I am sure that many people would like to know what the best motorcycles for women riders are. So we here at AMERiders are giving you a great list of them for 2021. Even though some still think that riding a motorcycle is a masculine endeavor, it is not entirely the case any longer. The number of women motorcycle riders has doubled over this last decade. 20% of motorcycle riders are women, betcha didn’t know that and if you did you on your way to being a bit cooler in my book. It is exciting to know that more strong women are taking onto the roads with their motorcycles riding over all those stereotypes that women cannot do it right. You go, girl!
Motorcycles: these vehicles are unisex in general. However, it is a fact that several designs would suit more to a woman’s demeanor, making bike riding more comfortable and simpler for them. So, if you have come looking for the perfect bike to buy, wait no more because below is a list of the top motorcycles for women. But before that, let’s highlight some features that you can consider while buying a bike.
Specifications to Consider:
1. Weight
Your riding experience depends a lot on how heavy your bike is. If you are a beginner, you would prefer buying a bike that is not too heavy. Being lightweight makes it easy to navigate the bike, especially on wet roads or around sharp corners.
➢ Dry weight vs. wet weight
Dry weight is the weight of your new bike. Add petrol, water, and coolant in it, and it becomes a wet weight. Therefore, when checking the weight of a new bike, remember that it is the dry weight only, and the bike will be heavier when you ride it.
2. Seat Height
The second most important feature to be careful about is the height of your bike and its seat. Remember, when you sit on the bike, your feet should lay flat on the ground.
This posture is essential for you to have control over the motorcycle. Also, if you like a bike a lot, you can ask the manufacturer if a lowering kit is available to adjust seat height.
3. Engine Size and Horsepower
You should always try different engine sizes to know what horsepower you can handle best. If you are a beginner, a 250cc to 500cc engine is ideal for you.
If you have learned the skill now, go for a 600cc to 750cc bike, and if you consider riding a cruiser, you can go up to 1000cc.
4. Price
When you are buying, a significant feature to consider is whether the bike’s price fits your budget or not. It is best always to start looking for bikes that cost within your budget and then go looking for those a little higher in cost. You never know, there may be a great offer waiting for you.
5. Design
Design is always the first thing that attracts the eye. However, be careful. Do not let a pretty design lure you away from more important features. At the same time, do pick a bike that you like, so you enjoy riding it.
Ask yourself, what do I plan to do with the bike? Decide if you will use the bike to commute to work. You may need it for occasional getaways only.
Bikes with advanced technology will be good for you if you are good with tools and maintenance. Finally, think about which brands you like, if any. Also, if that brand suits your budget or not. All these factors help you narrow down your bike options.
If you are already a biker, you can skip the next section, and if you are new to the game, the key will help you become aware of the standard motorcycle terms.
Key Features
● Cruiser
A cruiser is low to the ground with an upright seat position and low center of gravity that increases balance and stability. Thus, it is great for commute and touring.
● Standard
Similar to the cruiser, the standard has a higher center of gravity and slightly higher reach. With simple design and technology, this one is simple to use.
● Sportbike
A sportbike is generally top-heavy and feels lightweight due to a higher center of gravity. Designed with race technology, this one has an adjustable seat and a snappy performance with fantastic braking.
● Dual-Purpose
The Dual-purpose suits both on and off-road and is often more massive with a higher center of gravity. It is easy to navigate and is generally taller.
● Sport Touring
This one comes in the cruiser, dual-purpose, and sports designs and is specially designed for tours and long distances. For this, it has a larger engine, more storage space, and comfort features; therefore, it is heavier too.
● Motocross
The off-road/motocross is not ideal for the road. Lightweight, this one has tires specialized for dirt riding and are not suited to roads.
● Scooter
A scooter’s engine size can vary from 50 cc to 800 cc, which makes it great for both tours and commutes. With a step-through style, this one has an automatic transmission and can come in either big or small tires.
Key Features
● Cruiser
A cruiser is low to the ground with an upright seat position and low center of gravity that increases balance and stability. Thus, it is great for commute and touring.
● Standard
Similar to the cruiser, the standard has a higher center of gravity and slightly higher reach. With simple design and technology, this one is simple to use.
● Sportbike
A sportbike is generally top-heavy and feels lightweight due to a higher center of gravity. Designed with race technology, this one has an adjustable seat and a snappy performance with fantastic braking.
● Dual-Purpose
The Dual-purpose suits both on and off-road and is often more massive with a higher center of gravity. It is easy to navigate and is generally taller.
● Sport Touring
This one comes in the cruiser, dual-purpose, and sports designs and is specially designed for tours and long distances. For this, it has a larger engine, more storage space, and comfort features; therefore, it is heavier too.
● Motocross
The off-road/motocross is not ideal for the road. Lightweight, this one has tires specialized for dirt riding and are not suited to roads.
● Scooter
A scooter’s engine size can vary from 50 cc to 800 cc, which makes it great for both tours and commutes. With a step-through style, this one has an automatic transmission and can come in either big or small tires.
Now that you know what type of bike will suit you best and what should you check before you bring it home, let’s dig into our filtered list of the top motorcycles for women.
First…. In reality there aren’t any motorcycles made specifically for women, nor is there a list of the best motorcycles for women, but there are motorcycles that are more popular than others among the majority of women riders—and that’s what people are really interested in knowing so that is what we came up with.
1. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow
The Sportster 883 is the number one choice among female riders. This light-weight bike boasts an 883cc Air-Cooled Evolution V-Twin engine with a top speed of 105mph. It has a chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers that creates a thunderous rumble. The 883 is low-set, with an upright seating position and mid-mounted foot controls. It’s low center of gravity creates a perfect balance for complete control as you weave through traffic. The bike also comes in three color varieties: vivid black, barracuda silver, and river rock grey. The Sportster 883 is one of the most affordable models as well, with prices starting at $8,900.
Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster 883 SuperLow in 2011 with a model designation of XL 883L. This model replaced the previous XL 883L, which was called the Sportster XL 883L—the L is for low. Both are hugely popular among women. These motorcycles have long been Harley’s entry-level model, and since Harley dominates female market share, and women are the fastest-growing segment of new riders, it makes sense that Harley-Davidson’s entry-level model would be the most popular motorcycle ridden by women today.
2.Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom
Harley-Davidson has produced several different versions of the Sportster 1200 over last few years. While many women ride the 1200 Custom, many are also riding the 1200L from years back. With Harley being the leading brand among women, it’s not surprising the Sportster 1200 would be near the top of the list.
The Sportster 1200 Custom is all about attitude and style. While maintaining the durability and comfort of the 883, this bike is a bold statement to anyone who sees you riding it. Packing a 1200cc Air-Cooled Evolution V-Twin engine and pullback bars, this sleek beast tops out around 118mph. The 1200 has an aggressive riding style with an upright seating position and features a closed-loop exhaust system that makes a roar that’ll soothe your soul. Perfect for the city streets, this bike responds to your every touch. Available colors are midnight blue, river rock grey, vivid black, and billiard red. Prices start at $10,900.
3. Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
The Softail Deluxe is the first bike in our Top 10 Motorcycles for Women list that’s considered a “heavyweight,” and it’s the model women are choosing to ride the most among Harley-Davidson’s “big twin” line up. Big twin means motorcycles that are powered by Harley’s bigger V-twin engine of 1690cc, or 103 cubic-inches as you’ll see it also referred to. It’s no coincidence that the Softail Deluxe is the most popular “bigger” bike in our list—its extremely low seat height of 24.5 inches and its low center of gravity give experienced women riders the opportunity to handle a more powerful motorcycle that can easily and comfortably tackle long days of touring.
The Softail Deluxe is the perfect blend of vintage and modern. This bike has a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine that will have you cruising at speeds close to 125mph. This cruiser has a comfortable relaxed riding position and floorboards for added control. The Softail has the vintage look of the Harley’s from the 50’s that’ll turn heads and has the modern technology to keep you going. This bike is designed for city riding and not for long-distance so, keep that in mind. Colors include vivid black, midnight blue, stone-washed white pearl, billiard red, and scorched orange, and prices start at $21,900.
4.Harley-Davidson Street Glide
While most women tend to prefer light-weight bikes, the Street Glide has been at the top of list for both men and women for years. This bike is built for the highway and features a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine with batwing fairing. Comfort and luxury come first with a built-in infotainment system, passenger seat, and floorboards. The bike also comes fitted with saddlebags for long-distance trips and comes with a state-of-the-art Reflex Linked Brembo brake system. This powerful machine is for riders of any level and makes road trips worth taking. Available colors are vivid black, black denim, midnight blue, barracuda silver, stiletto red, and Tahitian teal. The Street Glide is one of the more expensive models, with prices starting at $21,999.
While the large majority of women riders are riding middleweight motorcycles, it’s not a surprise to see the number one selling motorcycle for the last five years make it into our top 10 list. The Harley-Davidson Street Glide has been the most popular motorcycle among all riders since its introduction in 2006. It inspired the custom bagger craze with its low-slung, sleek styling. Once women realized it was low enough (or could be easily lowered through seat and suspension modifications) the experienced riders among us wanted all of this motorcycle’s comfort and coolness too, including yours truly.
5.TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER
The Bonneville Bobber is by far and away the most fun bike to ride on the road. The classic bobtail seat gives you the appearance and feel of hovering gracefully over the pavement and puts you directly in the middle of the action. Boasting a Liquid-Cooled 8 valve parallel V-Twin engine, this bike zips along at top speeds of 96mph. Ideal for the urban streets, it has an aggressive riding style, and precision foot controls giving you complete freedom over the bike. It can almost be described as an extension of yourself. Available colors are jet black, morello-red, khaki green, and kerosi red. The bobber is also very affordable, with prices starting at $11,950.
6.Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2
The Honda model featured in the Top 10 List of Motorcycles for Women is, not surprisingly, one of the Shadow models. This venerable platform has been hugely popular among women riders for decades. I even started my motorcycling life on a Shadow, so I can can vouch for its accessibility for women riders. The Shadow Spirit 750 C2 does a great job of bridging the gap between the new rider and experienced rider, which is why so many intermediate motorcyclists love this comfortable cruiser with its low seat height.
Of course, these are all just recommendations based on averages- every rider is unique! Some things to consider as a female rider are weight, height, riding style and riding prowess. We recommend the above based on an entry-level rider looking for a place to start. Do you want the best advice we can give? Go try one out! The showroom at your favored local Motorcycle dealer which both have friendly and knowledgeable staff that are trained to find the bike for you is the best we can suggest.
~And as always…
~Live Free Ride Hard~
~AMERiders
and
Let AMERiders Give You a List of the Best Motorcycles for Women for 2021.
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