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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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11 Actionable Tips For Female Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycling is a thrilling endeavor that is not limited by gender. However, female riders might encounter unique challenges. Therefore, we have curated 11 Actionable Tips For Female Motorcycle Riders to help navigate this exhilarating journey.
Key Takeaway
The article provides safety and riding tips specifically aimed at female motorcycle riders.
Summary
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- Wear appropriate motorcycle gear that protects the body from weather and accidents.
- Avoid loose clothing that can get entangled in the bike or block your vision.
- Tie-down long hair to prevent it from blowing in the face or getting tangled in the handlebars.
- Take a safety course to learn the fundamentals of motorcycle riding.
- Practice defensive driving techniques to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
- Maintain your motorcycle with regular checks on tires, oil, and brakes.
- Choose a motorcycle that is the right size and weight for you.
- Consider joining a female motorcycle rider group for camaraderie, support, and mentorship.
Here are some driving tips and tricks for female riders who own a motorcycle or are considering owning one. It does not matter whether you are riding as a professional, hobbyist, or for the first time.
As a female motorcycle rider on the road for several years, I can confidently assert that I have picked several tricks. I believe my advice will be helpful to many female motorcycle riders, whether beginner or advanced.
Tips on Female Motorcycle Riding
In this section, I will discuss 11 actionable tips for female motorcycle riders. The tips mentioned below include safety and having fun while on the go!
1. Wear the Right Motorcycle Riding Gear
Motorcycle accidents can be fatal and may cost riders their lives. For this reason, it is vital to wear appropriate accessories and gear to keep yourself safe. The gear should also give protection against elements such as wind and weather.
Motorcycle gear does not need to be expensive. However, as a woman, it can be stylish to complement the ride. The first thing to have is a well-fitting full-face helmet to protect the face and head. Riding with an open-faced one will not cover all the impact areas in case of fatalities.
For the outfit, get either leather or synthetic material. This should be for the jacket and pants. Confirm if the armor pads fit and cushion the shoulders, knees, elbows, back, chest, and hips.
Buy a good pair of riding boots to shield your ankles. There are many fashionable boots for female motorcycle riders. Ensure the boot protects you from burns from exhaust pipes and the engine.
2. Avoid Wearing Loose Clothing
Female riders usually have many choices of clothing or styles they may want to incorporate while riding. Even though this is perfectly okay, one of the major concerns is having loose clothes. This is one thing to avoid when going for a ride.
Loose clothing might get entangled in various bike parts and cause an accident. Also, high-speed highway riding can cause clothes to become loose and cover one’s face. This can block the view and may lead to fatalities.
While wearing a scarf may look ideal, it may be loose, and having it flail everywhere can be annoying. This applies to unbuttoned sweaters, too, which may cause obstructions. Also, skirts and dresses may make climbing or alighting from the bike a challenge.
Wearing adequately fitting clothes ensures you are comfortable and focused on the road. You will also be able to check the mirrors quickly without any hindrance.
For this reason, pay more attention to picking the right riding clothes. No one wants to have an uncomfortable riding experience!
3. Tie Your Hair While Riding
Another primary concern for female motorcycle riders is their long hair. Loose hair habitually blows, especially when riding at highway speeds. Riders could snarl on the handlebars or fall over their faces and cover them.
This often causes distractions and can be dangerous when riding a bike. Some women prefer to tuck their hair inside the helmet. But this might cause headaches as helmets are not designed to accommodate piles of hair. The hair could also be itchy inside the helmet.
This implies styling the hair to make it comfortable when riding. It is advisable to manage the hair by tying it. Turning it into a loose braid, a bun, or a ponytail could help.
However, do not tie it tightly, as this may also be uncomfortable. Pulling it back can also work. This ensures it does not interfere with the inside of the helmet.
My go-to style is braiding it down into French braids or tying it in a low ponytail. If I wear my helmet, I can do this for the entire day.
4. Check Your Comfort Level
Whether you are an expert at riding or just beginning, comfort is critical. The seat height, riding gear, and posture are all factors to consider when riding a motorcycle, and they will affect the riding experience.
When purchasing a bike, check for features such as motorcycle weight and seat height. This is important because you need to comfortably put your feet on the ground while sitting on the bike.
Putting both feet down will make it easier to descend from the bike and balance its weight.
Additionally, compare different motorcycle models and brands. Check the bikes’ features and benefits to determine which are ideal for comfort. This should include how far you can lean on the bike.
Also, only ride at places where you feel comfortable and safe. Do not feel pressured into riding on a highway, especially for beginners. This may make you less confident on the road.
5. Join a Group of Other Women Riders
As much as riding solo can be a thrilling experience, riding in a group can be even more exhilarating. If you love bike riding, chances are other people in the same community feel the same way. Though there are still more men on bikes, the number of women on bikes has constantly been growing.
Join a group of female riders and learn new skills. This will provide a sense of belonging and adventure. Your first time on the highway will be less scary in the company of other riders.
What attracted me to my current rider group is its commitment to empowering women riders, inclusiveness, and diversity. It always gives me the opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.
While in the company of others, ensure you have the best riding practices. Check the side mirrors and use the proper hand signals. Also, learn the group’s riding etiquette and keep up with their slang.
You will likely find women who share the love for two wheels on sites such as Facebook and Meetup. Imagine how good it will feel to ride with a group of female motorcycle riders!
6. Buy the Right Motorcycle for Yourself
Bikes are about fit, like that unique dress in your closet or that perfect shoe on that rack. Any rider should ensure they fit comfortably on the motorcycle, or else they will be jittery.
The critical aspect to check out for is the height of the seat. It should be a height that holds you snugly. This ensures that your feet can reach the ground while on the motorcycle. Moreover, balancing the bike’s weight when reversing will be easier if it suits the rider well.
Additionally, female riders should check if they can pick up the bike. Do not purchase a bike that you can not pick up. This might get troublesome if you drop it, especially when no one is nearby. Ensure you can grip the tank with the knees. The tank offers additional support when on the bike.
Also, ensure the bike makes you feel good about having it. You do not want to be stuck with an unappealing ride. If you have any questions, ask an expert or get advice from a friend before buying the best motorcycle for women. If everything feels right, get the bike!
7. Know Your Bike Parts and Motorcycle Maintenance
There is a bias that women do not know about their bikes’ mechanical functions. Many mechanics also think that women cannot perform motorcycle maintenance. Therefore, they usually overcharge for repairs.
Learning about bike parts and how much it costs to repair them is necessary to avoid this. Additionally, you should be able to perform routine maintenance on the bike. Even though it may seem daunting for beginners, maintaining a motorcycle is not so hard.
You can gradually start with the basics and work on your skills. Begin with simple tasks like changing engine oil and move on to more complex ones like fixing electrical components.
It’s important to examine the tire pressure at least once every month. You should also check and change the oil every six months, oil the chain, and check the tire tread.
Online forums, YouTube, Google searches, and the motorcycle manual can help you learn about bike parts and essential maintenance. These will keep the bike in good working condition and save you money.
8. Start Your Ride With a Small or Old Bike
Getting the right bike when starting as a new rider can often be an exhilarating experience. It can also be confusing because you want to get the perfect fit.
It would be best to start with a minor or old bike as a new rider. This will help you get a basic understanding of how they work.
I recommend starting with a dirt bike. Dirt bikes are a bit different from motorcycles, but they are light and will give you the feel of being on a motorcycle.
During the first trial rides, you will probably run over a few things or tip the bike over. A small bike will be easier to handle and less frustrating.
Once you are comfortable handling a bike, ease into the more extensive motorcycles. Consider hiring, borrowing from willing friends, or simply buying your own. The transition from a small or old bike to a bigger or new one is exciting.
9. Insure Your Bike
It is best to have third-party insurance coverage as it is a requirement by law. This covers the life of third parties and properties. You can also get motorcycle collision insurance for damages if you collide with other vehicles.
For broader coverage, go for comprehensive insurance. This cover protects the bike against unfortunate happenings such as accidents or theft. It will also cover injury to you and Carter for any other damages.
Compare the premium rates of different insurance companies and how quickly they offer their services. Once you have coverage, remember to renew the policy before it is due.
Moreover, as a woman, you must have additional insurance and an emergency plan. This will be useful if the motorcycle breaks down and you get stranded. An emergency plan ensures you do not get caught in potentially tricky situations.
Towing insurance could be the missing piece. Also, carry emergency tools or items you may need.
10. Wearing Make-up
The subject of makeup and skincare can confuse women who ride bikes. But you don’t have to wear makeup when riding a motorcycle. However, some ladies can’t avoid their makeup, which is entirely understandable.
When it comes to makeup, the trick is to use makeup that does not smudge or fade throughout the day while riding. Ensure it is waterproof and offers 24-hour wear, as this helps your overall look last longer.
Your foundation will always find its way to the inside of the helmet, which is unavoidable. But be careful not to layer too much makeup on your face. It will save you the embarrassment every time you take off that helmet.
I rarely forget my sunscreen when going for a ride. It has been helpful as I sometimes get exposed to long hours of sunshine. A good SPF product will keep sunburns at bay and even prevent the sun from seriously aging the face.
Additionally, having an excellent moisturizing and cleansing regimen can go a long way in mitigating skin agitations. Develop habits for riding routines and be consistent to enjoy the ride more.
11. Don’t Share Your Location and Plan on Social Media
Social media is among the best ways to share your riding experience with friends and family. However, riders should not share their real-time location, especially if traveling alone. Specifically, they should be keen on what they post on social media.
Before posting the location or pictures, you can always wait until you leave a place. Also, do not share your following location because you may not know the intention of who is keeping watch.
If you want friends or family to know the location, share it with them. Apps like Find My Friends allow you to send real-time locations to a single person.
Sharing a location can be essential, especially when you are in danger or have a problem. When riding a bike solo, the rule of thumb is better safe than sorry.
What is the Best Body Position for Riding a Motorcycle?
When considering the best body position for riding a motorcycle, one must consider several factors.
First, the rider’s head should be positioned to look through the corner. This allows for better anticipation of turns and better control of the bike.
The rider’s back should align with the motorcycle’s centerline or be slightly pointed inside the bike’s line, both at the apex and after the apex.
This provides optimal balance and control. The inner elbow should be bent, pointing at the ground at a maximum lean angle. This positioning allows for greater maneuverability.
Lastly, the outer arm should be comfortably resting over the tank, allowing for reduced strain during longer rides. This position ensures safety, control, and an overall enhanced riding experience.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino
Final Words
In conclusion, the 11 Actionable Tips For Female Motorcycle Riders are essential guidelines that ensure safety on the road and enhance the overall riding experience.
The significance of taking a safety course cannot be overstated. It provides a fundamental understanding of the vehicle, equips riders to tackle emergencies, and is crucial for safe riding.
Regular motorcycle maintenance, including routine checks on tires, oil, and brakes, is critical to preventing mishaps. Another crucial aspect of accident prevention is practicing defensive driving by being aware of and anticipating potential risks.
For long-distance rides, light packing, and even weight distribution can make a significant difference in managing the bike. Participating in a female biker’s group can be highly beneficial as it offers advice, mentorship, camaraderie, and essential support from experienced riders.
Lastly, staying visible on the road by wearing bright gear and using reflective tape is a crucial safety measure. These tips are vital to ensuring a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
Pro Tip: For your feasibility, carry a soft copy document of the bike insurance policy, Pollution Under Control Certificate, and your bike Registration Certificate. Also, I have a valid driver’s license to avoid legal hassles.
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