GET OFF THE BACK!

KAWASAKI NINJA 500R


I decided that I was going to "Get Off The Back" of someone else bike, get my own and learn to ride it!

I always wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle since I was a teenager. Riding a motorcycle represented to me, sexiness, living on the edge, and freedom! Between managing a demanding job and being mommy to three young son`s, I had no time to pursue my dreams.

I never believed that just because I` am a women, that I could not have manly hobbies. I do carpentry, basic plumbing, and electrical work. I own an array of power tools and I use them better than most men! I get under my truck hood and actually know whats under it and how it works. I have no problem changing a tire, changing the oil, and replacing the breaks, if needed. Yes! I love golf! I learned over two years ago. Another sport, I wanted to learn!

Motorcycling is a very dangerous sport! It requires a lot of concentration and skill. It is a hobby or a sport to not take lightly! As an Operating Room nurse in a level 1 trauma center for many years, I have seen devastating injuries mainly involving young men. Usually motorist does not see the motorcyclist. There are times when the motorcyclist has no respect for the road or the motorist. That`s one reason that I was not so Gun Ho about learning to ride!

Now, my curiosity has raised its head. I` am ready to ride!


1. LET`S GET STARTED!

1. Get a motorcycle manual and STUDY!!!

2. Take the written test to get your permit.

3. Take the motorcycle safety program taught by the motorcycle safety foundation.
In NYS, If you possess a driver`s license and take the motorcycle safety program, you do not have to take the DMV`s road test.

4. Get that License!


2. SAFETY EQUIPMENT




ICON AIRFRAME REGAL FULL FACE HELMET


Motorcycle Helmet is designed to prevent serious injury or death. A full face helmet provides the best protection! It should be snell and DOT certified. Your helmet should be comfortable and fit properly. Make sure the helmet has vents. In the summer, you do not want your visor to fog up on the road. Your helmet should be able to filter out wind noise. Choose bright colors so you are visible to motorist! Make sure you go to a motorcycle shop to try on different helmets. Each brand of helmet fits differently. Wear it for at lease 10-15 min. It should fit snug, but comfortable! Measure your head. I settled for a Icon Airframe regal. Retailed for $330 in the bike shop. I found it on line for $265. I know, you must be saying, "Damn. that's expensive!" The helmet fit like a pillow and it was light compared to the other helmets I tried on. Any way, You get what you pay for and my brain is worth it!

2. JACKETS



POWER TRIP WOMEN`S STILLETO JACKET

The purpose of a motorcycle jacket is to protect you from the wind, rain, bugs, road debris and most importantly, the jacket protects your skin! Most motorcycle jackets come with shoulder, elbow, and spine plates. This is called "Body Armor" The "Armor" helps to protect you in case you take a fall! Your jacket helps to protect you from road rash.

Biker jackets come in different materials and styles. If you ride in the winter, leather is the best choice. It acts as a barrier from cold and rain. Choose jackets that are made from Buffalo or Cowhide.

Motorcycle jackets made out textile materials are becoming very popular! These jackets are light weight, comfortable, and take less time to dry out. These jackets are breathable and cooler in warmer weather. Mesh jackets are cooler in the summer!

Look for a jacket made out of high density nylon such as Kevlar, Cordura, and Lycra.

3. MOTORCYCLE GLOVES

ALPINESTARS WOMEN`S STELLA SP-3 GLOVES


Motorcycle gloves protect your hands in case you fall. They have padding at the knuckles and palm pads. The gloves also help provide grip in the throttle.


4. MOTORCYCLE CHAPS OR PANTS


First gear women`s kwik-dry sport tour leather over pants


Motorcycle pants and chaps, protect your from road rash in the event you are in an accident or fall off of your bike.

You should choose a good quality leather such as cowhide or buffalo. These leathers are known for their toughness and abrasion protection.

Remember, your pants should not fit very tight. buy them one to two sizes larger than you jean size.

5. MOTORCYCLE BOOTS





ICON WOMEN`S BOMBSHELL BOOT


Motorcycle boots should be made out of leather. They should have good ankle protection and have reinforced shift pads. They should come right under the calf. This protects your ankles against heat, road debris, and injury.



WHAT MOTORCYCLE IS RIGHT FOR MY FIRST BIKE?

Remember, that women are shorter, lighter, and have a shorter reach span than men. When you mount a bike, consider the heaviness of the bike. If it tips over, you have to be able to pick it up! Are your feet flat on the ground? Can you reach the foot controls? Can you reach the hand grips comfortably? Are you in a comfy position?

When I entered a motorcycle shop, all these questions were answered when I mounted the Yamaha YZF-R6R. The bike was too wide and the seat was too hard. My inner thighs were very uncomfortable! Only the balls of my feet touched the ground.The sales associate told me they had a kit to adjust the bikes height. That was OK, but what about the seat? He said I can up grade the seat too. Hell to the NO!

He had a used Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. It fit me like a glove! 1352cc of horses? can`t do that right now. I`am just a newbie! I settled for a Ninja 500R. 498cc of horses is more than enough for me right now! In the motorcycle safety program, you learn to ride on a 250cc motorcycle! My Mama told me you have to learn how to walk before you could run!


NOW THAT YOU GOT THE BASIC LOW DOWN, YOU CAN "GET OFF THE BACK AND GET YOUR OWN RIDE!