 Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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My wife decided that she might like riding her own bike and has gotten lots of encouragement from her co-workers (3 elementary school teachers-1 Harley Softail Classic and 2 Honda Rebels). I told her that she should take the MSF course and if she still wanted to then we would get her a bike to learn on. Well she passed (after dumping the eliminator on the first day). Her instructor said that she really improved and was a lot smoother the second day. She only dropped 8 points on the riding test. So, we went looking and hit all of the dealerships (even H-D) except Triumph. My speedy is a bit too tall for her (she's only 5'3") and didn't feel right with the drag bars so I didn't force the issue. At the end of the day I asked her which one felt the best. She didn't want to look at me. I though "this isn't good". She said "I don't want to say because it was the most expensive one and you don't like them". I told her out with it. Her choice was the XL883L. I said that the important thing is that she has a bike that fits and she is comfortable on. I also suggested that she start on something smaller to see if she really wants to ride (streets are a bit different than the MSF course parking lot). So long story short (I know, too late  ) I found a 2001 Yamaha 250 Virago that she liked. (She had sat on a new one and was her second choice). She thought that she would get one of her friends rebels but they wanted $3000 for one and $3300 for the other. Her Virago was $1600 with 3800 miles. We spent 2 hours in a new mall (nothing open yet) parking lot last Sunday and she is getting smoother. A few more times and she will be ready for some low traffic surface streets.  I just hope I'm ready for this. Dan
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Take it slow. Practice X 30. Then practice some more. The MSF course is a good thing, but it doesn't prepare you for the real world at all. I took the MSF course to get legal. My instructor, a woman, rode a sport bike and rode it well. Rode much more better than I ever will. But the 3 women in our class scared the living crap out of me. 2 passed - one had to be taken out in an ambulance. But of the 2 that passed and several of the "Wild Hogs" men as well, in my opinion, none of them were ready for the street. It ain't a "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" world out there anymore. Sorry if this comes off as chauvanistic or doom and gloom. But it's a jungle out there. Make sure your wife knows that. Teach her well. Then you can enjoy the ride. 
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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That is great news, I wish my Mrs would but she has no interest in the bike at all..
Ray(UK)
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Only place for my wife is on the back of my bike. At 36 I am an uncommonly "traditional" kind of guy. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, that's just the way it is.
pain is temporary, pride is forever.
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Learned Hand
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Dan- Cool on you for supporting your wife's dream. Good score, too, on the Virago- a nice small starter bike that your wife can practice on without feeling intimidated, and that she can manage weight-wise as she learns what it's like out on the real road responding to real situations. She can move up to something bigger when she feels ready, and has decided for sure that she wants to be on her own bike. Try to relax and enjoy her excitement- you're giving your wife a real gift by being on her side with this, scoring big "points" in her book for sure.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
That is great news, I wish my Mrs would but she has no interest in the bike at all..
Same here. You're a lucky man to have a woman that wants to ride beside you. Take care of her. Of course you already know that Yamaha V-Twin is the work of the devil and will only lead to a Sportster
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Loquacious
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Dan
Good for your wife, hope she really enjoys riding. The Virago is a very good choice for a beginer, as is the Honda Rebel. I know the normal attitude of riders is "Bigger is Better" but i dont buy that argument. Confidence is everything and if the Virago feels good then it is the perfect bike.
As a MSF instuctor i will say this. I believe in the MSF Course 100% but like i say to all my students at the end of the weekends class. You are now certified to ride a motorcycle around a parking lot, now the real learning begins. Do what you are doing with your wife. Spend time at the mall and dont head out on to the road until shes says shes ready. Let her make that call.
Like i said, for beginners, confidence is everything.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Old Hand
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Good on her!  If she still wants a low Sportster when she outgrows the training wheels bike, the 1200 is a better bike. She will soon tire of trying to keep up on an 883. She should also take a look at the America. the different seat and bars might be enough that she'll be comfortable on it.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Only place for my wife is on the back of my bike. At 36 I am an uncommonly "traditional" kind of guy. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, that's just the way it is.
I disagree...There's nothing I enjoy more than seeing my wife just ahead and to my right cruising down the back highways through the countryside on her '05 America at 75 mph...Its on a entire different level of therapy for us...It's like we get to leave this world, if for only a few hours, and go into our world...does our marriage wonders....
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Dan,
Good for her.... Nothing like a woman on a motorcycle...
My wife rides and has for years. She took her MSF in 98 and once she got home she knew it all... You did the right thing by taking her out to look for her bike... My wife picked out her first street bike, a GSL-450 death trap. She too was worried about the cash and of the two we found at the time opted for the cheaper one... bad move that POS cost more to keep in running shape and was dangerous. She survived. I tried the surprise after researching and talking to many many females an bought her a V* 650. That went bust. Had to add boards and risers and a sidecar...
The 883Low is a nice bike. Did she look at the Honda Shadow Spirit? Much like a sporty just lighter and tighter...
Enjoy the ride and encourage her and all will be well...
gb
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
There's nothing I enjoy more than seeing my wife just ahead and to my right cruising down the back highways through the countryside on her '05 America at 75 mph...
b717doc,
You mean like this?!
Agree 100%!
Even the model year is the same on Nilla´s bike...
Johann
Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
Triumph Tiger 1050 Black
Ducati Multistrada 1200s
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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That's great Dan, my wife wants to learn how to ride as well, she will be taking the class in spring I suppose. She likes sport bikes as well and she likes the Ninja 250, well see what happens after she takes the MSF class.
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Old Hand
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Quote:
and once she got home she knew it all.
Oh, you have a teenage bride? 
Sorry, couldn't help it...
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Quote:
Of course you already know that Yamaha V-Twin is the work of the devil and will only lead to a Sportster
Hey , that's EXACTLY what happened with my misses after I got Lola . She went and bought herself a new Virago 250 V-twin and after she got adept with it , I bought her an '07 XL 1200 Low . Well , I didn't want her to upstage me on my Bonnie !
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Loquacious
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I'm setting myself up here but....
I've been trying to talk the wife into moving up from her Rebel to a Nightster. Hasn't been going too well.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Fe Butt
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Wendy is shorter than her and loves her America, her choice but I think she should at least look since the America is a different position,lowering is easy,and risers can be changed if she is still reaching for the bars.
You will be a nervous wreck for awhile. I have been riding behind Wendy since she started and watching for small mistakes that could lead to big problems. Then I tell her what she did and how to correct it. I don't really have to correct much if anything anymore but it still makes me nervous watching her ride even though she is pretty good now. Her one big problem is turning around in a tight area, I think she is afraid of dropping it. All that being said at the end of the day I love to ride with her and sharing the experiences and places we go.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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New riders cannot countersteer. They think they can until they round a corner while day dreaming of sugar plums. When you are in that mall parking lot, have her approach you at speed and randomly signal her to turn. When she stops running over you, THEN, she will be ready for the open highway. Full gear have her wear. Full face helmet, jacket, boots, gloves. Good luck and start saving for the piglet.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Quote:
Quote:
and once she got home she knew it all.
Oh, you have a teenage bride?
Sorry, couldn't help it...
Wife is old as dirt, well not quite... but I do own one of those teenage "know it alls" as well..
and for her 19th b-day she wants the MSF... Lord help us...
Sucks to be me at times....
gb
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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My wife has now been riding for about a year. She's short too, about 5'2", and has trouble touching the ground on a lot of bikes. Watching her just sit on my America makes it clear that without some modifications, this wouldn't be the bike for her. She bought a little Honda Rebel when she got out of her class last year and she rides it like a pro. She's getting ready for something with a little more kick now, but is still taking it slow. Still scares the crap out of me to watch her ride. I mean I love riding with her, but the thought of something happening to the woman I love is a bit overwhelming.
Other day we were out riding, I was in front, and a dog ran out into the street in between us. Just came outta no where. I never even saw the thing. It was really heavy traffic on all sides and she hit the dog. I guess it was like a Jack Russell or something, but she kept the bike up, and managed not to swerve into the other lane or brake hard (there were cars right on our a$$es and they would've hit her for sure if she'd have braked hard). She was terrified and thought she had done terrible, but everyone I know was impressed that she kept her head and kept the bike up. Her bike was fine though and the dog took off afterwards. Once she got over the shock (and realized she hadn't killed the dog) she started to feel better about the whole thing.
I didn't even see it happen and it scared the crap out of me.
My '07 "For three days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off." Johnny Carson
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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By the way Dan, congrats on the wife learning to ride. It really is a cool thing! (and I now have a solo seater, as my wife finally let me get rid of the pillion, which I am REALLY excited about!)
My '07 "For three days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off." Johnny Carson
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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I don't understand you men. What is wrong with the America as a first bike? I'm only 5'3" and fit just fine on my America. We just put progressive shocks on it. Yeah, we looked at the Virago, and the Shadow, but my hubby bought the America and said, "it's yours, now get the license", so I did.
I agree about the MSF course. I took it and passed just fine, but it still took me 10-15 minutes to take off out of the driveway for the first time. But when that training was needed for safety reasons, I had total recall.
AmyLee
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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HEY! What do you mean "you men"?! Wendys first bike is her America and she loves it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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I took the MSF course when I decided it was time to get my own bike. It was very good, but like a lot of people have said...it is much different than the road. I started out on a gs650l suzuki. I loved that bike until it blew up and that's when I got the triumph. I looked at a lot of bikes but I couldn't stand how big and heavy a lot of bikes were. Let your wife pick which bike she is comfortable on. I hope she loves riding...I absolutely do!
2006 Speedmaster: Marble red and black, AI removed, flame finishers, solo seat
1982 Suzuki gs650glz
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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We did stop at the Triumph dealership the day we picked up her Virago and she sat on the America as well as a Bonneville. She said that the America felt better than the speedmaster and the bonnie was too tall. She is at least was open to the idea.  Her friend with the HD is trying to brainwash her though.  Wendi wanted to start on an Eliminator (like the one she rode in the class) but those were non-existant used and I wasn't going to buy one new when a 250 wasn't much different size wise, readily available used at a decent price, and would last her a bit longer before moving up to a bigger bike. She can move up when she is ready and if it's a sporty, well at least she is riding.
1970 Bonneville, 2001 Yamaha 250 Virago (Wife's), 2003 Speedmaster
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I don't understand you men. What is wrong with the America as a first bike?........Yeah, we looked at the Virago, and the Shadow, but my hubby bought the America and said, "it's yours, now get the license", so I did.
Nothing is wrong with the TBA being a first bike.
My TBA is actually my wifes bike. But she does not want to ride it. She finds the weight of the thing to intimidating. She wants her old Honda Rebel back.
Everyone is different and for some a light weight 250cc is a much better option as a first bike.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Arsenal, True, the weight intimidated me a bit too. Did some upper body exercises and that helped. The bikes they used for the MSF course were little 125cc street bikes. Don't remember the make. They were really light weight to me. My main mental block was the tight turns. I think I have it down now.
Dogg, I didn't mean you to be included amongst the men that seem to think their wives can only handle smaller bikes than the America. Sorry about the implication.
AmyLee
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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My America was my first big bike. I'dd ridden my 125 for a year and paid for her before I could even ride her away... Never even thought that I'd never cope with her. OK was scared to he|| riding her away, but that was co I didn't wanna scratch the chrome!!! I remember my mum telling a story about being on her dad's 350 James and being told that was too big for her in 1960something... so me on a 790... But there are men out there who believe that women are for the pillion seat or on a 125.... I normally find them when I'm asking for bits for the 3HW. They can't believe I own a bike that old, that I'm putting together myself or that I rebuilt the 03 myself. Or ride something that big... 
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Worn Saddle
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I disagree with some of you. I'm a firm believer in EVERYONE, male or female, learning on a small bike, preferably a dirt bike, and in the dirt, where it is softer and slower. My family has taught all of our kids to ride dirt bikes. If necessary, a Rebel is a very good first bike, slower and low center of gravity. There is an awful lot one can learn, safer and easier, on a smaller, slower bike. Then, after one season, move on up to the bigger bike. By the way, my Uncle has a 1200 sporty, and he is tired of the ride and vibration. I can't imagine a woman wanting to ride it, at least not for any distance. Each to their own.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
... my Uncle has a 1200 sporty, and he is tired of the ride and vibration. I can't imagine a woman wanting to ride it, at least not for any distance. Each to their own.
The fairer sex has always relied on mystic. Dreams of averius notwithstanding, the desire to be in concert with their feelings overrides practicality. Top heavy they are, still the words repeat each and every evening in multitudes of fair maidens innermost thoughts, "Harley Davidson". 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Quote:
... my Uncle has a 1200 sporty, and he is tired of the ride and vibration. I can't imagine a woman wanting to ride it, at least not for any distance. Each to their own.
The fairer sex has always relied on mystic. Dreams of averius notwithstanding, the desire to be in concert with their feelings overrides practicality. Top heavy they are, still the words repeat each and every evening in multitudes of fair maidens innermost thoughts, "Harley Davidson".
Moe- did someone drop acid into your coffee this morning? 
I do have to say from the girly perspective that HD sells a good pair of women's bootcut jeans.
I had a 1200- a very stiff ride, top heavy, and tiresome vibration. I rode a friend's ribber mounted Sporty for a few miles last fall- a bit less vibration, and he had the pull back bars, which made the riding position a little less forward leaning. I would imagine that the 883L or the Nightster would put a woman a little more flatfooted and lower into the bike, correct the center of gravity issue a bit?
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Learned Hand
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I remember when Jess started ridding.. No wait she was ridding when I met her. Now who was that? I think I am in trouble now.
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Suzies first bike was a 600 shadow it was a great starter bike there a dime a dozen used and when we upgraded her to her 750 areo got my money back out of the 600. She didnt want a modefied bike so the America was out. The Shadow 750
Areo fit her perfect out of the box. She is 5 ft 2 short legs. Now here is the thing she took the safty course even though she already had her licence.She was afraid at first and now rides great. The bike needs to fit her and she needs to be comfortable on it
Chris
Pain heals, Chicks dig scars, and Glory last forever.
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I am a firm believer in learing in the dirt. I believe it makes you a much better rider. Some of the moves I learned in the dirt saved my a$$ on the street. Knowing how to power slide or slid under control with rear wheel locked. That last one saved my butt just this past summer. I was riding and some HUGE bird took off from the right side of the road and I tried to steer out of the way but the bird went the same way. So I locked the rear wheel and slid the bike sideways keeping the front wheel pointed where I wanted to go and narrowly missed the bird. This thing was huge , if it was a dog it would have weighed 100lbs or more.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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This is the view I normally have on our rides around the central California hills, with AmyLee in front I don't have to look in the rear view mirror as much. 
Last edited by HabuBA; 02/03/2008 1:32 AM.
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Fe Butt
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yeah thats another reason I like Wendy in front, if I lead I have to constantly watch my mirror since I would leave her in the dust without realizing it.I also get irritated that I have to keep slowing up so she can catch up. If I follow we don't have that problem.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Amen to that! Would you believe on this ride, she was into the curves enough to drag her pipes.
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Only place for my wife is on the back of my bike. At 36 I am an uncommonly "traditional" kind of guy. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, that's just the way it is.
what if she wanted to ride her own?
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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you know mert I didnt want to hijack this post but I was thinking the same thing. Some of our best days has been my son on the back of mine and Suzie on hers. Riding has turned into a family event hate to have some old stereotype take all that fun away cause it might hurt my ego not having the women ride on the back. But thats just me, like to have fun rather then live up to some old stale image
Chris
Pain heals, Chicks dig scars, and Glory last forever.
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Quote:
Quote:
Only place for my wife is on the back of my bike. At 36 I am an uncommonly "traditional" kind of guy. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, that's just the way it is.
what if she wanted to ride her own?
Its probably one of the reasons I'm "down" one husband, but "up" 2 bikes!!!!
Blackbird - thats all fine if she has no desire to ride - you'll be in a world of hurt if she ever decides that she wants her own.
DanB - good for your wife!!!! And my only suggestions are to let her get comfortable and BE comfortable riding. If that means you have to go first (and be watching in your mirror the whole time) suck it up if that makes her able to ride - sometimes if very hard to know you are being watched and probably critisized some from behind, particularly by someone so significant as husband - until she's comfortable in her own skin riding try to let her do it her way - safely of course!
Becky
Last edited by becky; 02/03/2008 7:45 PM.
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Re: Wife is starting to ride her own bike
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 62
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 62 |
Yup Becky, I will follow that Lee Iacocoa (spelling?) adage: Lead, Follow, or get out of the way. Actually, I will probably lead at first. That gives me a chance to run interference if need be. I definately don't want Wendi to be nervous of me watching her. She'll have enough to think about. We spent another hour yesterday in the parking lot. There are two businesses open at one end of the strip mall now and of course there was a car that was going to be nice and let her go first (both were making left hand turns) and she kind of panicked and popped the clutch. She didn't dump it but it made her think a bit.  So we practiced turns from a stop for the last 15 min. I am very positive and encouraging in my coaching/teaching. These are learning steps. (I coached freshman football and basketball for a total of 15 seasons) In fact, I taught her how to drive a manual transmission car before we were married. Her dad just didn't have the patience.
1970 Bonneville, 2001 Yamaha 250 Virago (Wife's), 2003 Speedmaster
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