[Devilducky]

Hi,

I'm new and interested in finding someone that I could pay to help me through the process of buying a bike with a saddle that would work for me (inseam 28") in my price range (<$2k if possible, but flexible) as well as choosing the right gear/armor, ideally second-hand, helping me figure out basic maintainance and helping me choose the right training. I rode dirt bikes as a kid, but nothing since then and obviously I'd like to take some safety courses. I'd like to have someone knowledgeable help me through the process, and willing to pay you reasonably for your time (let me know what that is!)

I'm in my twenties, 28" inseam, wear woman's size small-ish (usually 4, 6, or 8) a student, and live in the East Bay. I'm interested in a bike I'd use for riding to school, about 7 miles distant each way.

If you have gear for a petite woman or a bike that would work for me, that would work, too!

[slickwill]

Search for and send a PM to HondaGalTwo

[Devilducky]

Thank you, I will- is she petite, in my area, or prone to helping newbies?

[slickwill]

She is about 5'3" I think and definitely seems pretty helpful.

[HCCAFan]

She's helpfull. There's a lotta people willing to help around here without pay lol. I'm a short guy, not petite though. If you ask specifics it will be a lot easier.

[Devilducky]

That's what you think! Short is the definition of petite- clothing places with petite ranges (albeit for women) go up to 24 or 36p. It's a confusing distinction, though, of course.

I guess the reason why I was hoping to just find someone to guide me through the process is that I'd prefer not to buy all my gear new- if I was, I could choose the perfect gear, the perfect bike, using advice from on here and buy it. As it is, I'm stuck searching through the craigslist ads for "womens motorcycle gear" and not sure how to evaluate each brand/amount of wear/armor condition, etc.

[Red Rider]

Since you'll need to sit on the bike, your best bet is to check out the local dealers and classifieds in your area to find the right one at the right price. You can search for used gear at New Enough Motorcycle Apparel sells motorcycle jackets, pants and suits, boots, gloves, helmets, etc :: New Enough, LTD

[sheepofblue]

She is helpful, honest and if unable to get you the answer will know who to ask. She lives on the other coast so cannot ride to look at the bike with you but would be able to give excellent feedback and advice.

Don't let your inseam make all the choices though is my advice. How many dirt bikes could you touch on? Sure it makes somethings easier and adds to the mental comfort but that is it. I can only touch on one side on my RR flat footed (with a toe on the other side) and the RC I can barely touch tip toes on both sides.

[Red Rider]

on HondaGaltoo!

[smkeatr]

My wife is 4'11" and about 105 lbs. It's been a challenge finding gear to fit her but we had some luck with an XS fieldsheer summer jacket that fits her really good. We found some Frank Thomas boots at Cycle Gear that were a decent deal with good protection also. XS helmet from HJC is all that will fit her head but it fits right.

Icon, and I think Joe Rocket, make a bunch of woman's gear nowadays but we haven't really shopped for anything but boots and a helmet for her for the past 5 years or so but a visit to some local shops may give you an idea on what's available. Then, shop online for the best deal once you know your size and what fits properly.

[Natezlvnit]

Alright this is probably against the rules but instead of me typing what my wife is telling me I am just going to let her type it herself.

Hello, I am 5'3" 96lbs. I just started riding in 2006. I ride a Ninja 500. I got the suspention lowered,now both feet touch the ground. I am very comftable on it. I wear a feildsheer mesh coat size med. It fits nicely. I also wear a Tour Master coat size women x-small. My helment is a small and I have to wear a headwrap. My goves are a small. This works very well for me. I hope this helps you out.

[stinkoe]

Drop me a line...I live in Fremont and have random free time and would totally be willing to help you out.

stinkoe@gmail.com

[Devilducky]

Hey guys, I looked her up (hondagalTOO, right?) and I don't see how to PM her? There is nothing in contact info.

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by Devilducky

Hey guys, I looked her up (hondagalTOO, right?) and I don't see how to PM her? There is nothing in contact info.

Go to Members and find her. There is a link there to send a PM. Yes there is quicker ways but that is easy and reliable. And yes you had the name right.

[Devilducky]

sheepofblue- thanks, several people just suggested I contact hondagalTWO who doesn't appear to exist, which is why I was clarifying.

[ghbzorro]

Originally Posted by Devilducky

Hey guys, I looked her up (hondagalTOO, right?) and I don't see how to PM her? There is nothing in contact info.

Go here:
Honda Motorcycles - FireBlades.org - View Profile: HondaGalToo

and you will see where to PM her.

[Devilducky]

Sorry guys, I'm just not seeing it on the page. I even searched for "pm" and "message" but all I got was my last signin time and her last signin time. Obviously I'm being a dunce, but can you tell me where to click?

[ghbzorro]

I'll PM her and ask her to contact you

[Devilducky]

Thank you! I know I must be missing something obvious, but I just spent an embarrassing amount of time looking for the button.

[ghbzorro]

Seems there is a minimum time as a member before use of PM is available. Not sure how many days or hours.

[HondaGalToo]

Hello! Yup, you have to be a member for a certain amount of time to use the PM function.

Lessee, random thoughts. Some of the guys covered it very well. I'm 5'5", with a 31" inseam, those extra couple of inches make a world of difference.

What type of bike are you looking for? Sporty style or cruiser? Definitely take the MSF class. As you become experienced, getting both feet flat on the ground will become a non-issue, but for new riders, it helps your confidence to be able to touch. For a sporty style bike, I'd recommend a Ninja 250 or 500. For a cruiser style, a Honda Rebel 250. Once you've got some good miles under your belt, you can move up to something bigger. I give this advice to new guy riders, too.

Gear, Newenough for used stuff. As I said in the other thread, I'm not a fan of mesh. For commuting, consider a textile cordura type jacket (and pants!!) over leather, as they are mostly waterproof and you won't need separate rain gear.

The brands and suggestions from smkeater and RedRider are good, too.

Welcome!

I'd help you in person, but I'm on the right coast!

[Devilducky]

HondaGalToo, thanks for the input! I sure appreciate the thoughts. Do you have any feelings about the Cortech by Tour Master leathers (currently on closeout at New Enough)

Here's the link: Cortech by Tour Master Ladies LNX Leather Motorcycle Jacket :: New Enough, LTD

I'm just confused as to how to evaluate the leather compared to other leather- the other threads said "professional racing leathers" but I'm not sure how one determines what quality of leather each jacket is made of?

[Devilducky]

Oh, just read your other post on my other thread- looks like you think the Cortech might be a reasonable choice.

[HondaGalToo]

Yeah, the Cortech has armor. I'm not really up on current street gear. Alpinestars also makes good stuff in women's sizes. I can't recall hearing anything bad about Cortech. I'd consider pants, too. Jeans don't hold up very well if you fall.

[Twincam]

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

I'd consider pants, too. Jeans don't hold up very well if you fall.

Dont take risks, its better to have rashed leathers/protection than flesh ripped off