How to Find the Best Motorcycle for Women

As a new bike rider, especially if you’re a female motorcycle buff, finding the right ride can feel like a lot of work since there are many options on the market. Now, not everything needs to be an errand – you can actually enjoy the process if you know what you’re looking for.

Even though there are options, the choices are pretty limited, given the specific physique of women. Hands down, there aren’t that many motorcycles designed especially for women, but with what we’re offered on the market, there are a few gems for motorcycles for beginners and women bikers. 

Best 10 Bikes For Female Riders

Without further ado, let’s get the show on the road and go into the 10 best motorcycles for women.

1) Honda Rebel 250

The Rebel 250 model by Honda really is a road rebel that women will love. Boasting a slick aesthetic and comfortable design, the Rebel 250 will fit the preferences of all average-built women motorcycle riders. 

Honda introduces the Rebel 250 as an entry-level bike with excellent size, look, and price features. Ever since its initial launch in 1985, the Rebel 250 has gone through some updates and alterations in the engine specs, as well as the overall aesthetic. Going from a classic chopper to a sleek and stylish cruiser, the Rebel 250 boasts a 5-speed transmission, a twin-cylinder four-stroke engine, and a nice, sturdy set of wheels. Whether you buy a used one or a brand-new motorcycle, the Rebel 250 maintains its value. 

If you’re on the market for a reliable starter bike that won’t break the bank, the Honda Rebel 250 is your best pick.

Features

• Displacement: 234cc
• Seat height: 26.6 inches
• Fuel capacity: 2.6 gallons
• Weight: 331 pounds

2) Harley-Davidson Street 500 & 750

The Street 500 and 750 models of Harley-Davidson bikes were introduced as fresh new models back in 2015. In fact, the brand uses the Street 500 model in the Harley Davidson’s Rider Academy New Rider Course, so you can rest assured you’re getting a quality-made, beginner-friendly woman motorcycle. 

One of the reasons why the Street 500 model will fit beginner riders as a glove is because it’s perfect for getting that feel of handling a mighty bike for the first time. The low-set seat and the upright seating position are perfectly designed to allow newbie raiders to really feel the motorcycle.

As a general preference, women riders tend to choose middleweight motorcycles, and the Street line by Harley-Davidson fits right into the category. The elegant design and low-slung style make the Street 500 and 750 models the ultimate girl bike. 

The seat can get as high as 25.7 inches, but it can also be lowered for the best-fitting comfort of the rider. One of the many reasons why women riders love the Harley Street 500 is the saddle-bag option that can hold up a lot of trinkets and essentials. Plus, the batwing fairings make it easy to keep track of performance while on the road in various weather conditions. 

Features

• Displacement: 494cc and 749cc
• Seat height: 25.7 inches
• Fuel capacity: 3.5 gallons
• Weight: 489 pounds

3) Yamaha Star Motorcycles V Star 250

The V Star cruiser line by Yamaga, represented by the 250 model, is one of the most popular beginner motorcycle and female biker options. Yamaha replaced the Virago 250 with the V Star 250 back in 2008 but kept all the mighty features and styling details.

The household name in the motorcycle industry designed the V Star 250 to be as appealing to women bikers and beginners as possible. To that extent, this motorcycle is enriched with a V-twin engine, a two-up seat, and nice spoke wheels. The seat is meticulously designed in a way to be especially easy to access and maneuver. 

Boasting a modern aesthetic, the Yamaha’s V Star 250 didn’t hold back on encompassing powerful, quality-made components. It’s probably safe to say that this model is one of the best small motorcycles for women currently on the market. It’s a great option for women and beginners looking to learn the basics and slowly work their way up to the pro rank.

Features

• Displacement: 249cc
• Seat height: 27 inches
• Fuel capacity: 2.5 gallons
• Weight: 326 pounds

4) Kawasaki Eliminator 125

Don’t let the name deter you from perceiving this 2-wheeler as a great women’s motorcycle. The Kawasaki Eliminator 125 is an awesome entry-level bike that’s both affordable and easy to maintain.

The Emilinator is the smallest of Kawasaki’s motorcycles, featuring a four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a chain-driven, 5-speed transmission. The seat is set at 26.8 inches, which is enough to accommodate most riders and allow them to place both feet on the ground during road stops. 

Weighing merely 291 pounds, it’s safe to say the Eliminator is as light as it gets, which is perfect for ladies and male riders with smaller physiques. Even though the throttle is gentle, you’d be surprised by its responsiveness, as are the gearbox and the clutch.

The Kawasaki Eliminator 125 is the best pick for rookie riders since everything on the fairings is easily controlled. Brake-wise, this baby boasts super-responsive brakes that are also well-balanced.

Features

• Displacement: 124cc
• Seat height: 26.8 inches
• Fuel capacity: 3.4 gallons
• Weight: 291 pounds

5) Suzuki GZ250

No list of the best motorcycle bikes for women is complete without a Suzuki entry. The GZ250 is easy to drive, reliable, and looks pretty nice. This particular Suzuki model has been a fan-favorite for years, especially for beginners out there.

For some time now, the GZ250 has been the go-to choice for women looking for typical motorcycle designs with lighter measurements. This Suzuki model is your classic cruiser-type motorcycle, powered by a 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine that runs on 5 gears. 

Besides the GZ250, Suzuki also has two other 250cc models that are also great beginner rides. Just as the Harley-Davidson Street 500 is used in the brand’s riding course, the Suzuki GZ250 is also frequently used in the Basic Rider Course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

Features

• Displacement: 249cc
• Seat height: 27.8 inches
• Fuel capacity: 3.4 gallons
• Weight: 331 pounds

6) Suzuki Boulevard S40

And here’s another Suzuki representative that we love reviewing. The S40 is the entry model in the Boulevard line of Suzuki motorcycles. The 40 stands for cubic inches, as opposed to the standard cubic centimeters: 40ci equals 652cc, an engine size that many bike buffs deem too mighty for a beginner.

Apart from the engine size, the structure of the S40 is designed to be fairly light. In addition, the low-set seat is ideal for beginners and women motorcycle riders who prefer a somewhat more powerful ride. 

Boasting a single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine running on 5-speed transmission, the Suzuki S40 is a great road beast. Even though it looks mighty and heavy, the S40 is quite easy to maintain. Namely, there’s no belt incorporated into the design, so there are no chains to worry about. Plus, weighing around 381 pounds, the Suzuki S40 is much lighter than other models in the category. 

The seat is neatly set at 27.6 inches with 5.3 inches of ground clearance, making it the obvious choice for shorter riders and female bikers. 

Features

• Displacement: 652cc
• Seat height: 27.6 inches
• Fuel capacity: 2.8 gallons
• Weight: 381 pounds

7) Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD

The Vulcan 500 by Kawasaki is the ultimate road runner designed as an entry-level motorcycle. Even though it was discontinued back in 2009, there are still a lot of used ones to find on the market. But don’t worry; the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 retains its value and performance.

Being a favorite midsize bike for women bikers for over 20 years, the Vulkan is still a preferred motorcycle choice for women as tall as 5 feet, having no trouble straddling the machine on the open road. 

Featuring a classic cruiser style and a six-speed transmission, the Suzuki Vulkan 500 boasts a parallel twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, delivering quite the riding power. Design-wise, the chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels are the ultimate staple of class and style that’s evergreen with the ladies. 

Features

• Displacement: 498cc
• Seat height: 28.1 inches
• Fuel capacity: 4 gallons
• Weight: 439 pounds

8) Kawasaki Ninja 300

For all the lady bikers out there, the Kawasaki Ninja is one of those sportbikes that you just can’t pass by and not take a second look at. The Ninja 300 also comes in a 250 variant, that’s a great option for anyone looking for a smaller sports bike.

Designed to be fairly lightweight, the Ninja 300 makes it easy to place both feet on the ground without feeling like you’re holding up a fort. The seat on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is set at 30.7 inches, which is somewhat higher than the other entries on our lost, but that’s expected of a sports bike. The Ninja 300 is one of the motorcycles women into sportbikes will absolutely love. 

Featuring a dual-brake system, the brakes on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 are super-responsive and efficient, so you can rest assured you’ll be able to react fast enough whenever needed. In a nutshell, if you’re a lady biker or a beginner in motorcycle riding, go for the Ninja 300 — it’s both powerful and light. 

Features

• Displacement: 296cc
• Seat height: 30.7 inches
• Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
• Weight: 379 pounds

9) BMW G310R

The world-renowned BMW recently launched the G310R as a freshened-up version of BMW’s staple motorcycle esthetics. One of the key aspects of the G310R is the attention to stylish details, the lightweight feel, and the ease of use.

Designed with female bikers in mind, BMW launched the G310R as a lightweight motorcycle that’s easy to schlep around without breaking a sweat. Now, speaking of BMW, quality is the one thing you can be sure of. The brand designed this model with a triple-clamp finish, quality-made switch gear, and super-resistant paint. 

As an amazing beginner-friendly motorcycle, the BMW G310R boasts a 313cc engine and a seat as high as 30.9 inches. Since this isn’t a cruiser model, it isn’t surprising that the seat is set higher than 26-27 inches. The engine’s single cylinder allows for smooth highway riding, developing a maximum speed of 145km/H.

Features

• Displacement: 313cc
• Seat height: 30.9 inches
• Fuel capacity: 2.9 gallons
• Weight: 349 pounds

10) Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

We decided to wrap up our list of the 10 best motorcycles for women with one of the classics: the Low Rider S by Harley-Davidson. This bike is a real stunner that’s both mighty and easy to ride. When it comes to the brand, there’s no need to state the obvious;  Harley-Davidson is the epitome of quality motorcycles, and that’s that.

The Low Rider S is what you’d imagine a cruiser to look like. Boasting a 1868cc engine, this is your piece of Americana in motorcycles. Featuring a seat as high as 28 inches and a Harley-Davidson staple handlebar, the riding experience on this cruiser will be an unforgettable one for lady bikers and shorter motorcycle aficionados. What separates the Low Rider S from the others in the category is the option to modify the settings of the pegs, the seat, and the bars to suit the rider’s height. 

The Low Rider S is as loud as you’d expect from a Harley but also smooth and powerful at the same time.

Features

• Displacement: 1868cc
• Seat height: 28 inches
• Fuel capacity: 5 gallons
• Weight: 650 pounds

The riding world is filled with images of men. Pop culture’s saturated with movies about guys on their Harleys, Triumphs or Indian Motorcycles. But men don’t have a monopoly on the motorcycle, for women have been riding motorbikes since their invention and usefulness during the First World War. The most intrepid female motorcycle riders even made waves in history.

There were pioneers Adeline and Augusta Van Buren who rode on 1,000cc Indian Power Plus motorcycles for 60 days over 5,000 miles, crossing continental US. There was Beryl Swain who rode a 50cc Itom and was the first woman to compete in the Isle of Man TT in 1962. Then there was Anne-France Dautheville who become the first woman to circumnavigate the world on a 120cc Kawasaki, riding 12,500 miles on three continents, after her participation in 1972’s Raid Orion came under question. As you can see, motorcycles for women vary.

To find the best bikes for women is the same as finding the best bikes for men: it all depends on the rider.

Which Motorbike is Best for Women?

The best motorcycle for women shouldn’t be solely about the gender; some women have just as enough control to maneuver a powerful bike as any guy. Guys who have a smaller body frame and are shorter may not pick the same type of bike that a bigger, brawnier guy would. It’s similar for women riders; if you’re of a smaller frame and may be shorter, you may choose bike with seat height that’ll ensure you’ll ride comfortably.

What motorcycle is best for a 5 foot woman? A bike that has the right height, like the Indian Scout Bobber, with a seat height if 25.5”, the Honda Rebel, with a seat height of 27.2” and the Triumph Street Scrambler, with a seat height of 31.1”.

Of course, the bike’s height isn’t the only factor to consider when shopping for motorcycles.

Look at the types of motorcycles

Different motorcycles are designed to suit different types of riders. Some will want to cruise whereas others prefer backroads and remote places for adventure riding.

• Sports motorcycles
• Adventure motorcycles
• Café racers
• Touring bikes
• Cruisers

Once you’ve picked out the style that suits your riding style, you can get down to the details.

What horsepower are you looking for?

The most powerful bike may be cool on the road, but not when you don’t have the experience to handle it.  A motorcycle’s cc is a good indicator of whether it’ll be more than you can handle. If your just starting out, the best beginner motorcycle is below 600cc. If you’re going with a dirt bike, the suggested cc for beginners is 125.

If you’re not looking to raise hell on the road, the smaller the engine displacement the better. Also, you’ll consume less fuel, which is essential if you’re using the motorcycle to commute instead of just for joyrides.

Come up with a budget

How much are you willing to spend for your motorcycle? Bear in mind that you’re not only going to spend for the bike itself. You also must get the essential gear: snug helmet and comfortable gloves. Other riders who ride a lot and fast may also get new riding boots and pants. Then there’s maintenance and insurance costs to add to your spending.

Beginner motorcycles usually start at about $5,000. If that’s too much, you could take a look at retro scooters instead, which start at over $2,000. Spend a thousand dollars more and you could get a beginner dirt bike.

Read reviews or go on a test drive

The best way to know if a motorcycle is best for you would be to read other riders’ experiences with it. Go to rider forums or find reputable consumer site reviews. For beginner motorcycles, what’s the learning curve?  Does it allow for a good riding position? How does it handle?

What is the Easiest Motorcycle to Ride?

If you can’t move your motorcycle, it may be too heavy for you. That also means it may be too much to handle on the open road. But is weight the only thing to think about when you want an easy motorcycle to ride?

The best motorcycles for women who haven’t spent much time on the road in two wheels, must look for the following:

• No throttle issues on a larger model
• Corners without effort
• Balanced suspension
• Responsive controls
• Manageable power

But which motorcycles qualify as easy rides for beginners and intermediate riders?

1. 1. Honda Rebel 300
   2. Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
   3. Kawasaki Ninja 400
   4. Triumph Speed Twin
   5. Honda CB500X

A motorcycle for women would the similar to a motorcycle for men if they share the same level of experience and riding preferences.

Buying Parameters To Consider While Purchasing Motorcycle For Women

Before you put your money on the table, you must remember a few pointers. The height of the sear and the cubic capacity are only a couple of the considerations.

Let’s get into more detail about what to consider when buying a motorcycle.

Seat Height and Width

The seat height means a great deal to women, especially shorter women around 5-5.5 feet tall. The higher the seat, the less likely it would be to firmly place both feet on the ground when stopping on the road.

Even though most motorcycles are now designed with adjustable seats, some models come with fixed seating. On average, the recommended seat height for women motorcycle riders is from 25/26 inches up to 29.

Suspension Adjustments

The suspension system on a motorcycle is crucial to riding safety and overall riding experience. When it comes to women riders, the ability to adjust the suspension mean a smoother, more enjoyable ride. But, when doing so, mind to adjunct the suspension on both ends, front and back.

Modifying the springs to follow your height and weight is great for avoiding nose-diving during braking and minimizes bottoming out. A softer suspension is optimal for female riders.

Stylish Design

As women pay attention to details more than men, they tend to do the same with motorcycles. So, will a classic, one-color, no-chrome details motorcycle make the cut with women? Probably not. 

To women, the design of a motorcycle is as important as the overall performance. For one, women appreciate chrome-pleated details, saddle bags, and wide bars.

Bike Cubic Capacity (CC)

Another important aspect to keep in mind while buying a motorcycle (especially for women), is the cc (cubic capacity). When a motorcycle boasts higher cc, it means that they have larger engine cylinders and more power to process fuel and air.

In addition, a big cc motorcycle runs on more fuel than a lower cc bike. Moreover, the lower the cc measurements, the easier the bike is to handle. For female riders, anywhere from 250 to 500 is considered optimal cc measurements, but then again, it all depends on the personal preference of the rider and their body-to-machine ratio.

Braking System

The braking system is the single most crucial aspect of a motorcycle. In plain words, your brakes should be of the utmost quality. When you use the brake, your motorcycle is supposed to stop immediately; if it takes more time for the bike to stop, you have an issue on your hands.

Disk and drum brakes are only a couple of the brake-type systems installed on motorcycles. A disc brake system works best for female riders because it offers more reliability and responsiveness. A good brake system helps you stay out of accidents, but if you ever find yourself in one, there are some mistakes to avoid during bike accidents that won’t hurt to know. 

Fuel Capacity

The aspect of fuel capacity refers to the ability of the motorcycle to hold gas to run. The more miles per hour a motorcycle runs, the higher the fuel consumption will be. In general, motorcycles can hold anywhere from 1.5 to 8.5 gallons of gas, but on average, you’ll find most motorcycles with a fuel capacity of 3 to 6 gallons.

For women riders, the optimal fuel capacity range is anywhere between 2 to 5 gallons.

10 Safety Tips And Precautions For Female Riders

If you have never ridden a motorcycle before, any tip is welcome. We have compiled a neat list of the 10 most useful safety tips and precautions for women riders.

Don’t Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

Avoid wearing loose or baggy clothes. Other than obstructing your view when riding at high speed, loose clothes might easily get tangled up in places they shouldn’t be.

Be Comfortable

If the seat isn’t low or high enough, or the suspension system doesn’t feel right, postpone your ride until you feel comfortable enough. The riding posture and functional attire can contribute to a comfortable ride.

Think about Insuring Your Ride

Anything can happen on the road, so being prepared can make all the difference. Two-wheeler insurance is a great option to consider.

Put Your Hair Up

Forget about what you see in movies – the wind in your hair is a no-no when riding a motorcycle. Tie your hair in a bun, a ponytail, a braid, or any other preference you have, and enjoy your ride as you should.

Have Your Motorcycle Registration and Licence with You

Always have the proper documentation with you, no matter how short or long the ride will be. You can carry it on you or in saddle bags (if any).

The Right Riding Gear Is a Must

A true passionate woman rider will never hop on their bike if not wearing the right gear. Consider a full-face helmet, a riding jacket and pants ensemble, quality-made riding boots, etc.

Start Off Small

Even though you may have fallen in love with the Harley-Davidson V-Rod, you should hold on to the idea for later. Instead, try a more lightweight option for your first time on the road. 

Find Out What Works For You

Being a female rider is all about freedom, authenticity, and excitement, and you can’t feel as one with your bike if you aren’t enjoying the ride. First-time lady bikers shouldn’t start off by riding in groups but rather explore smaller roads on their own and then see what everything feels like.

Adopt a Defensive Approach

When it comes to motorcycles in traffic, car drivers almost never pay attention to any other vehicle but another car. This is why it’s crucial to always keep your eyes open for cars pulling out, and so on.

Learn How to Care for Your Bike Yourself

Being a woman rider means knowing how to care for your road beast yourself. The small things like checking the oil, cleaning the chain, and so on can save you a lot of money (and headaches).

In Conclusion: Finding the Best Motorcycle for Women

From understanding the structure of a motorcycle to knowing which cc measurements are best for you, finding the right ride can be easy. Female riders are looking for more perks out of a motorcycle than just looking pretty — the seat height, the brake system, the fuel capacity, and so on are only some of the boxes to be checked. Whether you choose the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S or the Kawasaki Vulkan, make sure it’s the best fit for your preferences. 

FAQs

1) What’s the best motorcycle for a woman to drive?

There are plenty of options, but lightweight bikes with 250-300 cc are the most popular choices.

2) How do I know which motorcycle is right for me?

If you can place both feet on the ground and can reach the handles without any difficulties, you are on your way to finding the right motorcycle for you.

3) Can a small woman ride a motorcycle?

Of course. There are women riders as short as 5 feet riding bikes like pros.

4) What style of motorcycle is most comfortable for women?

In general, cruisers are considered as the best women-friendly motorcycles.

5) Which is the best platform to buy motorcycles for ladies?

You can find solid bikes at your local car dealerships, on eBay, CycleTraders, and so on.

6) How much do I need to invest in a sports bike?

A brand-new sportbike can cost anywhere from $5,000 and up. But a used one can be yours for a couple of hundred bucks.