Hi Everyone,
I'm new, my name is Laura, I'm a 29 year old female from Melbourne. I'm about 165cm tall, and I weigh 58kg. I already have my full car licence, and have been driving for 10 years.
Just got my bike Learner Permit two weeks ago. Under the new Victorian laws, I will be restricted to riding a LAMS bike for the duration of my L's (min 3 months, max 15 months) and for a restriction period of an additional 3 years when I get my full bike licence. So in summary I'll be restricted to a LAMS bike for minimum 3.3 years to a max 4.5 years.
Haven't got my bike yet, but have already put a deposit down on the Harley Davidson Street 500, waiting for it to be shipped to Australia. I have not seen this bike in person, I have only seen photos and YouTube videos of it. A lot of people (that know nothing about bikes) are telling me that a Harley would be too big and too heavy for a girl my size. I know the Street has been designed with a low seat, and is apparently suitable for short people like me. I am a little concerned that it weighs over 200kg though - basically, if I drop this bike, there is no way I'll be able to pick it up again. But on the flip side, given that I'm a weakling, it probably wouldn't matter if I was riding a 150kg bike, because I wouldn't be able to pick that up either. Whatever bike I own I'm gonna have to be super careful not to drop it.
A friend of mine said one of her friend is selling an early 90's Honda Phantom for $3000. I looked at photos and its appearance is pretty similar to the Street 500, as they are both cruisers, but the Honda is a 200cc. My question is, do I fork out the extra $3k on a less powerful bike that I won't care about, drop it and scratch it and practice on it (while my Harley sits in the garage), or should I just dive in the deep end and start learning as an absolute beginner on my Street 500? I don't like the idea of owning two bikes, as it means extra transfer fees, extra insurance, extra rego, extra stamp duty, and then I have to go to the hassle of selling the Honda again in a couple of months anyway once my confidence has built up. For me the Street 500 is not going to be a gateway bike to a bigger Harley. If I enjoy riding it once I own it, I am actually hoping to keep it for a good 5 to 10 years, even after my restriction period has ended. Should I just start with my Street 500, get comfortable on that right from the beginning, and accept the fact that drops and scratches are going to be inevitable? How expensive is it to fix a Harley once it has been dropped or scratched? Either way I'm going to be spending money (and I've already committed to the Street 500), so its more just deciding if I wanna spend $3k on a second smaller bike, or spend $3k on potential repairs when/if I drop my Harley. Any advice would be appreciated! Also, if anyone wants to go riding with me when I do get my bike, I would love to know some experienced people who can help me out with practicing my skills.
Cheers, Laura.
Welcome to the forums Laura, I think the bike you have chosen will be just right for you, in regards to getting used to it take your time on the quiet roads.
Plus you can always do a advanced riding course.
Thanks, the advanced riding course is a really good idea. I will definitely do that.
Hi Laura,
Welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycle riding!
In relation to the Street 500, I work in Sales at Geelong Harley Davidson, Victoria and the Street 500 is a very popular motorcycle for both male and female riders, especially novice riders.
My advise to you would be to get the Street 500 and learn to ride it. You will outgrow a 250 quite quickly, if you intend on doing a lot of riding.
Where are you located? What state or town?
If you are going to be doing a lot of open road/highway riding, a 250cc will not be sufficient, in the long term. Youve made a great choice with the new 500, just make sure you have it "fitted" correctly to you.
If you need to make any minor changes, if not immediatley comforatble, do it before delivery: ie Bars or Foot Peg positions. Make sure its comfortable for you.
As to riding buddies, I am the National Vice President for the Devils Daughters WMCA, based in Melbourne, Victoria. We do have contacts Australia wide though, depending upon where you are.
We are a registered Womens Motorcycle Club. We ride regularly and we have a few new members who are Learner and Probationary riders, who we love to teach the craft of riding, in a friendly environment.
We are also a registered charity, called Bras 4 Beauties, raising money for women who are post-op masectomy from Breast Cancer.
If you would like further help, encouragement or support, please find us on Facebook - page name is Devils Daughters. We'd love to meet you.
Our motto is: Cancer doesnt dicriminate, so neither do we!
New rider, experienced rider, cruiser bike, sports bike - you will be welcomed.
Anyother women/and or men interested in more info, please feel free to contact us as well.
Regards
Haze
National Vice President
Devils Daughters WMCA
Crash Barsand oggy knobs cost a heap less than 3k, if you're really worried, buy some, have the dealership attach them, and just ride the Harley. Yea it wont look as cool, but then you can take them off when you're a bit more confident 6-12 months later. Most everyone drops a bike just walking it on a driveway or in a carpark at some point, a part of learning is working out what angles and things you can't do at low speed, at least with crash bars it wont tip as far, making it a lot easier to pick up than a bike on its side, and all you'll really damage are the crash bars themselves. I'm a bit jealous, I love my 1200 Harley, but would love a 500 as a chukabout to modify also " border="0" src="/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif" /> Restrictions sure are harsh down there though! We're only restricted up to P's here in ACT, which means at your age with a full licence it would be 15-24 months total. Also we have no upper CC limit on the power to weight, so 883 Iron are Learner Legal too.
Welcome to the Forum
G'day and welcome to the forum. Heaps of good info on here if you stick around. It can get a bit rowdy at times also let me warn you but mostly it's fun. Enjoy your new bike when you get it.
Good on you Laura. You could also ask Harley Heaven when is their next "Ladies Night". A chance to meet other riders and I think they lay a bike down and show you how to pick it back up?
don't bother with the Honda, enjoy the new bike and take your time getting familiar with it.
There's heaps of similar vids around. The Honda 4s and Kwaka 9s of my youth were pretty heavy, too. As a young fella I had a bit of experience lifting them up, lol. Wish someone had taught me this technique when I was a skinny 16 year old.
