OT: I think I've messed up.....(kinda long)

When I was in high school I had a little motorcycle---a Harley 125 cc “Hummer”. It wasn’t much as
bikes go, but it allowed me to be somewhere other than the farm. All my life I’ve wanted another
bigger bike, but circumstances and finances wouldn’t allow it. I never really got to even ride
one.

Fast forward: My 30-year-old daughter was bit by the same bug: bad itch for a bike, but her
circumstances and finances are not good either. Even so, couple of days ago she asked me for a
little help (a few bucks, and my truck and trailer). She had found her bike---a 2005 Honda
Shadow, 1100 cc. Very clean, mid-mileage. I looked at it and said, “Well, OK. Looks like a nice
little bike.”

We hauled it home today. I decided to ride it first. I figure my old instincts would kick in;
after all, the shift, brakes, throttle, clutch are still the same, I said. I somehow got it out
of the yard without skinning up any of my big pines, or my big a--. I was not really prepared for
how powerful the thing is, or how top-heavy. I did streak down the road, but never got out of
second gear. Came back and tried to ease into the driveway, but I stalled it. While I was trying
to find neutral it tumped over on me and drove my bad shoulder into the ground. Thought I was
gonna die. Daughter lifted it off of me and tried to roll it up the driveway. She found neutral,
then got on it and tried rolling it with her feet. It tumped over on her, bending her foot around.
My turn to lift the bike off of her. We just looked at other wondering, “What the H--- have we
done?” I told the daughter, "This is ridiculous. Both of us are badly injured and the bike hasn't
even left the driveway. How are we gonna ride a bike we can’t even sit on?” Together we rolled
the Shadow into the garage and there it sits.

It’s my fault for giving in to her, but I’ve done a lot of that in my life. I was 44 when she was
born, so she has pretty much had her way with me. But now this bike scares me. She is intimidated
by it, but she is determined she’s gonna master it. I tried to get her to settle for a Honda
Rebel, a 235 cc bike more her size (she’s 5-3, 120 lbs.) but no-o-o. I have to admit I know a
couple of women her size who ride Harley Sportsters, which are the same size as the Shadow.

I know a lot of you guys ride, so please give me some insight: is the learning curve for this size
bike too steep for a small female first-time rider, or is she more likely to kill herself before
she learns? I don’t know if I have any say in the matter, she’s a grown woman and she’s probably
going to make her own decision. Still, I’d enjoy your input.

Learning curve is the same. Better to start small; less power, less machine weight, and work your way up. Remember, a child learns to crawl before they learn to walk. What you're trying to do now is akin to being dumped into the middle of the Ocean and being told to learn to swim or drown - no happy in-between.

:>)

Shadow is not an easy bike to learn on. Sit to low on those cruisers. I also had on,did the same thing and busted my ankle. Shadow needs to be pushed around low speed corners,not going to do it at an idle without tipping. She needs a smaller bike with a more upright,higher sitting position. FInd her an old dirt bike for a couple hundred and let her learn on that.

Cruisers in general are not good bikes to learn on, particular those with forward controls. There are plenty of "adventure" style (aka dual-sport) bikes in the 500 to 800 cc range that are great starter bikes but quite able to keep up with the big cruisers. The Sportster is a terrible starter bike, too, but at least it has the foot pegs directly beneath the seat, where they're supposed to be.

My wife got the motorcycle bug when she turned forty, and just had to have a Sportster she saw for sale in the neighborhood. She dropped it the first time she came to a stop, but eventually she learned to ride it with the help of a motorcycle safety course. One day, coming home from a long ride, she dumped it when she hit a transition from gravel to pavement that I had just gone over with my bike. She dislocated her thumb, which required surgery and put her out of work for about six months (she's a hairdresser). She has only ridden the bike a couple of time since then.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, and this goes for everyone, BE CAREFUL on those bikes. I was unfortumate enough yesterday morning to see a dead body covered up on the side of the road. A car apparently pulled out in front of a bike and the guy hit the car. He had just gotten married a few days ago, and was on his way to work. Now his life is over and his family has to suffer.

I have a Shadow 1100. They are not a beginners bike. Park it until she has taken (you to) a motorcycle safety course and instruction. They are not all that expensive and most around here provide you with a motor cycle. I know women that are 5'3" 120 that ride Harley full dressers but they also have been riding since they were 5. Do yourselves both the favor and BE SAFE!!!!!

Just be glad you're not doing something really dangerous like letting her ride with you on a tractor doing 4 MPH then everyone here would be on your case(LOL)
In an earlier life I used to ride a Triumph bike no way no how I'd do that now.

I ride with a lot of small female riders in the local HOG club who ride 1,000 pound Harley baggers with no problems.
1. Most have taken a MSF safety course (1-2 days)
2. Their Bikes have been adjusted to fit their size, i.e. they can put their feet flat on the ground when stopped.
3. They have the proper riding equipment, helmets, boots, gloves, goggles, leather jackets, etc.
4. They know never to put the front brake on with the front wheel turned.
5. They practice S.E.E. Search, Evaluate, Execute at all intersections, side streets, etc.

Riding is a lot of fun, dangerous as all hell, but with the right mental alertness at all times, enables a safe ride

A road bike ain't a dirt bike. I road dirt bikes when I was a kid. I'd run down the highway STANDING on the seat! One day I tried riding a friends road bike, not a real big one, maybe a 750. I didn't like it. I don't think I have been on a bike since. I'd advise you to start a little smaller.

(quoted from post at 03:41:32 05/15/15) A road bike ain't a dirt bike. I road dirt bikes when I was a kid. I'd run down the highway STANDING on the seat! One day I tried riding a friends road bike, not a real big one, maybe a 750. I didn't like it. I don't think I have been on a bike since. I'd advise you to start a little smaller.

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have a 2003 1100 shadow. I agree it's not the bike to learn on. Definitely get her enrolled in a motorcycle riders course. They teach them on smaller bikes. Then once she is comfortable with that she can tackle the shadow. You could always sell it and get her the smaller version. The 750 is a lot more nimble.

Have her take the motorcycle safety course. They will give her the basic skills she needs on a smaller bike, Thats what my wife did at 40. Then practice in safe areas on the shadow to grow the skills. Wife rides a Heritage softail well now.

always tough if you didn't grow up on bikes.
Motorcycle safety/learning course with a smaller bike will help.
nothing wrong with owning 2 bikes, or better yet since you
still seem to have the urge.......you buy one.
a small dual-purpose bike (not a full-on dirt bike...totally different animal)
Having her ride your small bike endlessly around the yard/farm/trails will get the 'feel' ingrained in her reflexes.
She'll know when she is ready to go to her cruiser.
Yes, forward controls and a very low seat change things a bit,
but after farm trail riding she'll get it quickly.

When she is ready for the street, a mindset where you ride as if every person and critter on the planet is actively trying
to hurt you.......helps.
(not fear...just the knowledge..that, yes..that person IS going to turn left in front of me......plan accordingly)

Sounds like you 2 need a side cart on that thing...

I drive a small car for good gas mileage. No way would I EVER ride a bike on the road be it pedals or engine driven !
Everyone and I mean everyone out there is so distracted these days they are all out to get you ! I had a school bus try and take me out a few weeks ago I was on the brakes and had to take it off road to avoid her. Deer came at me but luckily turned off before they hit me. It was foggy and I didn't see them as early as I usually do I was on the brakes but would of hit if they didn't turn off. Also had someone blow thru a stop sign in front of me too but lucky they were not that close.
BEEN A ROUGH MONTH !

I think your instincts were right in that a smaller bike to start out on, to get used to the whole affair of riding one, especially if she has not. So many of us grew up with a dirt bike or similar, friends had them and somewhere along the way you got some seat time whatever the situation was. Going straight to a heavy road bike, like a nice cruiser such as the one you bought, well maybe some more thought and instruction, adjusting for correct fit if could be done with this one etc. At first it may not be easy to get used to, as you are on something like a good sized tractor tire, fully loaded with ballast, when they free stand you can brace it easily but when it tips to a certain point, there's no stopping it. Feet flat on the ground, being safely balanced when slowing to a stop and starting off from a stop, that and the feel for the clutch, feathering to let it out and get it moving without stalling, is likely the hardest part. Every bike is different in that regard. I still have the pair of old Yamaha Maxims, an '80 and '81, and though those are mild in weight, darned kick stand sunk in on this slightly sloped parking lot at work one morning, I'm an experienced rider and it went over and pinned me, leaking gas, here I am kind of yelling for help, trying to squirm out of it, heck of a way to start the day, someone came over and helped me out. Caught me off guard,went past the tipping point and over it went. I had both of these as cheap modes of transportation, good back up and at one time it was that or walk. One of these was the first road bike I had, but the dirtbike experience was huge in that I got the feel for it easily. Good friend had the 750 Maxim and I rode that every so often, one morning he called the house for a ride and me to pick him up on it, 4 of us were roomates in college. I had never even driven one on the road, took to it like a duck to water, as I did know how to ride off road, feet were flat on the ground, no problem.

He's got a harley for cheap transportation as he's 30 miles west the rest of us and family, so his wife will drive the car or truck and he does not worry about fuel expense if he just needs to come out this way, not cutting wood or what have you, they are great for that and if you have a truck, trailer, you can take them along if you like, back up and additional transportation etc. I used to pack mine in the back of my old chevy K10 for weekend get aways.

Mental awareness was mentioned below, I 2nd that highly, one must be extremely cautious at ALL times, won't go into as to why, or lets say results of not doing so etc. Defensively driving is a must. Its not all isolated back roads, recently paved and smooth. Other traffic, loose gravel, other motorists, potholes, animals darting out, all of it happens real fast, so excess speed is a bad thing. Brakes on these work well and you can deal with any situation for the most part, but excess speed and a cavalier attitude when riding is a real bad combination. Safety and training courses, getting with experienced riders is a must.

I'm not so keen on riding given a lot of different things and reasons, but my friends late model harley, he found a clean one owner, '09 or so, boy is that a nice ride, I took it out a few times, hard to deny the fun in it, maybe I'd go for one, too much of a luxury now, but there are times it would be nice to go for a cruise out his way or similar, so the bug does get in and stay with you LOL !

Do yourself and her a favor and sell it before you are posting on here about the high cost of a funeral. While motorcyclist are constantly complaining about drivers of cars and trucks (which is true) the bike riders are just as bad if not worse. The difference is if you make a mistake in your car you have many layers of steel, glass and padding between you and the object you failed to account for and the pavement. On a motorcycle you have a few layers of cotton cloth an maybe some leather.


I agree - you may have messed up, but its nothing you can't correct.

I agree.

I danged near clobbered a lady on a motorcycle a couple of weeks ago. I was driving down a street. She and her husband/partner were parked in a parking space, on my right, each on their own bike, both facing the street, she nearest to me. She had her head turned to the right, talking to her partner. With her head still turned to the right, and without looking my way, she simply dropped the clutch and pulled out about 30 feet in front of me.

I laid some rubber, but I didn't hit her. Bikers always complain about car and truck drivers, but I've seen bikers do things equally stupid.

I've had a lot of fun on motorcycles in my day, but there was a time some 30 years ago when something told me to quit while I was ahead.

I stopped riding. You can call me soft (or worse), but there are too many people with their nose burried in their phone when they're driving. Too many close calls from cars that were not paying attention.

I missed it at first, but now it doesnt bother me. Too busy going to the kids games and such anyways. "Me time" is a thing of the past nowdays.

Hope you both heal up quickly.

My wife just got another one, at age 64, a Yamaha Virago,250cc, about 300 lbs. and very low, perfect for her! She had a Kawasaki 100 42 years ago for about 5 years, but then we had 2 children, so we sold it. Starting out on an 1100 seems ridiculous to me!

I was trying not to go into that direction, not to rain on the parade, trust me, I know first hand the results, in person, very graphic and extremely unpleasant results. One of my considerations as to why I don't ride much at all any more. Lots of other things can get you, and you don't have a lot of protection on one of these, its a decision one has to make before embarking to ride a motorcycle. No EMS person here, but I have been first on scene more than once, witnessed more than one fatality in person, and can count more incidents that I have fingers. Lost several friends, and an uncle who slammed into the back of a dump truck in NC, 10-15-02, was the one to inform family members. However, it would not stop me, but it does make me extremely cautious. They are highly dangerous given all aspects involved. One has to realize that every time they get on one. Maybe it needs to be said, you just hate to ruin it for others. My good friend rides his often, here and back home, he too knows of many such incidents in graphic detail.

Don't listen to any of these guys, you went the wrong direction. Sell the Shadow and get her AND you a V-MAX or Hyabusa. Then just let Natural Selection take it's course. You may even win an award!

MSF class for sure. The most important thing to be emphasized when teaching someone to ride is PULLING IN THE CLUTCH STOPS FORWARD MOMENTUM. Make sure they understand if they panic PULL IN CLUTCH first . Forget teaching them brakes [they will figure that out]. But when they are going across a parking lot outa control aiming for disaster it is because you didn't teach them pull in the clutch first. First thing that must be drilled into your head.

You are a funny man . A very sick ,but funny man .

As said below,1100cc is not a little bike.I too miss riding,and gave it up due to time limits.I later got back into quads,hauled to off road parks=pay to ride.It's safer than being on the streets,but has it's dangers too.But either way,she and you,need to start off small=250cc is good beginner size.They are lighter and more nimble,less powerful.I think a rider's course may help,but previous riding(off road) helps make the course more beneficial.Find someone who has experience to help you.Mark

I'd love to tell you I do not understand your problem but I can not since I have 6 bikes out in the tractor shed. But an 1100 is not a good bike to start learning or re-learning how to to ride. I learned and so did my son to start small and work you way up to big never the other way around or you tend to get hurt.

I too say to take the safety course. You and her will learn a lot. I still have two road bikes that I / We ride. I have had a lot of enjoyment with them through the years.

Thanks for the comments, fellas. It seems to be the consensus that next to selling the bike or
getting a smaller bike, enrolling her in a riding course would be the best approach. In all
fairness, she had already looked into that: they offer a course at LSU, but she has a problem
scheduling it around her job.

Jerry,

I don't know a lot about motor-cycles but I have been around airplanes all my life. This sounds a lot like learning how to fly in a Boeing 747.

It can be a bit overwhelming when you start riding. There is a lot happening , and you have to be a defencive driver. Half of all M.C. fatalities are riding without a valad Motorcycle endorcement. Look around In Wisconsin some of the tech schools offer safe rider classes,and A.B.A.T.E. also sponcers both novice and experianced rider classes. I dont know your location,but you could find out who has classes . It wouldnt hurt to find a smaller street bike to practice on and get a feel for how it all works then move up to the big boy. Generaly,once you have a "feel"for it,the bigger bikes are more stable ,and not as "twichy" as the smaller bikes. it also helps to have friends to ride with ,they can help with advice,and pointers on how to make the bike fit you. sometimes if a bike doesnt feel right changing the handle bars,or seat can make a world of difference .Good luck,dress appropriatly (long pants,boots, gloves,jacket,eyewear,and maybe a skid lid) and ride safe

A friend of mine from high school days (35-40 yrs ago) got a Sportster a few yrs ago to 'learn' on.
Last yr stopped by and she had a full dress 1200.
She put 4 times the miles on her sportster than her husband put on his full dress.
Oh yea, she's about 5'3" and pushing 115-120 lbs.

I suggest if possible AFTER the safety course locate a smaller (maybe a dirt bike) and got some seat time under "both" your belts, even if just running around a field for a couple or more months. Then grab ahold of the big one.
Be safe and enjoy

Wow, what a story! In the '60's I had a Cushman Eagle for a couple years as a teen and my first wheels. Then saw at work a guy had a Triumph TR 6 650 cc. Dad didn't argue when I wanted to buy if off the guy which I did. I think I'm lucky to have survived, it was a wild ride, even put racing gears in it so it was geared down, very quick accelerating. Been riding bikes ever since, currently have a 1100 cc. Doesn't scare me a bit, just plain FUN! Like for instance pulling out on a 4 lane road with traffic off a ways. Cars get over in the passing lane thinking I'm going to be in the way, I hit the gas and they never come close. Well, now I'm back to also having a Cushman Eagle and a Cushman step thru. Not ready to give up any of 'em.

I would park the Shadow for a while and have your daughter learn to ride on a smaller older bike for a while. Limit the weight of the smaller bike to twice her weight so she can easily control it in any situation. Try to match the riding characteristics and controls to the larger bike: a single cylinder 4 stroke will have mostly low end torque like the V-twin. Make sure she can put both feet on the ground when seated on any bike including the Shadow.

Others suggested a motorcycle class, I agree. Many years ago I took one after a twenty year absence from riding and it helped more than I expected. The class used very small bikes 50cc to 125cc because more smaller bikes fit in the trainer's trailer. The small bikes worked very well as people could concentrate on traffic and avoiding obstacles instead of how to control a 600 pound bike at low speeds.

Have your daughter show her class completion certificate to her insurance agent, the insurance discount more than pays for the class.

I have rode for 40 years. I agree with getting a smaller 4 stroke bike to learn on. I also agree with the bike course.
J

I rode machines most of my life I even had a new Harley Dual Glide in 1963 The last big one was a Gold Wing. I never liked that one, Too clumsy Just didn't like it, And then I started making too many mistakes with it so I knew it was time to get rid of it. Then I got a scooter I think it was called a Honda Helix ?? any way I would have liked to have killed myself on that thing. so I got rid of that thing and got a Golf Cart. now by god if some one don't run over me I'll be OK Thanks Jack

As a former MSF instructor, I have to say by all means take the beginner riders course. Both of you should go and enjoy it! Anyone can learn the proper techniques, in fact, the people with the least experience do the best, since they don't already "know it all". The farm boys who had ridden dirt bikes most of their lives were the worst ones to learn the proper ways...I had to spend a lot of time having them "unlearn" the wrong techniques. The course starts off just pushing and balancing, and by the end of the weekend, you are riding full on at an object and can be directed to avoid it at the last moment. In Minnesota, taking the class and passing it successfully gives you your full operators license, not just a permit. Please consider enrolling, it will be some money and time well spent!

5'3", 123 pounds was female student couple years back, had her on a old CM400 Honda and made her pick it up a couple times before letting her drive off side street. She half dropped it and laid it down at stop sign and tried the 'whimper, I'm a poor weak female needing help routine' - and I reminded her that's why I made you pick it up from laying sideways, do it again now. She had 2 weeks of scooter basics with a 49cc Yamaha- legal in Wisconsin with car license- before she got her permit and did learn to ride mostly safe and get to work a couple times. If she hadn't got her 3rd drunk driving in the car ticket, might have gotten motorcycle license. She's walking and bumming rides now, little CM400 had a new student last year- 5'10" 225 pound guy. Goldwing is still in garage, CM400 on garden shed and Suzi was out on road last month before the chill weather came back. Your case , park the 1100 and go see 'Girl with Dragon Tattoo' in the Swedish version and look close at the Kaw 125 dual sport ridden by female lead who is rather small. think about old bike same size engine- find a 125 about 10 years old- Honda, Kaw, whatever- for both of you to relearn how to ride around, watch out for traffic and large pedestrians(like Talers). Suzuki makes a single cylinder 650 as the S40 in dual sport, cruiser and bare models- the cruiser style is good for the shorter riders and is good enough for most highways, learning and commuting- is 30hp instead of 90hp. Straddle fit is important- can rider sit on seat and have both feet on ground flat footed? Local shafty club used to have a bunch of little ladies riding old /2 BMWs with low seats- some of these were hi-bred rigs with the low /2 frame and later /5 or /6 engine with electric start, one lady had big sidecar and brought both kids to rally with her. Honda Shadow with a Urals sidecar might be interesting- mild tease here, sidecars are a different way to ride compared to 2 wheels, more danger for new riders. Honda made Shadows in 500cc and 700, 750 beside the big 1100-- 700 seemed to be popular with some of the young-and older- ladies at spring rallies, Yamaha Vstar 535 is another moderate weight, short legged new rider suitable cycle. Maybe stop at local riders hangout and ask who has a "rat' trainer available? RN.

What impresses me are the tiny girls that race NHRA pro stock motorcycles that reach almost 200 mph in around 7 seconds for a quarter mile. THAT would take guts!

(quoted from post at 01:52:03 05/15/15)
I know a lot of you guys ride, so please give me some insight: is the learning curve for this size
bike too steep for a small female first-time rider, or is she more likely to kill herself before
she learns? I don’t know if I have any say in the matter, she’s a grown woman and she’s probably
going to make her own decision. Still, I’d enjoy your input.

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Thats a really big (heavy) bike and a really small person to be learning on it. I believe it could be too steep of a learning curve, you hear stories all the time of people buying them, never get the hang of it or comfortable on it then it sits in the garage. She could kill herself, no doubt about it but thankfully odds are against it because it cant kill her if its sitting in the garage... but it COULD happen.

Buy on older, small bike to learn on. They are affordable, even if she just bought a big bike and had to borrow money to get it. The little bikes depreciate and then just hold value as long as she dont drop it of course. She (or you) can buy it this year for a grand or less and sell it for the same price next year, only thing you are out is the price of title, tages and insurance but you are going to be paying that anyway on the big bike.

If she resists getting a 250 like you recommended before, just ask her if she wants to [b:600acae6ce][i:600acae6ce]ride[/i:600acae6ce][/b:600acae6ce] a bike or if she just wants to own it (while it sits in the garage)? If she gets a small bike and learns, she stands a chance of working her way up someday. If she dont, that bike will likely be in the same spot in the garage 10 years from now with maybe 1,000 more miles on it.

Good luck and ride safe, both of you.