Getting Grandma on a Motorcycle

More and more motorcycles are hitting the road all the time. Not only that, you are seeing more women riding their own motorcycles. The good thing is that motorists are more alert to motorcycle riders. Yes, there are still accidents, but generally speaking, motorists are paying more attention. That makes it a lot safer for the motorcycle riders.

Before I get going on this little article, I would like to let you know right off the bat that I am a great-grandmother and I've had motorcycles, off and on, over the past 35 years or so. That also let's you know I'm not blowing smoke. I currently own a 650, which is small by some standards, but it's a bike that I am very comfortable with and I think that's important.

With that, I'm sure a lot of the grandmothers out there may be riding behind their hubbies. That's fine, but how often have you secretly wished that you could ride your own? Personally, I never liked riding behind my husband. He'd scare the devil out of me. Not really because he was reckless, but more because he was actually afraid of the motorcycle. Even so, he was a decent rider. But fear is not a good thing on a motorcycle. Fear leads to panic in some situations. You do need to respect one and also gain confidence in yourself as a rider.

So let's say you really want to learn to ride one by yourself. It really isn't all that hard. It's kind of like riding a bicycle with a motor on it, but you don't have to pedal it. First thing you might want to do is go pick up a Motorcycle Manual at your local DMV. Depending on the state you live in, or the country, you may have to take the written test and a vision test before they will issue you a Motorcycle Learner's Permit.

Now about the motorcycle itself. I've seen some women out there that obviously are just learning to ride, and here they are, sitting on top of a big, heavy Harley. Down boys! Harleys are nice and the bigger the better. Not so for an older woman to start with. Women need a bike that fits them. Most of us are not six foot tall with long arms and long legs. We also don't have the physical strength to get a big bike up if it should happen to fall over for some reason. It happens.

How do you know if a bike fits you? First of all, don't just look at a bike and say that's the one you want.....because it's pretty. Wrong. Sit on it. See if you can at least touch the ground with the majority of your foot. Not just tippy toes. At least the ball of your foot, so you can be stable. Both feet at the same time. Personally I like a bike I can put both feet flat on the ground when you are stopped. That lets you relax some. Now sit in a normal position, square on the bike. You should be able to reach the handlebars, clutch and brake without leaning way over. You can ride a bike that way, but you will probably find you get tired quicker than if you were sitting in a more normal position.

I'm going to highly recommend something here that I think every new rider should do. Take a Motorcycle Riders Safety Course. They normally last about 3 days and are worth every cent. You can go to one, never having been on a motorcycle in your life, and come out riding with confidence and ability and it also waives the normal DMV Motorcycle Road test, so you will be able to get your license pretty fast. You don't need to take your motorcycle, most furnish you with a 250 cc to use for the course. It's a combination of written and riding tests. You will need to take a helmet, gloves, jeans and long-sleeved shirt or jacket and boots or shoes that at least cover your ankles. No tennis shoes.

Remember grandma's. Age is a state of mind, barring major physical problems. Start out slow, or rather with short rides until you get comfortable with your bike and your ability. You need to condition yourself to riding to, so don't try to go on a 250 mile ride, because everyone else is, right off the bat. Leave your bike at home and ride behind hubby until you are ready for a long distance ride.

Hope these suggestions help. Enjoy yourself, relax and ride safe.