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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 29 Dec 2012
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getting my wife to ride
Hi everyone
i am trying to get my wife to join me on trips i ride a tiger 800xc but my has never been on a bike and i want her so bad to join me on the trips i am planning in the next few years ( not pillion ) she is 5 foot 5 needs a bike to suit her but not scare her does anyone have any ideas what i should i buy
Happy biking
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  #2  
Old 29 Dec 2012
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G'day CBB,


I would start her out on a small 4 stroke dirt bike, an XR80 or similar, try riding in a field then the trails close to home and hopefully she will get into it. Learning how a bike moves around on the dirt is IMHO the best training one can have, It's damn good fun too. Mind you there will be spills and being out on a grassy field is far, far more forgiving than being on the road. It will take time, be patient and get the dirt training underway and the confidence built first, proper courses, licence and suitable bikes will all fall into place thereafter. Good luck and happy trails.
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Old 30 Dec 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drwnite View Post
G'day CBB,


I would start her out on a small 4 stroke dirt bike, an XR80 or similar, try riding in a field then the trails close to home and hopefully she will get into it. Learning how a bike moves around on the dirt is IMHO the best training one can have, It's damn good fun too. Mind you there will be spills and being out on a grassy field is far, far more forgiving than being on the road. It will take time, be patient and get the dirt training underway and the confidence built first, proper courses, licence and suitable bikes will all fall into place thereafter. Good luck and happy trails.
thanks for info i think she wouldn't be up for trail bike more mid range the xr80 looks great fun it reminds me of my old 175 yam back in the 80s
happy biking
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  #4  
Old 30 Dec 2012
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I'm 5"2 and my first bike and true love was a 2001 BMW F 650 GS. I also rode a Simson Schwalbe while going through everything I needed to do for the German motorcycle test. Germans do not let you ride your bike on the road without an instructor following you, but the Schwalbe is not considered a motorcycle despite having to switch gears. So it gave me confidence on a little bike while doing the practical on the bigger bike!

You can also ask your wife to read some posts on my blog where I feature other women who have become overland riders:

Women Overland Riders Share Part Of Their Story

Rachel got her license and then rode to Mongolia that week! The whole point of the guest posts is to get other women to realize how wonderful overland adventure motorcycling is! Maybe we can inspire her. :-)
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  #5  
Old 30 Dec 2012
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Originally Posted by gypsyprincess View Post
I'm 5"2 and my first bike and true love was a 2001 BMW F 650 GS. I also rode a Simson Schwalbe while going through everything I needed to do for the German motorcycle test. Germans do not let you ride your bike on the road without an instructor following you, but the Schwalbe is not considered a motorcycle despite having to switch gears. So it gave me confidence on a little bike while doing the practical on the bigger bike!

You can also ask your wife to read some posts on my blog where I feature other women who have become overland riders:

Women Overland Riders Share Part Of Their Story

Rachel got her license and then rode to Mongolia that week! The whole point of the guest posts is to get other women to realize how wonderful overland adventure motorcycling is! Maybe we can inspire her. :-)
Hi gypsy
Thanks for info the bmw looks perfect now all i ve got to do is convince her to start riding she's a bit unsure about riding not ever ridden a bike before. Any hints on how to get her going
Happy biking
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  #6  
Old 30 Dec 2012
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Hi

Basically, I think to get your wife to join you, you need to get her excited about it. If you want me to talk to her, pm me your number. She has to want to do it otherwise it just won't happen. I honestly never thought I would be able to ride but I do. Not only do I enjoy the riding, I enjoy the new friends I have found through riding.

I met my boyfriend two and a half years ago. I had never been on a motorbike in any capacity when I met him. I went as pillion the second weekend and fell in love with the bike but could never imagine myself riding. However, I decided to learn (at 52 years of age, it was hard, but I got there in the end). After my CBT my boyfriend bought me a Suzuki GN125 and I did lots of miles on that learning road sense etc. He then bought me a BMW F650GS and I took my motorbike test on that. I passed on the Wednesday and crashed on the Saturday shattering my shoulder in 5 places and my wrist. I couldn't ride for 5 months but got back on and took further training both on BikeSafe and RoSPA.

I love riding now and can't wait for the spring so I can get back out on the road again. I am even planning a trip along Route 66 in America.

I hope you manage to encourage her!
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