Statistics purport that by virtue of motorcycle sales the Harley Sportster is the motorcycle women choose most often. In 1990, 4% of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles purchased were by women, today women account for nearly 12% of new Harley-Davidson sales in the U.S. Out of the 12% of Harley Davidson’s sold to women, the Sportster is the number one motorcycle.
After viewing this link, I can understand why women are enthralled. The 883 low Sportster is attractive and affordable as is the 1200 Nightster. The look of the bike is very, well, retro, which I definitely find attractive.
Another Harley Davidson attraction is the fact that they will guarantee the price paid on your new Sportster, and offer you exactly that as trade in when you go to upgrade your bike. The community support for women riders is amazing at Harley and they have a webpage offering events, stories and the history of women riders.
The new 09 Sportster low offers seat heights of 25.29 inches adjusted to the lowest setting. Being it is always best to able to flatfoot your motorbike for safely sake, this is a real advantage for many women. There are very few higher displacement motorcycles on which women can even touch the ground without lowering kits or seat shaving.
The Sportster could lose a few lbs however weighing in at a hefty 553 lbs dry. Add some gas (at approximately 6 lbs per gallon) in the tiny 3.30 gallon tank and suddenly you are picking up approximately 573lbs. Phew.
You will be dropping your bike at one point or another so you may as well learn how to pick it up, but remember is there is help around, it is always best to have assistance!
Well, even I learned a thing or two with that video, thanks Bill. But one thing he neglects to mention is the fact to beware of your exhaust. If the bike has been running the exhaust can be VERY hot. So, kill switch and exhaust.
I too forgot to mention the price of the new Harley Sportster. The bike starts at a reasonable 7K and rises to 10K for the 1200 version. Like always, I recommend starting on a used smaller displacement motorcycle, however once you have some miles in the saddle, this seems like a very reasonable machine to buy, if you are looking for a Harley!
Also, for those unenchanted with the cruiser styled standard, check out the Buell. An alternative “Harley” with a lower seat height, and a sportier fell.