Bike Girl – THE Site For Girls!

I just have to pass on the news.. BIKE GIRL has recently undergone a revamp and is now sporting a fresh, vibrant new look

Bike Girl

I’ve been a member since I started riding almost 4 years ago and in that time the girls have been supportive and helpful during both the good times, and those when things didn’t go quite to plan!

The new site is chock full of articles covering things from choosing the right bike, reviews on riding gear and circuit guides for those who want to go to a track.

The growing gallery shows many of us with our bikes , the news and events section will cover all things important in the biking calender.

The forum itself is where we girls discuss all things biking – falling off (yep it’s happened to me), learning to ride, where to go for lessons, riding gear, and anything else you can think of..

So if you’re a girl and either ride already or are thinking of ‘going for it’ then why don’t you drop by and join us   Just click on the image above and you will be taken straight there.

Living In The UK And Buying Gear From New Enough In The States

I’m on NewEnough.Com‘s mailing list even though I live here in the UK and was wondering how the cost of buying something from them and getting it shipped here to the UK would pan out.. So I’ve just checked and these are my findings with one style of ladies jacket.

The jacket in question is this one..  Click on the photos to be taken to their website

Joe Rocket Yamaha Branded Gear Women’s Luv Textile Jacket

Here are the specs on it..

• Hitena® textile shell
• C.E. rated protectors in shoulders and elbows
• Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector
• Variable Flow™ ventilation system
• Removable insulated vest liner
• Sure Fit™ adjustable waistband
• 8” zipper for pant attachment
• Reflective stripe
• Official licensed Yamaha® product

The retail price for the jacket is $229.99 but it’s on sale at $149.99 at the moment which works out at about £98!  ($/£ conversion rates will of course be subject to change) Shipping to the UK would be $59.58 (£38.81) which isn’t bad considering what’s being sent.  So for approximately £140 you can get one shipped here.

Why am I doing this?  Well, I like to be an individual and not have the same gear as anyone else, and condsidering Joe Rocket gear is barely sold in the UK what better way of standing out from the crowd than wearing something which isn’t seen about much here..

There’s one other consideration for me though….. I rather like that jacket

Bikes Girls Can Ride – Updated

One of the most common questions asked by girls who are new to biking is “What bike will I be able to ride?”  Well, after seeing it asked a few times on girls biking forums, I asked the girls which bikes they were riding now and what they had owned in the past, what adjustments if any had been made and if they wore boots which added to their height.

I collated the information I recieved and here is a list of bikes that girls are riding right now.

This list is not intended as a definitive guide as to what bike to buy for your height, but shows the kinds of bikes girls are riding about on.

I know that there are other considerations such as leg length, what boots you wear, etc., which also affect which bikes you can ride but I will cover them in other posts.

Under 5’

Honda CB400T -
Honda CBR400RR -
Honda CBR600F (4′ 11″ Owner) – Professionally lowered by DRS of Hull, Boots altered to add height
Kawasaki ZXR400 – Suspension lowered
Kawasaki ER6 (4′ 10″ Owner) – Hagon Shock fitted which lowers bike by 2.5 inches, plus wears Daytona Ladystars
Suzuki GSF400 Bandit -
Yamaha R6 2004 -

5’
Ducati Hypermotard – Suspension lowered, ride height adjuster on lowest setting
Honda CBR600F -
Honda CBR600RR -
Kawasaki GPZ500 -
Kawasaki Ninja 250 (08) – Some foam sculpted out of the seat and on ball of left foot/tip toe of right foot
Suzuki GSX 600F – No adjustment but couldn’t flat foot
Suzuki GSX-R600 K8 – lowered
Suzuki GSX-R600 K6 – - no adjusment but on balls of feet/tiptoes
Suzuki GSXR1000 K6 – Suspension lowered, forks dropped slightly
Suzuki SV650S -
Yamaha R6 (2002)- No adjustment but couldn’t flat foot

5’1”
Kawasaki Ninja – Suspension lowered and on tip toes

5’2
BMW F650GS – No adjustment but on balls of the feet
Honda CBF125 (09) – No adjustment and on tip toes
Honda CBR125 (08) – No adjustment but comfortably on balls of both feet
Honda CBR400RRN – No adjustment
Honda CBR 600 F – Hyperpro lowering kit, front forks dropped.
Honda Shadow 750
Kawasaki 750 Zephyr
Kawasaki ZXR400 – No adjustment
Kawasaki ZZR600
Suzuki 400 Bandit
Suzuki GSX-R600 K6
Suzuki SV650S
Suzuki SV650 – Lowered but feet still not flat on the floor
Yamaha Virago 535 – No adjustment and both feet flat on floor

5’3”
BMW R1200 ST
Ducati 749s – No adjustment
Ducati Monster 695 – No adjustment and on balls of feet
Honda CBR400RR – No adjustment
Honda CBR600 RR (07) – Hyperpro lowering kit and wearing Daytona Ladystar boots and on balls of both feet
Honda CBR900 (95) – Seat carved a bit to lower it, standard shock setting and now pretty much flat footed
Honda CBR 929 RRY Fireblade – No adjustment, but only one flat foot
Kawasaki ER5 – Lowered suspension, carved out seat
Kawasaki ER6-N (2009)
Suzuki GS500F
Suzuki SV650 – No adjustment but on balls of feet
Suzuki SV650S – Suspension and forks lowered, but still on balls of feet
Yamaha FZS600
Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat – lowered
Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat – No adjustment, on balls of both feet or flat foot on one side
Yamaha R6 – Lowered

5’4”
BMW F650GS
BMW F650GS (08) – Lower seat and Daytona Ladystar boots and owner virtually flat foot on both sides
Ducati Hypermotard 1100S (08) – Lowering link and forks lowered, seat sculpted and wears Daytona Ladystars.  On balls of both feet.
Ducati S2R 800 (05) – Seat lowered and on balls of both feet
Honda CBR125 (09) – No adjustment but on balls of the feet
Honda RVF 400 – No adjustment
Honda CBR 600 – No adjustment
Honda CBR600fx – Bike lowered, can almost flat foot.
Honda CBR600fx – No adjustment but on balls of feet
Honda Transalp – Seat lowered
Kawasaki ER5 – No adjustment but on balls of the feet
Kawasaki ER6f – No adjustment, almost flat foot
Suzuki Bandit 400 – No adjustment
Suzuki Bandit 600 – Suspension lowered
Suzuki GSR600 – No adjustment but on tip toes
Suzuki GSR600 – No Adjustment
Suzuki VZ800 Marauder – No adjustment
Suzuki XF650 Freewind – Bike lowered
Truimph Speed Triple – No adjustment but on balls of the feet
Yamaha Diversion 600

5’5”
Cagiva 1000
Ducati Monster 620sie – No adjustment and both feet flat on floor
Honda CBR1000 (2008) – no adjustment, one flat foot or both toes on floor
Honda VFR400 NC30 – No adjustment
Kawasaki GPZ500s – No adjustment and feet flat on floor
Kawasaki Z1000 – No adjustment, but on balls of both feet
Kawasaki ZX6R (G1) – Seat lowered
Moto Guzzi Breva 750
Suzuki Bandit 400V – No adjustment
Suzuki GS500 – No adjustment
Suzuki SV650 – No adjustment
Triumph Street Triple
Yamaha Fazer 600 – No Adjustment

5’6”
Honda CB600F Hornet
Honda CB1000R – No adjustment
Honda Hornet 900 – No adjustment and both feet flat on floor
Honda VFR700, 07
Kawasaki ER6 – No adjustment
Kawasaki ZX6R – No adjustment and both feet flat on floor
Suzuki GS500F – No adjustment and feet flat on floor
Suzuki SV650 – No adjustment and both feet flat on floor
Yamaha Fazer 600 – No adjustment but cant flat foot

5’7″
CCMR30 – bought already lowered, same as VFR400
Honda Hornet 900 – balls of both feet, or one foot flat the other ‘balancing’
Honda VFR400 – had space between self and bike!
Honda VFR800 – balls of both feet, or one foot flat the other ‘balancing’
KTM Duke – balls of both feet, or one foot flat the other ‘balancing’
Suzuki Bandit 1250GT – one foot flat, the other almost flat
Triumph Sprint ST – balls of both feet, or one foot flat the other ‘balancing’
Triumph Tiger – tip toes or one foot flat the other flailing!
Yamaha FZ1 – one foot flat, the other almost flat

5’8 and over
Ducati Monster 620
Ducati 916 Monster
Honda CBR 600F
Honda CBR954 Streetfighter
Honda XRV750 Africa Twin
Kawasaki GPZ 500s – No adjustment
Kawasaki Z500
Suzuki GSXR750 Special
Suzuki SV650
Triumph Street Triple

Also take a look at these posts for more information which may help you in your choice of motorcycle

Girls and Modern Sports Bikes,

Choosing Your First ‘Big’ Bike

Daytona Ladystar (M-Star) Boots – Help For The Vertically Challenged Motorcyclist

as well as the following list of posts which cover, by motorcycle brand, the ride height adjustment kits available, so that more options are opened up for you when choosing a motorbike.

Honda

Kawasaki

Yamaha

Suzuki

If you are new to riding take a look at these products which will help you pass your theory, hazard perception tests and motorcycle tests.

For those who have already passed it here are a few recommendations to help you improve your riding.

Lists Updated 25/05/09

Joe Rocket Gear For Girls In The UK

CLEO 2.0 JACKET

This is one great looking Joe Rocket Textile Jacket for us girls in the summer..

It is available from TopGear Superstore, here in the UK, and is currently on offer at £121.49, reduced from £134.99, with free delivery.  Click on the images to be taken to the pages on their website.

I particularly like the black one, with the purple running a very close second, although the purple would be out of the question with my current bike as the colour would clash!!

I particularly like the design on the sleeve, adding that touch of individuality.

The jacket has a Free-Air poly/mesh outer shell which gives maximum ventilation and has a removable spine pad as well as CE rated armour in the shoulders and elbows.  The jacket has a removable waterproof liner, which helps to make a stunning looking jacket a very versatile piece of kit.

Features

• Free-air™ poly/mesh shell
• C.E. rated protectors in shoulders and elbows
• Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector
• Removable waterproof liner
• Sure Fit™ adjustable waistband
• 8″ zipper for pant attachment
• Reflective stripe
• Available in sizes from XS – XL

Alpinestars Stella Breeze Air-Flow Jacket

If you are looking for a new textile jacket in time for the hopefully good summer weather then you can’t go far wrong with the Alpinestats Stella Breeze Air-Flo jacket for women.  With it’s retro look, clean lines and appealing design it is sure to attract plenty of buyers.

The jacket is designed to keep you cool on those long hot days of summer, if we actually have some of course, and is made of non-water absorbing fabric which means you won’t get wet if caught out in the rain.

The jacket’s features include the following -

• Hard wearing nylon fabric for abrasion resistance
• Non-water absorbing mesh construction
• Multiple stitched seam construction for maximum tear resistance
• Highly ventilated for maximum airflow

• Shaped sport fit specifically designed with a womans curves in mind
• Pre-curved sleeves for maximum rider comfort
• Removble CE protectors in the shoulders and elbows
• Additional compartments for armour on the chest and back areas (not supplied)
• Adjustable tabs on the sleeves and waist to help ensure a perfect fit
• Removable water and wind resistant full-sleeve thermal liner
• Waist zip so you can attach it to leather and textile trousers

It is available in  Black, Blue, Red and Silver and the sizes start at XS and go through to XXL

I’ve just had a quick search online for prices and I’ve seen it priced at £139.95 on the Girlsbike2 website

Ladies Teknic Sevilla Motorcycle Jacket Just $64.99 At New Enough!

Yup… You did read the entry title correctly, New Enough has the following jackets on closeout at just

$64.99!

The review on the New Enough website says

The Women’s Sevilla jacket offers the features you would find in an expensive touring jacket, but at an affordable price (while closeout supplies last).

This would be a good choice for use in a wide range of weather conditions from cold and wet to warm and dry. The jacket offers waterproof construction by way of a mid-liner. Use of a mid-liner keeps water out effectively but the shell material of the jacket gets wet.

Although the jacket has some large vents the mid-liner won’t allow free flow of air all the way through the jacket to your skin so I wouldn’t rely on this jacket for the hottest weather conditions. For cooler weather, a full sleeve insulated liner is included.

The liner is relatively thick and should work quite well. One neat feature that this jacket has that would be handy for touring is the liner pouch. When not in use the liner can be folded into a pouch that can be worn as a fanny pack (nice when storage space is an issue).

This jacket also offers quality protection. The shoulders and elbows are equipped with removable CE approved armor, and a removable CE approved backpad is also included. For comfort, the jacket has adjustable sleeves, wrist closures and an adjustable waist.

The jacket features are as follows

600D Cordura outer shell construction

Anatomical pre-curved ladies sports cut

2 front zippered air vents with rear exhaust vent

100% waterproof and windproof Hydroguard liner

Airmesh lined collar with neoprene edge and front

Knox® CE approved armor in elbows and shoulders

Knox® CE approved back armor

Teknic hidden triple storm flap over front zipper

2 front pockets and 2 internal pockets

All zippers are genuine YKK zippers

8 inch zipper connector

5 oz Polyfil insulated zip-out full sleeve liner

Reflective 3M™ anthracite piping for night time visibility

Have You Heard Of New Enough?

If you are looking to buy some new gear you can’t go far wrong than taking a look at the New Enough website.  These guys are offering deals which really cant be missed out on!

Established in 1998, New Enough started out life as a motorcycle leather exchange business and has quickly grown into two 20,000 square feet of climate controlled warehouse space at Shallowater Texas. 

The almost family run company now focuses on selling ‘current year’ closeout gear sourced from distributors.  By being able to buy these closeout, or end of range lines as we in the UK call them, in bulk at heavily discounted prices they are able to pass these savings on to their customers.

They stock a full range of  motorcycle gear including jackets, trousers, gloves, boots and helmets for both men and women, plus a range of children’s clothes and helmets as well as parts and accessories.

I know these guys are based in the USA but they do post worldwide, and given the prices they are selling this kit off at you may be able to pick up a bargain no matter what country you are in.  I know there are a few items in their range that I really like

They actually try all the gear themselves and write a review of what they think about it, so you won’t find the normal ‘catalogue type reviews’ found on other sites.  It’s a personal opinion which I think is so much better.

You can find their latest BEST DEALS here.

And their own CLOSEOUT SECTION where there is many a brilliant bargain to be had.

Here are a few of the great money saving deals they have as of 11th Feb 2009.  Obviously the range will change regularly as new stock comes in and older stock is sold out.  

If you are looking at buying something then make sure to check your size is available, especially in their own closeout section and don’t forget to check the shipping costs too.  Click on the links to be taken direct to their website.. 

Joe Rocket Honda CBR Textile Jacket

New Enough Price $129.00

Teknic Lightening Leather Jacket

New Enough Price $99.99

Sidi Vertigo Corsa Air Motorcycle Boots

New Enough Price $329.00

 

Fieldsheer Razor Leather Motorcycle Jacket

New Enough Price $314,95

The last item in my mini selection is the Power Trip Vamp Women’s Textile Jacket. I fell in love with this the second I saw it! I just love it for it’s individuality!

Ladies Power Trip Vamp Textile Jacket

New Enough Price $85!!!!!!

That kind of price just made me fall in love with this jacket even more!!

Go on, have a nose round their site, they have some terrific not-to-be-missed deals on there!

 

 

Choosing Your First ‘Big’ Motorbike

There are so many things to consider, beyond price, when choosing your first ‘big’ motorbike after passing your test, and I thought the easiest way to do this was to write this from my personal point of view as a female rider.  If there are other ladies out there facing the same dilemma then maybe, just maybe, reading about the things I had to consider may help you in your choice of motorcycle.

I will try and briefly list the points I had to consider when choosing my bike.  Things like the physical size of the bike, its engine size, and the fact I had a restricted license so had to consider how a restrictor kit would affect my choice of bike.  What the seat height was, how wide it was and how much of my feet would be on the ground when at a standstill.  Where the centre of gravity of the bike was and how balanced I would feel on it.  And lastly what type of bike to buy and how old a machine I would get.

The Seat Height
The first thing I considered was the seat height of the bike.  I’m 5 foot 3 inches tall with an inside leg measurement, wearing my bike boots, of 32 inches (odd proportions as over half my height is legs!) and I’m about the 8 stone mark so I’m not exactly well built!  The physical size of the bike was as far as I was concerned rather an important issue. 

I had learned on a cruiser style 125cc and after riding that and being so low to the ground I was convinced, when choosing my next bike, that I would be happier being able to get all of both feet on the ground.  So I was looking out for a bike which wasn’t too tall. 

Being able to get all of both feet on the ground isn’t necessary.  Some people aren’t bothered by it, while others are.  I just found it made me feel that little bit more confident, especially when moving the bike around with the engine switched off, for example getting it in or out of the garage.

Don’t forget you can lower a bike if your heart is set on it.  Check out my posts on Ride Height Adjuster Kits to see what your options are in that respect.

The Width of the bike
The width of the seat and bike can be an issue as well.  If the bike is wide then obviously your legs will be further apart when sitting on it.  Sorry ladies but it is true!  You may find that sitting on a wide bike will have you on tiptoes where as a narrow bike of similar height will enable you to flat foot.

The Weight Of The Bike
This was rather important to me as well, being small and slim.  I didn’t want to have a bike I would need help moving around, it would be very annoying (and possibly a tad embarrassing!) if I needed help moving it round all the time!  Once you are used to riding a larger bike the weight will become less of an issue, as it has with me.  

The Centre Of Gravity
How low or high the bikes centre of gravity is may be an issue.  With a lower centre of gravity the bike may feel more stable for you.  Where as one with a high centre of gravity can feel top heavy.  When I first sat on the GSX-R750 I realised how high its centre of gravity was and was afraid if I leant it over the weight might catch me by surprise and I would drop it, and that wouldn’t be a good thing to do! 

Yes, more considerations! This bike-buying lark is a minefield!

The Engine Size
As I have previously mentioned on this blog I passed the UK restricted motorbike test on a 125cc bike.  This basically means that I am restricted for two years from the date of my test as to what output any motorcycle I ride can have.  Any bike I buy must have a power output of less than 33bhp, or be restricted to that by other means. 

So when looking for a bike I checked the list of ones with power less than 33bhp and decided I didn’t want any of them!  So the next step was to check which bikes could have a restrictor kit fitted so they were under the 33bhp.  I soon found that there are loads of bikes which can be restricted! 

So there were plenty I could choose from, but when you consider my previous points the field was narrowed down again.  I had to choose a bike that would take the restriction happily, after all what’s the point of buying a small, light, narrow 1000cc bike and then restricting it? None as far as I could see! So a bike with a 400cc-600cc engine seemed the way to go, the choice of which model depended on all the rest of the issues I have already mentioned. 

New Or Older Bike
As much as I would have loved to ride out of a dealer on a brand new bike I decided that this was really something I didn’t want to do.  My first big bike was going to be the one I carried on learning on, the learning curve just doesn’t stop once you have passed your test!

Chances are you will at some point drop your bike, and which would you swear about more.  The brand new bike you have just bought or the 15-year-old one which already has a few dings?  I would really swear at both but, in all honesty, if it was a new bike the swearing would be more profane and a whole lot louder!

Me? I went for the older bike..

Lastly..

What Type Of Bike
Cruiser, Tourer, Dual-Sport, Commuter, Sports?

This seriously comes down to personal choice.  I personally love the sports bikes (and the old Z650’s) but my new baby had to be a sports bike.  The best advice I can give is to go to as many bike dealers as possible, see what sorts of bikes ‘float your boat’ and make sure you sit on as many as possible until you find the one which feels just right. 

Following advice from my nearest and dearest I settled on the Honda CBR400RR.  Easy to restrict to 33bhp, small enough that I can reach the ground very easily, light enough that I can move her around and a low center of gravity which means she corners like she is on rails.

Am I happy with her, and my choice, after almost a year?

You bet I am! :-)  

You may also want to take a look at these posts which contain more advice and tips.

Bikes Girls Can Ride

Girls And Modern Sports Bikes

Daytona Ladystar (M-Star) Boots – Help For The Vertically Challenged Motorcyclist!

Fantastic Deals On Motorbike Jackets For Girls!

I have found some great deals on closeout for female riders who may be looking for a new jacket. Just click on the photos for more details of the offers available.

First up the Women’s Tour Temp TX Jacket by Fieldsheer. 

MSRP $219.99 now $149.99

I personally like this jacket, probably because red is one of my favourite colours




Jacket Details 

Super abrasion resistant 1000 denier Teflon® coated Maxtena® outer shell.
Anatomically fitted for the riding position.
Removable CE approved armor in back, shoulders and elbows.
Removable Thermo Pilot Liner that can be worn separately as a jacket.
SP Memory Foam® in high impact areas.
FS Rain Guard® 100% waterproof/breathable membrane.
Ram Air® ventilation system, 2 front vents, 1 large back vent.
Reflective Phoslite™ for high visibility, spot reflective high abrasive material in side panels.
Velcro adjustable, micro fiber lined collar with padding.
4 step unique adjustable sleeve volume control, in upper and lower sleeves, keeps the armor snug for small and large arms with or without the liner zipped in.
Velcro adjustable waist strap and stretch bar design.
Pockets included: 2 zipped front hand warmer, 2 upper chest, 1 zipped map, 1 inside Velcro, 1 mobile phone.
8″ waist zip connector and universal snap belt connector (attaches to pants)

Teknic Women’s Venom Jacket

MSRP $299.99 now $199.99

Jacket Details

Short cut ladies specific jacket with pre-curved arms
Form fitting Cordura® Stretch Panels
1.2-1.4mm Brazilian cowhide
Stretch Cordura® in arms, and sides
Airtex™ anti-bacterial, non-allergenic nylon lining
Zip out 5oz polyfil quilted vest liner
KNOX® CE Shockless elbow armor, in Advanced Armor Pocket™
KNOX® CE Shockless shoulder armor, in mesh lining pocket
Armorshield dual density foam spine pad
KNOX® CE TP2 spine guard
Full circumference & 8” zipper, plus snap belt loop connectors
2nd layer of Cordura® in elbows & shoulders
Seamless Full Motion™ arm stretch system
Teknic® Reflective rear logo
Ultra low racing collar, with rolled Neoprene edge
Hook ’n’ loop adjustment waist belts

Shift Racing Women’s Airborne Jacket

MSRP $99.95 now $69.99

Jacket Details 

100% mesh main body fabric
Women’s specific, articulated design
Removable CE approved EVO-Lady shoulder and elbow armor
Ballistic nylon panels for additional protection
Integrated back padding for additional protection
Reflective piping for added visibility
Integrated pocket for a back protector

There are loads more really good offers on the site.  Just click on one of the photos and have a nose round their closeout section

You won’t be disappointed!

But don’t leave it too long.. Once the stock is gone, thats it!!

Massive Savings At CycleGear.com

At cyclegear.com there are absolutely massive savings to be had in their ’09 Midwinter clearance Sale at the moment

For example, this Frank Thomas Sprint 2 Aqua jacket has $100 off.

The list price is $199.99 but you can grab it for just $99.99!

Frank Thomas Sprint 2 Aqua Motorcycle Jacket

Features and Benefits

• Sportier, short-waist length
• Hypertec nylon outer shell is abrasion resistant for long-lasting durability and protection
• Aquapore waterproof/breathable membrane provides complete weather protection while allowing internal evaporation for all-conditions comfort
• Full-size 100% polyester liner is removable for maximum temperature flexibility
• Double-zipper storm flap seals out wind and water
• Compression straps on arms have two snaps to prevent the sleeve from rotating in the event of use
• Internal pocket great for cell phone or mp3 player
• Keyring fob with mesh pocket
• CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows for superior impact protection
• Quarter zipper to attach jacket to leather or textile pants 
• Available in Men’s and Women’s sizes!
• Choice of 5 colours; Black, Grey, Blue, Red and Yellow

And as well as that great offer there are a whole host of others available until 10th March 2009

• ALL Hoodies and Fleece, 30% OFF!
• ALL FIRSTGEAR Heated Apparel, 10% OFF!
• ALL Backpacks Under $80, 20% OFF!
• STREET FX ElectroPods Power Distribution Module, FREE! with purchase of STREET FX ElectroPods LED Complete Motorcycle Kit
• ALL Toys, 40% OFF!
• ALL Back to School Products, 20% OFF! ALL 2009 Calendars, 50% OFF!

Just click on the image below to be taken to their website and see what is on offer for yourself.. Don’t miss out on some great bargains