The 10 Best Motorcycle Models for Women
Male riders may still outnumber female ones, but the situation is rapidly changing. Over twice as many women ride today as they did a decade ago, with the result that more and more manufacturers are building bikes that cater to the growing market. Obviously, there’s no such thing as a woman’s motorcycle, but some options are far more suitable for a woman’s needs than others. If you’re looking for a motorcycle with an approachable engine size, a manageable weight, and a seat height that won’t leave your feet dangling mid-air, check out these 10 best motorcycle models for women.
10. Triumph Street Triple 675
If a motorcycle wins a 5/5 review at motorcyclenew.com, you know you’re onto a good thing. And the Triumph Street Triple 675 is very much a good thing. Visually, it’s a dream, with a sleek cafe racer style that’s designed to turn heads. It doesn’t disappoint from a performance angle either, with enough agility and speed to please just about any taste. The low, scooped-out seat is comfortable even for smaller women, making it a great option for those looking for a ‘big’ bike that’s still easy to ride.
9. Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
Not all motorcycles for women need to be small and lightweight. The Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe is a big, brawny bruiser of a bike with more than enough power from its 1690cc V-twin engine to thrill even the most performance-obsessed rider. Comfort comes by way of a low seat height of just 24.5 inches -the perfect height for shorter riders. If you’re looking for something agile and fun for the daily commute, this isn’t it. If you want a heavy-duty model capable of touring, it’s ideal.
8. Suzuki Burgman S40
If you want a dependable, fun motorcycle that’s perfect for daily commutes and local rides, you’d do well to take the advice of carbibles.com (www.carbibles.com/the-best-motorcycles-for-women/) and consider the Suzuki Burgman S40. Introduced into the Suzuki lineup back in 1986 under its former name of the LS650 Savage, this chopper-style cruiser has long been considered one of the best options on the market for smaller riders. If you’re over 5’10,” the low seat and small frame will start to feel a little cramped after a while – if you’re not, it’s pretty much ideal.
7. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow
If you’re looking to get into the Harley-Davidson brand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow is an excellent entry model. Despite being one of the most affordable Harley’s on the market, there’s nothing cheap about its built quality, style, or performance. Its low-slung frame with ultra-low seat and mid-mount foot controls are perfect for shorter riders. If you’re in the market for a comfortable, balanced model suitable for city riding, the SuperLow is well worth considering.
6. Honda VFR400R NC30
There’s no getting around the fact that the Honda VFR400R NC30 is going to leave a serious dent in your bank balance. For a 20-year-old bike, it’s excruciatingly expensive. But then again, icons rarely come cheap, and the Honda VFR400R NC30 is most definitely an icon. In terms of reliability, it’s as close to bulletproof as you can get. Performance-wise, it’s no slouch either, with a 400cc engine that’s capable of dishing out 60bhp and top speeds of over 130 mph. Its small, lightweight frame may be a little cramped for larger riders, but it’s a joy for smaller ones. If you want a bike that sounds great, looks awesome, and delivers an outstanding riding experience, this baby sportsbike is ideal.
5. Yamaha R6
If you’re on the shorter side, the Yamaha R6’s seat height of 33 inches may prove a challenge. If you’re not, it’s definitely a bike worth considering. From its cutting edge, aerodynamic design to its innovative technology, its ergonomic riding position to its top-shelf suspension, this is a motorcycle that’s rightly considered something of a street bike icon. As one of the most advanced supersport bikes ever built, it’s understandably won more AMA middleweight races and championships than any other model in the 600cc category. Nimble, fast, and as thrilling a ride for professionals as for amateurs, it’s a potent machine that delivers superb power while still being manageable.
4. Star Motorcycles V Star 650
Recommended by womenridersnow.com as one of the best motorcycles for women on the market, the V Star 650 has been a mainstay in the Star Motorcycles’ lineup for almost a quarter of a century thanks to its classic pairing of high performance and superb handling. Its low seat height, low center of gravity, and assertive but still manageable power combine to create a machine that offers comfort and potency in equal measure.
3. Kawasaki Ninja 250
If you want a machine that’s big on fun and small on size, look no further than the Kawasaki Ninja 250. With a low seat and lightweight frame, it’s a great option for smaller riders looking for an easy-to-manage, comfortable bike that straddles the divide between standard and sport classes. Thanks to its very particular design (Kawasaki likes to style its smaller bikes in exactly the same way as its bigger models), it’s as impressive to look at as it is to ride. If you like the concept but would prefer an engine with a bit more clout, the Ninja also comes in 300cc, 400cc, 600cc, 650cc, and even 1000cc displacements.
2. Kawasaki Z800
As bikebandit.com writes, if you’ve graduated past entry-level bikes and are looking for something that packs a punch, the Kawasaki Z800 is an excellent option to consider. A naked bike that combines easy handling with expert performance, it’s ideal for riders looking for a challenge, but who aren’t prepared to sacrifice either comfort or manageability to get it.
1. Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2
No matter how much experience you’ve got under your belt, the Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2 is an outstanding option, as capable of pleasing newbies as old hands. Despite packing a powerful punch from its 750cc engine, its lightweight frame, classic cruiser style, and low, scooped-out seat keep things comfortable. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a bike to manage the daily commute or one designed to handle longer weekend rides, the Honda Shadow Spirit will do it in style.
