Top 20 Best Motorcycles for Women
Motorcycling has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, but in recent years, more and more women are discovering the joys and freedom of riding their bikes. The upward trend of more women interested in riding motorcycles prompted us to put together an ultimate guide to Harleys for female riders. Check that out after reading this piece.
Whether you're a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, choosing the right motorcycle can make all the difference in your riding experience. In this article, we'll explore the top 20 best motorcycles for women, considering size, weight, power, and ergonomics to help you find the perfect bike for your needs and riding style.
Key Takeaway:
The perception of motorcycles for women is shifting - there are different motorcycles for women, catering to all experience levels and riding styles.
Selecting the right motorcycles for women involves considering size, weight, power, ergonomics, and safety features to enhance comfort and confidence on the road. The top options cater to various riding styles and experience levels, ensuring every woman can find a bike that meets her needs and preferences. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the right motorcycle can provide an enjoyable and empowering riding experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle for Women
When selecting a motorcycle as a woman, there are several important factors to consider:
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Bike Size and Weight: Women generally have a lower center of gravity and less upper body strength than men, so choosing a bike you can comfortably handle and maneuver is crucial. Look for a motorcycle with a low seat height and a lightweight frame.
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Power and Performance: While power is important, you don't necessarily need a high-powered bike. Look for a model that offers a good balance of power and control, allowing you to feel confident and in command of the bike.
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Ergonomics: Ensure that the bike's controls, such as the handlebars, foot pegs, and seat, are easily accessible and comfortable for your body size and shape. This will help reduce fatigue and improve your overall riding experience.
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Safety Features: Consider motorcycles with advanced safety features, such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control, to help you stay in control and avoid accidents.
- Riding Style and Experience: Consider the type of riding you plan to do, whether it's commuting, touring, or off-road adventures, and choose a motorcycle that aligns with your riding style and experience level.
The Top 20 Motorcycles for Women
Here's a detailed review of the top 20 motorcycles for women:
#1: Honda Rebel 300/500.
Image credit: Powersports
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 286cc (Rebel 300) or 471cc (Rebel 500)
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 27.2 inches (Rebel 300) or 28.3 inches (Rebel 500)
- Dry Weight: 364 lbs (Rebel 300) or 408 lbs (Rebel 500)
Why It's Great for Women:
The Honda Rebel 300 and 500 are excellent choices for women riders. With their low seat height, lightweight frames, and user-friendly power delivery, these bikes offer a comfortable and confidence-inspiring riding experience, especially for beginners. The Rebel's classic cruiser styling and approachable performance make it a great all-around motorcycle for women of various skill levels.
#2: Yamaha V-Star 250.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 249cc
- Engine: V-twin
- Seat Height: 27.2 inches
- Dry Weight: 326 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Yamaha V-Star 250 is a fantastic entry-level motorcycle for women. Its low seat height and lightweight design make it easy to handle, while the V-twin engine provides a smooth and user-friendly power delivery. The V-Star 250 is an excellent choice for commuting, city riding, or cruising around town, offering a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride for beginner and experienced riders alike.
#3: Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 399cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 30.9 inches
- Dry Weight: 366 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great sportbike option for women riders. While it has a slightly higher seat height than some other bikes on this list, its lightweight chassis and user-friendly power delivery make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the thrill of sport riding. The Ninja 400 offers impressive performance without being overwhelming, making it a great stepping stone for women transitioning from beginner to more advanced riding.
#4: Suzuki SV650.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 645cc
- Engine: V-twin
- Seat Height: 31.9 inches
- Dry Weight: 437 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Suzuki SV650 is a versatile and approachable mid-size naked bike that's well-suited for women riders. With its torquey V-twin engine, the SV650 provides a thrilling yet manageable riding experience. The bike's upright riding position and relatively low seat height make it easy to handle, while its lightweight and agile handling make it a joy to ride whether you're commuting, touring, or exploring twisty roads.
#5: BMW G310R.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 313cc
- Engine: Single-cylinder
- Seat Height: 30.9 inches
- Dry Weight: 349 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The BMW G310R is a compact, lightweight, naked bike that's an excellent choice for women riders. Its single-cylinder engine delivers a smooth and user-friendly power output. At the same time, the bike's low seat height and compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and handle, even for smaller riders. The G310R's premium build quality and BMW's reputation for engineering excellence add to its appeal as a great all-around motorcycle for women.
#6: Ducati Scrambler Icon.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 803cc
- Engine: L-twin
- Seat Height: 31.1 inches
- Dry Weight: 403 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Ducati Scrambler Icon is a stylish and versatile motorcycle well-suited for women riders. Its retro-inspired design and user-friendly L-twin engine provide a fun and engaging riding experience. The Scrambler's relatively low seat height and lightweight chassis make it easy to handle, while its comfortable upright riding position and wide range of accessories allow for customization to suit your personal preferences.
#7: Honda CB500F.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 471cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 31.1 inches
- Dry Weight: 427 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Honda CB500F is a great all-around naked bike that is well-suited for women riders. Its parallel-twin engine provides a smooth and predictable power delivery, while the bike's lightweight chassis and low seat height make it easy to maneuver and handle. The CB500F's upright riding position and comfortable ergonomics make it a versatile choice for commuting, touring, or even light off-road excursions, making it a great option for women of all riding abilities.
#8: Triumph Street Twin.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 900cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 29.1 inches
- Dry Weight: 454 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Triumph Street Twin is a stylish and capable retro-inspired motorcycle well-suited for women riders. Its parallel-twin engine delivers a smooth and user-friendly power output, while the bike's low seat height and relatively lightweight design make it easy to handle. The Street Twin's comfortable riding position and wide range of customization options allow you to tailor the bike to your personal preferences, making it a great choice for women who want a versatile and enjoyable riding experience.
#9: Harley-Davidson Street 500/750.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 494cc (Street 500) or 749cc (Street 750)
- Engine: V-twin
- Seat Height: 28.3 inches (Street 500) or 28.5 inches (Street 750)
- Dry Weight: 489 lbs (Street 500) or 514 lbs (Street 750)
Why It's Great for Women:
The Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 are excellent choices for women riders drawn to the iconic American cruiser style. With their low seat heights, user-friendly V-twin engines, and relatively lightweight designs, these Harleys offer a comfortable and confidence-inspiring riding experience, especially for beginners or smaller-statured riders. The Street models' classic styling and Harley's reputation for quality and customer support make them appealing options for women who want to join the Harley-Davidson community.
#10: KTM 390 Duke.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 373cc
- Engine: Single-cylinder
- Seat Height: 32.3 inches
- Dry Weight: 368 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The KTM 390 Duke is a high-performance naked bike that's well-suited for women riders. While its seat height may be slightly taller than other options on this list, the 390 Duke's lightweight chassis, user-friendly power delivery, and agile handling make it an engaging and rewarding ride. The bike's modern design, advanced features, and KTM's reputation for performance make it an attractive choice for women who want a thrilling and capable motorcycle.
#11: Yamaha MT-07.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 689cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 32.4 inches
- Dry Weight: 419 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Yamaha MT-07 is a fantastic option for women riders seeking a thrilling and versatile motorcycle. While not the lightest bike on this list, its manageable weight and comfortable, upright riding position make it surprisingly maneuverable. The MT-07's torquey engine delivers exciting performance without being overwhelming, making it suitable for experienced riders and those graduating from a beginner bike.
#12: Kawasaki Vulcan S.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 649cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 27.8 inches
- Dry Weight: 472 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a cruiser designed with rider comfort in mind. Its low seat height and forward-set footpegs create a relaxed riding posture perfect for long cruises. The Vulcan S offers manageable power and a user-friendly design, making it a great choice for new riders or those returning to motorcycling after a hiatus.
#13: BMW F 750 GS.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 853cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 32.9 inches (adjustable)
- Dry Weight: 480 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The BMW F 750 GS is an adventure-ready motorcycle that's surprisingly approachable for women riders. The adjustable seat height allows for customization, while the comfortable riding position and smooth power delivery make it a great companion for exploring both paved and unpaved roads. With its excellent wind protection and luggage capacity, the F 750 GS is perfect for women seeking a motorcycle for adventure touring.
#14: Triumph Tiger 900.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 888cc
- Engine: Triple-cylinder
- Seat Height: 30.7 inches (adjustable)
- Dry Weight: 430 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Triumph Tiger 900 is a middleweight adventure bike that offers a thrilling riding experience for women seeking versatility. The adjustable seat height and comfortable ergonomics make it manageable for various riders, while the powerful engine provides exhilarating performance on both road and gravel. The Tiger 900 is great for women who enjoy exploring the outdoors and tackling challenging terrain.
#15: Honda CB300R.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 286cc
- Engine: Single-cylinder
- Seat Height: 30.7 inches
- Dry Weight: 341 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Honda CB300R is a lightweight, sporty motorcycle ideal for new riders or those who crave an elegant and exciting machine. Its user-friendly power delivery and comfortable riding position make it perfect for navigating city streets and learning the ropes. The CB300R's aggressive styling and sporty handling will appeal to women riders looking for a fun and practical motorcycle.
#16: Suzuki V-Strom 650.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 645cc
- Engine: V-twin
- Seat Height: 31.5 inches (adjustable)
- Dry Weight: 465 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is an adventure touring motorcycle that offers women riders a comfortable and capable ride. The adjustable seat height and upright ergonomics make it suitable for various body types, while the V-twin engine provides smooth power for exploring highways and backroads. With its wind protection and luggage capacity, the V-Strom 650 is a great choice for women who enjoy long-distance adventures.
#17: Yamaha XSR700.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 689cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 32.4 inches
- Dry Weight: 414 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Yamaha XSR700 is a retro-styled standard motorcycle that offers a thrilling and comfortable ride for women riders. It shares the same platform as the MT-07, so you get the benefits of a torquey engine and user-friendly handling in a classically inspired package. The XSR700's comfortable riding position and exciting performance make it a great choice for women who want a stylish and fun motorcycle.
#18: Kawasaki Z400.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 399cc
- Engine: Parallel-twin
- Seat Height: 30.9 inches
- Dry Weight: 364 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Kawasaki Z400 is a versatile and sporty motorcycle that's a great choice for women riders who want a bike that's comfortable for commuting and fun for weekend rides. It has a powerful engine and a comfortable riding position.
#19: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 373cc
- Engine: Single-cylinder
- Seat Height: 31.9 inches
- Dry Weight: 344 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a stylish and lightweight motorcycle that is perfect for urban riding. Its manageable weight and comfortable, upright riding position make it easy to maneuver through city streets. The Svartpilen 401's unique design and playful handling will appeal to women riders who want a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd.
#20: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Features and Specifications:
- Displacement: 648cc
- Engine: Twin-cylinder
- Seat Height: 30.7 inches
- Dry Weight: 411 lbs
Why It's Great for Women:
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a classic-styled motorcycle that offers women riders a comfortable and characterful ride. Its low seat height and relaxed riding position make it perfect for cruising around town or exploring scenic backroads. The Interceptor 650's timeless design and smooth power delivery will appeal to women who appreciate a motorcycle with vintage charm.
Final Thoughts on Motorcycles for Women
Choosing the right motorcycles for women can be daunting, but with the wide range of options available, there's sure to be a bike that fits your needs and riding style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the motorcycles featured in this article offer a great starting point for finding the perfect two-wheeled companion.
The most important factors when selecting a motorcycle are comfort, control, and confidence. Take the time to test ride different models, consider your riding goals and experience level, and be bold and ask for advice from experienced riders or motorcycle dealers. With the right bike and the proper gear, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the freedom and exhilaration of motorcycling.
Featured Image by webandi on Pixabay