Bike for a women , who actually uses it !
Discussion
I hate this what should I get questions but I'm struggling as I'm trying to help but it's not for me.
So basically a women I know is taking full bike test she lives in a city and as such no need for a car anymore.
Currently she is using a Yamaha delight scooter for transport. Whilst this is great the odd occasion she does more miles, out into the sticks. It's about 25 miles to mine on country roads or motorway. It's a bit of a mare.
She does not want the cost of a car as 90% of the time she is scootering or cycling for work. So the conclusion is get test past and have a little more power. Requirements are :
1. Not to big / heavy ( she managed a go on my cbr600 but want exactly easy )
2. Can go on motorway if needed
3. Easy to operate
4. Stylish to an extent
So far I've shown
Piaggio 300 scooter - she quite likes and would be very usable plus one overtook me on motorway at 80ish with a bloke on
Honda cb400ss JDM loves the look but very old tech would prefer injection
The new Ducati scrambler 400 LOVES the look of this but not seen one in flesh for size etc and is big end of budget
KTM duke 390, looks ok she prefers sleeker looks but seems good size / weight plenty about and one almost like new condition can be had for around 3k
Ideas please.
So basically a women I know is taking full bike test she lives in a city and as such no need for a car anymore.
Currently she is using a Yamaha delight scooter for transport. Whilst this is great the odd occasion she does more miles, out into the sticks. It's about 25 miles to mine on country roads or motorway. It's a bit of a mare.
She does not want the cost of a car as 90% of the time she is scootering or cycling for work. So the conclusion is get test past and have a little more power. Requirements are :
1. Not to big / heavy ( she managed a go on my cbr600 but want exactly easy )
2. Can go on motorway if needed
3. Easy to operate
4. Stylish to an extent
So far I've shown
Piaggio 300 scooter - she quite likes and would be very usable plus one overtook me on motorway at 80ish with a bloke on
Honda cb400ss JDM loves the look but very old tech would prefer injection
The new Ducati scrambler 400 LOVES the look of this but not seen one in flesh for size etc and is big end of budget
KTM duke 390, looks ok she prefers sleeker looks but seems good size / weight plenty about and one almost like new condition can be had for around 3k
Ideas please.
Firstly, what is the budget?
Secondly, if she is going to be operating in the dark, it's important you take lights into consideration - I had an 1st gen MSX125 that had the lighting of a small candle.
I would suggest something like the CBR300 if a proper bike is needed as some of these modern scooters are huge.
If height is an issue, the new Honda CMX500 Rebel has a very low seat height and looks like a cross Harley/dirt racer but that's £5400.
Secondly, if she is going to be operating in the dark, it's important you take lights into consideration - I had an 1st gen MSX125 that had the lighting of a small candle.
I would suggest something like the CBR300 if a proper bike is needed as some of these modern scooters are huge.
If height is an issue, the new Honda CMX500 Rebel has a very low seat height and looks like a cross Harley/dirt racer but that's £5400.
Edited by LuS1fer on Sunday 29th October 10:56
jumpingloci said:
Seconded on the VanVan 200. Nice, light, manageable bike with enough legs to do the A-roads and a bit of dual carriageway/motorway work.
My wife has a VanVan 200 and I must admit to sneaking a wee run on it myself. Its very easy and no threatening to ride, easy to flat foot and move around. Not brisk but enough performance. If you want a little more go for around the same weight/size etc consider the MT03(the new 300cc one not the 660cc single)
The Vespa 300 is a great comfortable all rounder, I’ve had the 250 before and have had a 300 for 3 years now; it’s my daily transport.
I own a vfr400 too and can safely say a commute into London is quicker on the Vespa.
You sit up, command a good view of the road, your legs a shielded plus with the granny blanket on can remain warm for longer. It’s also quite quick, for a scooter.
I own a vfr400 too and can safely say a commute into London is quicker on the Vespa.
You sit up, command a good view of the road, your legs a shielded plus with the granny blanket on can remain warm for longer. It’s also quite quick, for a scooter.
hucumber said:
Surely the 400's must get a look in? To me the old vfr's, gsxr's, zxr's etc look as fantastic today as they ever did, plus great handling and a feeling that you are riding a proper bike
I wouldnt say an 20-30 year old+ SS 400 is a great learner bike for a lady, low seat height aside, just because its "only" 400cc , most of them are knackered anyway and those that are not are in the collectable bracket and quite serious money.Also be aware OP that something with a smaller cc may not automatically be that light, some of the old bogo retro looking stuff AND scooters will be heavier than something like a CBR600 , as are many of the 400s mentioned above.
My good lady loves her 2001 CBR600, its light, comfy and is more than capable of motorway work, which, as nice as a Van Van is, its certainly doesn't fit that brief.
Of your choices, the Duke gets my vote.
obscene said:
Can't recommend the 390 Duke enough. Great little bike and I prefer it over it's bigger brother the 690. I don't think she can really go wrong with the little duke.
I second that. They are agile, weigh very little and the old model that was replaced a month or so ago can still be had new at dealers at a discounted price.
I use a Vespa 250 GTS far more than I have ever used any of my proper bikes. Cheap to run, don't care where I leave it, don't care if I get caught in the rain (waterproofs stored underseat), not many bikes quicker through traffic and, although capable, I don't have to worry too much about losing licence.
My partner has a bike licence too so can just jump on it if she ever needs too
My partner has a bike licence too so can just jump on it if she ever needs too
Ilovejapcrap said:
1. Not to big / heavy ( she managed a go on my cbr600 but want exactly easy )
2. Can go on motorway if needed
3. Easy to operate
4. Stylish to an extent
So far I've shown
Piaggio 300 scooter - she quite likes and would be very usable plus one overtook me on motorway at 80ish with a bloke on
Honda cb400ss JDM loves the look but very old tech would prefer injection
The new Ducati scrambler 400 LOVES the look of this but not seen one in flesh for size etc and is big end of budget
KTM duke 390, looks ok she prefers sleeker looks but seems good size / weight plenty about and one almost like new condition can be had for around 3k
Ideas please.
CB400 Super Four2. Can go on motorway if needed
3. Easy to operate
4. Stylish to an extent
So far I've shown
Piaggio 300 scooter - she quite likes and would be very usable plus one overtook me on motorway at 80ish with a bloke on
Honda cb400ss JDM loves the look but very old tech would prefer injection
The new Ducati scrambler 400 LOVES the look of this but not seen one in flesh for size etc and is big end of budget
KTM duke 390, looks ok she prefers sleeker looks but seems good size / weight plenty about and one almost like new condition can be had for around 3k
Ideas please.
I have a Ducati Scrambler 62, which I think is a great bike and ideal for the variable Thai roads over here. But, it is a bit on the heavy side and she may struggle with it around town.
My friend had a KTM 390 and I road that often. Very light and was a blast on each trip.
Also, although assembled in India, the quality was superb. Geat spec and lots of aftermarket stuff available at good prices.
Best mod is to drop the back sprocket by 4 teath........makes it much more rideable.
Also, for the money, great value.
Here they are around 190,000 bht ( approx £4500 ) whereas the Ducati is 280,000 bht ( £ 6500 ish)
The UK has the 2017 model in the dealers now, great looking bike, we still get the old 2016 models in Thailand and no idea when the new one comes.
KTM gets my vote.
My friend had a KTM 390 and I road that often. Very light and was a blast on each trip.
Also, although assembled in India, the quality was superb. Geat spec and lots of aftermarket stuff available at good prices.
Best mod is to drop the back sprocket by 4 teath........makes it much more rideable.
Also, for the money, great value.
Here they are around 190,000 bht ( approx £4500 ) whereas the Ducati is 280,000 bht ( £ 6500 ish)
The UK has the 2017 model in the dealers now, great looking bike, we still get the old 2016 models in Thailand and no idea when the new one comes.
KTM gets my vote.
Doesn't look common on smaller bikes, but I'd want ABS on anything I bought these days. I've actually triggered mine only three times in 5 years and 60k miles of year round riding, but one of those definitely saved me from a fall. I think as a less experienced / confident rider it's worth looking for.
KTM for me.
KTM for me.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff