The best motorcycles for ladies: comparison of 3 countries

Updated: 02/28/2021 15:51:36

Expert: Boris Vladimirovich Filatov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

There are representatives of the fair sex who want to drive a bike. This is very practical in a city crowded with traffic, because you can pass between cars and not waste time in traffic jams. The motorcycle takes up less space in the garage or indoor parking. In addition, a female silhouette with a stylish helmet, from under which long hair develops, looks very attractive. When choosing a motorcycle for a lady, it is important to consider the weight of the device, ease of control and build quality. Ride height and price tag depend on personal preference. Here is a rating of the best motorcycles for girls, which was compiled taking into account the characteristics of the vehicle and reviews of other representatives of the fair sex.

Bikes specially designed for girls - are there such things at all?

No, this is a myth born of cunning marketers. The most illustrative case is the Harley-Davidson brand: during one of the periods of weakening demand for its motorcycles, it “discovered” a whole layer of consumers to whom they could also be “sold” with a high degree of probability.

Motorcycles “American style” have always been positioned as an attribute of brutal bearded men in worn denim pants and sleeveless vests (leather is a later cinematic cliché, labor bikers wore denim), but when the whole world slowly began to switch to cheaper and more comfortable “Japanese” “, in Milwaukee they sharply backed up, starting the production of bikes with smaller cubic capacity (489, 790 and 830 cubic meters, compared to the classic 1746 Big Twin - generally crumbs), which were recommended to everyone: girls, teenagers and housewives. They say, “it couldn’t be more friendly.” Among the significant changes, in addition to volume and power, there was a slight decrease in the center of gravity of the bike, the width and height of the seat, shifting the footrests to suit shorter heights - everything, according to the designers and managers, their stock models did not require any more modifications for women.

European and Japanese ones came much earlier, already in the 50s. True, they did this forcedly: for some, it was the standard to “squeeze everything out” from a small cubic capacity for the sake of environmental friendliness and efficiency, while for others, consumers were all “compact”, the economy was in the ass, and the traffic was very intense, so they started, unlike the Americans, from 50 “cubes”, gradually increasing the volume. These days “fifty dollars” are not even considered as motorcycles for girls (but in vain, Aprilia RS 50 – have you seen? Appearance is yummy! 8 horses, 110 km/h – only in stock, and the tuned one – generally up to 140–150 km/ h), “spoiled by cubic capacity” consumers look at “liters”, point blank not noticing that there is simply nowhere to realize their potential. Traffic is getting denser, drivers in cities are getting angrier, speeds are getting higher, and no matter how good a motorcyclist’s gear protects him, there is a limit to his strength.

The larger the cubic capacity, the more the motorcycle provokes “unscrewing”, this is cool, serious, but the more powerful the bike, the more experienced you need to be to handle this power at high speeds. That is why beginners always need to start small, gradually “growing” to serious power. Adrenaline and thrill from the rides - even on the “eight-wheel” you can get the sea. Example: “Yobrik” (Yamaha YBR 125) is a very common version of the “starter” motorcycle for a beginner girl, which even evokes warm feelings of nostalgia in many adult bearded men. It’s a pity that finding it in good condition now is almost impossible.

Difficulties a girl may encounter when riding a motorcycle

Girls, let's make a reservation right away: there is no sexism here, purely objective physiological differences, without which you (on the one hand) would not be so attractive, and on the other, due to which you look weak, defenseless, and encourage men to take care of you. So, ladies are, for the most part, smaller, lower, lighter, weaker than most men. This means, banally, that you need to choose the first motorcycle for a girl with a low center of gravity, low seat height, small or medium (up to 400 cc) cubic capacity, preferably with adjustable suspension, hydraulic brakes... Well, you say, these are standard Recommendations for beginners of any gender? Yes, but there are several more nuances that determine the desired performance characteristics.

To know which motorcycle to choose for a girl, she needs to answer (to herself) a couple of questions:

• The style you like best and the intended use of the bike. Cross racing - racing in the "dirt" - on weekends? Street - wandering around the city? A show-off chopper or a cruiser – is it imposing to drive up to a regular hangout? Sports – burning tires on the track? Or a tourist - fill the trunks with swimsuits - and go to the sea?
• Where is the bike supposed to be parked and stored? In the summer, it can live in an open parking lot, but in the winter, if operation is not planned (and in the first winter, it is, after all, not recommended), it needs to be properly “mothballed” so that it can be ridden in the spring, and not undergo repairs. If there is neither a garage nor someone familiar with a garage, the bike can be handed over for “safe storage” to a specialized service, but this is an additional expense, or it can be stored in an apartment. Then it’s more convenient for it to be a small-capacity model... you understand why.
• Who will maintain and repair the bike? If you plan to carry out independent service (by hand), or stupidly - a trip to a motorcycle service station for any reason - you need to buy a new one, from a trusted dealership, with a guarantee. Then maintenance costs will be less expensive. If there is someone to take care of the motorcycle, don’t worry and just choose according to its capacity. Anyone, the most beautiful one you like.

Another nuance: hands. Women's palms, which are narrower and shorter than men's, do not have great grip strength or endurance. Most motorcycles have a manual transmission, and the clutch is released by squeezing the left lever on the handlebar (there are other options). In the city you have to change gears very often. With a tight “clutch”, a weak hand quickly gets tired, and incomplete squeezing of the lever leads to accelerated wear of the discs, so motorcycles for girls with graceful handles must also be selected according to this criterion. There is one option, more about it later.

It is believed that women are more careful motorcycle drivers, and one can agree with this, but, as they say: “shit happens” and dropping a heavy bike from the stand in the parking lot is a “sacred” thing, even guys sin, so beginners’ motorcycles are usually slightly beaten. The ease of handling a bike at low speeds and when stopping is determined by the ratio of the height of its center of mass and the height of the driver. For short girls, it is easier to cope with a lowered cruiser or chopper, and for tall girls, it is not a problem to “edge” a sports motorcycle or endurik on 19 wheels. Height – be sure to take it into account!

The most anticipated new products

At the beginning of November 2022, everyone who cares about the motorcycle industry could visit the EICMA Milan Motor Show. The event is distinguished by its scale, because for a whole week almost 2,000 companies are ready to surprise and entertain the public. Among the 1,500 motorcycles presented this time, let’s focus on the main sensations.

• Yamaha Tracer 700. The Japanese have adjusted the appearance of the flagship “tourist”, giving it aggressive features. The seating position and steering wheel have changed to make it more comfortable for the driver; the windshield has become more streamlined, which can now be adjusted. The improved engine complies with Euro 5 standard.

• Honda CB4X. Currently presented in concept form with an open release date. The crossover representative is designed on the basis of the CBR650, equipped with 17-inch wheels and a 4-cylinder engine with 95 horsepower. The potential buyer of such a motorcycle is a beginner who is looking for a reliable and easy-to-ride bike. The motorcycle is predicted to be in good demand and have an affordable price.

• Suzuki V-Strom 1050. The resourceful, reliable and promising tour enduro retains the 1037 cc engine, which, according to company representatives, should become even more powerful. At the same time, the manufacturer promises that this will not affect fuel consumption in any way. The V-Strom has also changed externally: the body kit lines have become “broken”, the double seat has “turned” into a single seat, the steering wheel has acquired a new LCD instrument panel. Travel comfort is ensured by weather-appropriate operating modes and modern multimedia functions.

• Kawasaki EV Project. The first street-class electric motorcycle looks similar to the Ninja 650 and promises 100 km. mileage on a full charge. A manual gearbox is installed here, which will ensure good controllability and responsiveness of the bike to the pilot’s actions. Another new product in which the Kawasaki brand is involved is the Bimota Tesi H2 2022. Having purchased part of the shares of the Italian company, the concern participated in the creation of a new hyperbike.

• Harley-Davidson Pan America. A touring enduro with an American character and a 1250 cc engine combines the classic style of the Harley family and the high technology that Asian manufacturers have accustomed us to. The bike is designed to cope with off-road conditions and feel great on asphalt surfaces.

A huge number of Italian, German, Austrian manufacturers managed to make themselves known and intrigue with new models. But let’s pay more attention to the familiar and proven representatives of the Japanese motorcycle industry on our roads.

How to choose a motorcycle for a beginner girl

Today's market realities greatly “narrow down” the choice of motorcycles for beginner girls: what is truly reliable, functional and beautiful is traditionally expensive, so they practically don’t bring it here, instead flooding cities with cheap copies of outdated Japanese models. There is a plus to this: the low price makes new motorcycles more accessible to beginners, and in particular to girls.

The so-called women's motorcycle for beginners in each class will have its own maximum cubic capacity:

• Cross, enduro – 125–250 cc. These bikes are “tailored” not for speed, but for torque “from the bottom”, so it is important that there is a reserve of power, only then the dynamics will be acceptable. Everything below 125cc is left to the children.
• Classics, road – 250–400 cc. In this category, most motorcycles produce a stable 30–32 l/s, which is enough for the eyes in the city. Here you need to take into account the weight and the max. speed. It is not recommended to take the model that promises above 150–160 km/h and weighs more than 180 kg.
• Cruiser, chopper – 250–650 cc. For girls, this is the most comfortable category and many successfully started even with 800 ss “Shadovok”. The main thing is to consider the height and width of the seat, and the position of the leg relative to the exhaust system. It is optimal - while sitting on the bike - to stand firmly on the asphalt with both feet (heels).
• Sports - for girls with no driving experience, 125 cc is initially recommended, no more. Believe me, its 140–150 km/h will be real.
• Tourer, dual-purpose motorcycle - the first cubic capacity is recommended to be no more than 650 cc, but you need to choose very carefully, taking into account your height. It is better to take no higher than 75 cm in the saddle.

Women are more constant, unlike many men, they are not inclined to change “wheels” like gloves, so choosing a motorcycle for a woman who is new to the “motorcycle” crowd means being “tied” to one “format” for at least three to four years , that is, at least it should be “enough” for this period. If the purchase budget is quite large and the goal is not to save money, but to buy the ideal option, you need to go to showrooms and ask for as many test drives as possible of everything they give. Even if you plan to buy a secondary one, diverse experience is very important.

For girls who have already received their license, who have ridden enough of small and medium-sized cars, but are still not accustomed to a heavy clutch, Honda offers an excellent option: the NC750X with DCT. These “tourists” can definitely bear the title of the best motorcycles for girls, and in general – for a novice motorcyclist this is just a godsend! Inside them is a full-fledged automatic transmission! Not a scooter CVT, but a normal “automatic”! That is why today he is a leader in the “TOP” of the best motorcycles for girls.

The best motorcycles with a medium internal combustion engine for girls

This rating category represents motorcycles with an engine capacity of 500-650 cm3. Vehicles with such characteristics can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h and are suitable for long trips. But the girl’s driver already needs some experience to handle a lot of horsepower.

Suzuki SV650 ABS (SV650A)

Rating: 4.9

Among the best ratings in this category, the first place is taken by a representative from the Suzuki brand. The SV650 motorcycle has been produced by the Japanese company for a long time and has received many positive reviews. It is praised for its low maintenance and availability of spare parts. If a girl plans to use the motorcycle for many years, then parts for it can be found in any city. When manufacturing the engine for this motorcycle, we used our own SCEM cylinder coating technology. It consists of silicone, silicon and nickel, which promotes accelerated heat dissipation. This is very useful, since the volume of 650 cm³ produces 76 hp. But let’s note the saddle height – 850 mm, which is suitable only for tall girls.

This bike makes it to the top list because of its dual throttle body. When a girl squeezes the throttle, one channel opens for air to pass through. The second is regulated by an electronic control unit, and the air supply is based on engine speed. This way the motor maintains proper operation at any speed. This is especially practical for a newbie girl.

Advantages

• pleasant engine sound;
• smooth traction from the lowest revs;
• sufficient reliability;
• very common model - easy to get spare parts;
• cylinder coating with improved heat transfer.

Flaws

• it is necessary to monitor the oil level (the engine wears out quickly when starved of oil);
• not suitable for driving on the rear wheel (the crankshaft and bearings deteriorate);
• the simplest braking system;
• not the best suspension.

Yamaha XJ6

Rating: 4.8

Our rating continues with the Japanese motorcycle Yamaha XJ6. It is equipped with an engine with four cylinders arranged in one row. The injection is controlled electronically. The engine capacity is 600 cm³, which allows it to produce 77.5 hp. The maximum torque of the power plant reaches 8000 rpm. As can be seen from the given characteristics, this is a motorcycle for those girls who love speed. The power unit is taken from the YZF-R6 sports model and slightly derated for safety. The fuel supply in the 17 liter tank allows you to use the bike over long distances. The front suspension contains an adjustable monoshock absorber. Its 130 mm stroke ensures smooth overcoming of obstacles. Owners in the reviews like the presence of two discs at the front of the brake system, which increases the reliability of operation. There is also ABS installed as standard, which helps control braking.

We have ranked the bike as the best because it has a saddle height of 785mm. This is one of the smallest bikes among bikes that don't look like mopeds, and is suitable for a fragile, small girl who wants to keep up with the guys on cool equipment.

Advantages

• large fuel reserve in the tank - 17 liters;
• high power 77.5 hp;
• stable tires with a width of 120 and 160 mm;
• good for highway and city use;
• Beautiful design.

Flaws

• high price;
• weight 211 kg is less convenient for girls;
• thin throttle handle.

Motorcycles for beginner girls: inexpensive

Practice shows that the best motorcycles for beginner girls are inexpensive, lightweight models of light enduroks, classics and neoclassics, as well as cruisers with a volume of 125–400 cc. Cheap to maintain, economical, convenient for the city, you don’t mind “rolling them out” and pushing them away, and most importantly, they completely cope with the main task of a bike for beginners: they make it clear that a motorcycle is “yours?” (what style do you like, by what criteria will you now choose the next one?), or “not yours” (sell it and forget it, like a bad dream).

But there are disadvantages to the abundance of budget options. Even if it was a good model that hasn’t left the production line for twenty years, in the Chinese version it “loses” half its safety margin. If the budget is “not rubber”, you can either buy an exclusively new “Chinese” car, having carried out a thorough maintenance yourself before the first trip, or look for a used prototype model, no older than 12 years. Should you trust import auctions? Without experience, it's not worth it. To be on the safe side, it is better to look for a bike in your region, subject to an independent assessment of the condition at a motorcycle service station.

Another important parameter in deciding which motorcycle is best for a newbie girl is the type, class and power of the motorcycle of her friend (friends? teammates? boyfriend? husband?), the one with whom she will most often ride together. Of course, a 125 cc bug will not keep up with a one and a half liter Boulevard, so we need to strive to even out the chances at least a little. Do the crowd ride 800–1000 cc cruisers? Take the 650cc one. Athletes? Take a naked four hundred. Tourists, as one, on 1800 cc Golds? Get a 750cc cruiser with panniers. The main thing is to skate a couple of dozen additional engine hours on the site, with an instructor. But in the “sports” and “motocross” classes, it is better for girls to start with 125cc.

Rating of the best motorcycles for girls

The best choppers for girls

The concept of chopper - for beginners, girls or guys - does not matter, it always includes a “ton” of show-offs, traction from the bottom, a “wow effect”, a pleasant bass exhaust sound. Mid-size boats usually have trouble with the latter, but otherwise there is plenty to choose from. New choppers are almost never produced now and their price is “an airplane wing.” It’s better to choose among proven Japanese cars with mileage and age – no older than the girl herself.

Motorcycle Yamaha XV400 Virago

Not exactly budget friendly. From 180 to 300 t.r., depending on the year and condition.

Engine 4-t V2, carburetor (2 x), 399 cc, 40 l. With.

Max. Speed ​​(real) 135-140 km/h

Consumption 5.5 -6 l

Weight 178 kg

Seat height 70 cm

Tank volume 13.5 l

The Yamaha Virago is often given the title of women's chopper due to its elegant design, its “lightness” and even some “frivolity”. It can be found “in the open spaces” in a form factor from 250 to 1100 cc, in decent condition. There are a lot of advantages, besides comfort, appearance, and ergonomics. The main ones: controllability, reliability, long service interval, ease of maintenance, opportunities for tuning and customization.

What well

Greaser. Good dynamics. Doesn't break for a long time. Spare parts available.

Cardan! (it is practically eternal).

What is wrong

Candles “kill” every 4-5 thousand kilometers. You need to carry spare ones with you.

Not produced since 1994, difficult to find for sale.

Motorcycle Honda Shadow (2004)

Relatively budget friendly. From 250 to 400 t.r., depending on the condition.

Engine 4-t V2, injector, 400 cc, 33 l. With.

Max. Speed ​​130–140 km/h

Consumption 5.0-6.0 l

Weight 225 kg

Saddle height – 63 cm

Tank volume 14 l

A stable competitor of “Viraga” in terms of popularity among women who value comfort more than speed. In addition to all the advantages of a high-quality “Japanese”, “Shadow” is fantastically durable, and its low landing makes it safe at stops. Cons - no longer available.

The best “small capacity” motorcycles for girls

This section of the rating presents motorcycles with an internal combustion engine capacity of 250-400 cm3. Such characteristics keep up with the small size of two-wheeled vehicles and provide a smooth increase in speed, which is optimal for beginner girls. The price of this equipment is the most affordable.

BMW G 310R

Rating: 5.0

In first place in the rating is the German BMW motorcycle G310R series. This model has been produced for several years and has become a favorite of many girls. The manufacturer has put convenience at the forefront. The seating position here is almost vertical with a slight forward tilt, so your hands get less tired on long trips. The seat has a two-tier configuration - you can take a passenger with you who will not constantly slide forward. The motorcycle has a four-cylinder engine with a volume of 313 cm³, producing 34 hp. The internal combustion engine is liquid cooled, so it can spin up to 7500 rpm for a long time without overheating. Owners in the reviews like the work of the damper in the rear hub, which dampens jerks from the chain, allowing you to move away smoothly.

Our experts included this motorcycle in the rating of the best for girls because it is very nimble. Representatives of the fair sex will be comfortable driving it even among densely spaced traffic on the road. In addition to excellent maneuverability, the motorcycle has low fuel consumption - 3.3 liters at a speed of 90 km/h. This is an ideal option for intracity use.

Advantages

• the front fork is protected by additional fender pads;
• black alloy wheels;
• seat for two people;
• sporty look;
• very nimble, like a bicycle.

Flaws

• accelerates slowly;
• after a speed of 120 km/h, vibrations begin to appear on the body;
• small tank 11 l.

Tourers

And here is more information about the automatic motorcycle. The Honda NC750X motorcycle is a very well-thought-out “thoroughbred” crossover. An ideal touring-enduro for the city, demonstrating quite sporty acceleration, and at the same time, even with a passenger, a very modest appetite. In addition to the main big plus - the presence of an automatic transmission, the motorcycle is very comfortable, easy to control, has a case built into the false tank, into which a helmet can easily fit (without forcing the owner to use a plastic box on the trunk). Thanks to the low center of gravity and saddle, the bike is perfect for girls or beginner guys of average and below average height.

Honda NC750X DCT

Far from budget. New - from 860,000 rubles, slightly used - no less than 700,000 rubles

Engine 4-t, injector, 745 cc, 54 l. With.

Max. Speed ​​170–180 km/h, cruiser – 110 km/h

Consumption 3.5-4.0 l

Weight 229 kg (curb)

Saddle height – 83 cm

Tank volume 14 l

A two-channel ABS system, adjustable PRO-Link suspension, and a ground clearance of 165 mm are all advantages. The downside is the price. The motorcycle is very durable, if desired, you can really ride it for a dozen seasons, the main thing is not to skimp on normal consumables.

The best among powerful motorcycles for girls

The rating section includes models with an internal combustion engine volume over 650 cm3. These are motorcycles for experienced girls who have traveled thousands of kilometers on two-wheeled vehicles. The increased power is great for long trips and performing tricks.

BMW F 800 GT

Rating: 4.9

The first position in the category of the best rating is occupied by another German BMW motorcycle with the index F 800 GT. This is a sports version with a 798 cm³ two-cylinder engine. It produces up to 90 hp. with a torque of 8000 rpm. The device implements digital injection control using solenoid valves and the BMS-K+ unit. If you move at a speed of 90 km/h, the consumption will be 3.4 liters. Traveling at 120 km/h will require 4.3 liters of fuel per hundred. In reviews, owners praise the motorcycle for its front fork with a diameter of 43 mm. This is a reinforced design that can easily withstand impacts to the suspension or a collision with an obstacle.

According to our experts, the motorcycle should have been included in the rating due to the possibility of selecting power based on the driver’s experience. The basic version of the bike is perfect for an already experienced girl. The prefix in the name GT indicates the increased power of the motorcycle (90 hp), which will allow you to move along the highway at a speed of 200 km/h. But if a girl is a beginner who really wants to own this particular motorcycle, then there is a version of a similar device, only with a derated engine producing 34 hp. All this is indicated on the manufacturer’s official website and is a factory product.

Advantages

• great design;
• consumption 3.4 liters per hundred;
• increased power 90 hp;
• maintenance-free battery;
• aluminum bridge type frame.

Flaws

• high price;
• Euro-3 toxicity class.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPERLOW

Rating: 4.8

We couldn’t leave our ranking of the best without the American motorcycle “Harley Davidson”. The Superlow model has already become a favorite among the fair sex for its stylish design and more compact dimensions than its “bigger brothers.” In terms of power, two options are available with engine volumes of 883 and 1202 cm³. The motorcycle comes with plastic cases on the sides, which is convenient for long trips. When using in the city, they are easy to unfasten. There are three color options available: black, red and black and white. At the same time, the fork, engine parts and exhaust pipes are abundantly covered with chrome, which serves as the calling card of the American brand. This goes well with the light alloy wheels.

Our experts added the American motorcycle to the rating due to its particularly comfortable seating position for girls. In most other devices the driver sits slightly bent forward, but here the girl’s back will be absolutely straight. Convenience is complemented by a bucket seat that allows you to sit comfortably on long trips. The saddle height of 705mm is the lowest, making it easy for you to get on and off your bike.

Advantages

• recognizable design;
• the biker's back is guaranteed to be protected from splashes;
• chromed double pipes on the starboard side;
• there are luggage bags on the sides;
• ideal for the city and highway.

Flaws

• very little space for passengers;
• bulky windshield;
• very high cost;
• air cooling;
• analog instruments on the panel.