Ladies Motorbike Training

Things to consider:

• Sit on the bike for at least 5  - 10 minutes 
• Can you reach all the controls comfortably?
• Do your feet reach the ground?  - think about an adverse road camber  - will you be able to stop the bike from leaning too far over?
• Read the reviews on line and in magazines
• Do you want a naked bike or a faired version? For longer journeys and touring it might be best to have a faired or semi-faired bike.
• If touring can you fit panniers, or a top box? Does the bike still look good with these extras fitted?
• Take a look at the service record - has it been adhered to?
• Ask what type of riding the previous owner has done? Commuting, all year usage, or just summer fun rides?
• Take a look at the tyres - you can tell so much about how a bike is ridden just from the tyre wear.
• Make sure the colour is the one you want!

Here are few ideas from Ladybiker.co.uk.

"It doesn’t matter whether you're starting out or are a seasoned pro, buying motorcycle clothes can be a frustrating experience for women. You have to battle with a lack of consistency in sizing, masculine-looking gear that makes you look three sizes bigger, and motorcycle shops that remain a male-dominated environment."

Here's a few tips for Sizing:

1. Measure your Waist to be your narrowest part and your natural waistline, where a belt would sit. And don't suck your belly in!

2. Measure your Hips at the widest part. It helps to do this in front of a mirror so you can make sure the tape measure is level all the way round.

3. Measure your chest around your fullest part, under the armpits and around your shoulder blades.

4. Inner leg is measured from groin to ankle.

5. For best results, measure yourself in your Birthday Suit.

6. Use a cloth tape measure, not a metal one.

7. Don't worry about the numbers, that's all they are - the most important thing is to get gear that fits with all the armour in the right places.

 

If you're not sure on your sizing or you're not sure what you might need, contact the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. Try Before You Buy  -    Lots of training schools offer taster sessions, which are designed to give a positive first-time experience of what it’s like to ride a motorcycle. Doing this with a qualified instructor is wise, as they will give bespoke and qualified advice on the best way forward.

2. Research - Not all motorcycle training schools are the same, so consider ‘shopping around’ and don’t choose based on location, price or a promise that training will be quick and easy. Websites, social media, reviews and trusted recommendations can all help, but a top-tip would be to pick up the phone, have a chat and ask some questions.

3. Set your Own Pace -Learning a new skill takes time. Riding a motorbike is no different. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is generally advertised as a one-day course, but this doesn’t always mean that one day is sufficient to reach the minimum safe standard for a certificate to be issued. Time taken to complete CBT is unimportant versus the value of having sufficient skill and confidence to ride unaccompanied.    Intensive courses can also seem like a great way to gain a full bike licence but added time pressures can hinder progress. Laying proper foundations of basic motorcycle control can have a positive impact on future riding, well beyond passing the test. Consider the benefits of finding a school that offers ‘pay-as-you-go’ instruction, where training can be taken at an appropriate pace.

4. Preparation  - Training schools generally give good advice on preparation, such as what to bring on the day i.e. driving licence, glasses, a packed lunch and adequate clothing. At the very least, wear sturdy thick denim jeans, plus boots with ankle protection and no steel toecaps.

5. Instructor  - Finding the right instructor can make a world of difference. Personalities vary greatly, and it can help a novice riders progress if their instructor has the necessary people skills to put them at ease and to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This extends to explaining things in a way that is easy to understand and to act on.

6. Riding Kit - Most training schools will provide the basic kit. However, the sizes are usually based on the average sized man, so for riders who are blessed with small hands, investing in a pair of well fitted gloves can also make a big difference. Levers can be adjusted for individuals with a smaller reach, but if gloves are an inch too big then they will just get in the way.   Helmets also have an important ‘fit’ factor, but if a rider has an extra small or large head, an ill fitted helmet can lead to headaches and impaired vision. When buying a helmet, good advice is not to buy blindly, but to try on helmets and be properly fitted. Helmets tend to stretch, so whilst it might feel comfortable at first, after a few wears, it may become too loose.

7. Petite Riders - For riders under 5’4”, some motorbikes can be too tall, making it an uphill struggle. Even where a rider can touch the floor on tiptoes it can still be extremely unnerving. Good training schools will be sensitive to these things and will ensure that smaller riders can learn on an appropriate motorcycle. It is a good idea to arrange to sit on a training motorcycle before booking a course. Skilled instructors will give bespoke instruction to help with adverse cambers, junctions and the potential riding challenges that sometimes accompany shorter legs.

8. Well-meaning Advice  - All new riders have friends, family and significant others who will offer well-meaning riding advice. However, not all advice is up-to-date and suitable, especially when first learning to ride. Remember – a qualified, experienced instructor is best equipped to help new riders to attain the required standard.

9. Adverse Weather - Being too hot or too cold can significantly impact concentration, energy levels, skill and rider safety. Novice riders need to master the skill of keeping cool and hydrated in the summer and warm in the winter. Seeking advice and being prepared for weather extremes is a very good idea.

Thanks to videobiker.co.uk for the above suggestions.

Attend a specialist course such as Biker Down or why not down load apps from 

• British Red Cross
• St Johns Ambulance

Both are great resources to have at your fingertips if the need arises.

• Clean thoroughly - especially in those dark and inaccessible places 
• Spray with fine ani-corrosion fluid such as ACF50 or Scottoiler 365
• Take the weight off the tyres by using the centre stand or paddock stands
• Keep battery charged - use a special bike battery charger if possible
• Use a fuel additive / stabliser in the tank to prevent the fuel going stale. For example,  IPONE, STA-BIL or LIQUIMOLY 4T

• Clean bike and wash off winter protection
• Polish again
• Check tyres and pressures
• Check battery
• Top up with fresh petrol if necessary

Take care on your first few rides out - you may be a bit rusty...

Take a look at our advanced riding section.

Remember, you never stop learning and you are only as good as your last ride.

As a minimum sometime soon after passing your test you should consider a 2 - 3 hour training session just to learn about overtaking, filtering and how to read corners on country roads.