In sport motorcycles, the driver's feet are further back and tucked under the driver. The handlebars are short and straight, and close to the body. The motorcycle is meant to be ridden with the rider leaning over the front gas tank tucked behind the windshield. The riders position reduces wind resistance and allows for greater control and stability when negotiating tight turns or launching the motorcycle over inclines or ramps.

Motorcycles can be much fun, and many a young man's first "vehicle" was a motorcycle. Motorcycles are not cars, the rider is not surrounded by metal like in a car, and even the largest touring motorcycles or cruisers are still not as big as average-sized cars. Riders should always protective gear including helmets, gloves, and special boots and suits if racing. In most states, helmet laws are in force, but even in those states which "let the rider decide" they can be the difference between life-and-death. Special gloves and jackets have building in protection to prevent skin and bone damage in a crash. Be safe, ride often, and have fun. Also, when working on motorcycles make sure they are properly secured in the upright position so they don't fall on you. It's important to use specially made motorcycle stands. Most racing bikes don't have a built in stand so they need front or back stands or lifts.

There is a ton of fun to be had when touring, cruising, or racing a motorcycle. The right bike for you and the right equipment can turn an ok experience into an awesome own. Stop dreaming of days gone by and get out there and ride.

Bob Jamel loves to write about autos, travel, and now motorcycles. Some information on motorcycle apparel and motorcycle stands was found on the Sportbike Track Gear and Pit Bull web sites.

what's a good cruiser style motorcycle for women?

I just got my motorcycle license and have NO CLUE what kind of bike to get. I am 5'9 and thin (not the most hefty or strong gal). I'm really intimidated by the heavier bikes. We rode some sort of Nighthawk in our class (i think honda?) and it was only a 250 I think. I looked at Harley but the only one I think I coud handle was the sportster and I don't like the way it looks plus I've heard its top heavy. I like the cruiser looking bikes, with the foot forward pegs. I looked at a honda shadow spirit online and like the way it looks but am thinking it's too heavy as wel. I don't know about any other bikes...so any suggestions most appreciated!

Well, big thumbs up to a new rider (welcome to the club!), and it is always cool to see women join the club. From reading your post, I get the feeling you don't have alot of previous experience with a bike, and got your license after taking the MSF course. So is your experience actually riding just from the course? The reason I say that is that you are worried about the weight of a bike and someone with a little more experience would not be. They use those little 250 dealies in the classes just because they are lighter, and easier for newbies to handle. However, in the real world you WANT a heavy bike. The reason being is that on the freeway, a heavier bike is more comfortable to ride. It won't get blown by the wind or passing semi's as easily, and the weight of the bike absorbs the bumps and other imperfections in the road.

I know you are worried about the weight, everyone who first starts riding is worried about "how am I gonna handle the weight of this thing". But trust me, with a little (not that much) experience you will know how to handle the weight, like knowing how to shift your weight and knowing how to use the throttle--the weight will not be an issue. Of the bikes you mentioned, the sportster and the Shadow, neither one are really heavy bikes. Probably in the 500 lb range. A full dress Harley can top 800 lbs. And to be truthful, any "real bike" (above 250 cc) is gonna have about the same weight, so you WILL have to get used to it. If you want a lightweight bike you will have to deal with the 250cc suckers, and once you hit the highway you will realize how much they suck.

Another thing you should keep in mind, is where the weight is on the bike--in other words, whether it is topheavy or not. To let you know, I have a Harley Sportster, and I also have a Yamaha V-star (yes I am a cruiser guy). Everyone talks about how the Sportster is a great beginners bike, and I do not think it is. I think it is a great bike, but a rider should have more experience before touching it. Why? Because the way the bike is laid out, it has a high center of gravity, especially with the fuel tank filled. It wants to tilt over on its side if you don't handle it correctly. The Yamaha V-star has a lower seat height, and a lower center of gravity. That definately affects the way the bike handles. So if you are worried about weight, look for something with a low seat height and lower center of gravity. You are a tall girl (5'9--I'm only 5'7) and could probably handle alot of bikes but having the weight lower down on the bike will make it easier for you to handle. When you go in a showroom, ask the salesperson to let you sit on the bike, and with your feet down and the bike off the stand try shifting the bike side to side just to see how the weight feels to you.

The bikes I would recommend? Well you said you don't like the looks of the sportster, and I think it has a high center of gravity, so in Harley I would recommend a Softail (any softail, they are basically the same bikes). They have really low seat heights (like 26 inches I believe) and a low center of gravity. But they are pricey.

The Honda Shadow is a great choice. Powerful, but not crazy sportbike powerful, comfortable, affordable, and reliable. You can get used to the weight on it.

The other bike I would throw out is the Yamaha V-star. It is about 475 lbs or so (for the 650cc). Not too heavy really, but it has a softail rear end (the Shadow has traditional shocks) and is very low to the ground. That makes the weight much easier to handle. Just go to a Yamaha dealer and ask to sit on the bike and try shifting the weight beneath you. It may seem like alot of weight for you, but you WILL get used to it.

I would also say you should check out the Kawasaki Vulcan but I don't have any experience with it, so I can't say much. Good luck.

P.S. if you are in Socal, I can let you test ride my bike!

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