Last Update: 15 October 2025

If you’re interested in If you’re searching for motorcycles for women, whether you’re just getting into motorcycling  or even recently completed a rider training safety course, you’re likely ready to take the next exciting step—buying a motorcycle.
With nearly four decades of experience training riders to both ride and race, I’ve come to understand the key factors that matter most when it comes to motorcycles for women. While some may believe there’s no difference between bikes suited for men or women, experience proves otherwise. Certain motorcycle features better complement the average woman’s physique and riding style — making the whole experience more comfortable, confidence-boosting, and, yes, fun and fabulous.

Before we explore the six standout motorcycles for women, it’s essential to review some core considerations that will guide you to the right choice.

Your motorcycle of choice should be fun, fabulous and bring out the best in you. You need to overpower the motorcycle, not the other way around. And feel confidence with feet flat on the ground.

Vicki Gray

Start Here: Key Questions to Guide Your Choice

What do you plan to do with the motorcycle?
Will it be for weekend rides only, daily commuting to work or school, long-distance touring adventures, or off-road adventures with friends? And will you be carrying a passenger eventually? These questions matter because your riding lifestyle will greatly narrow down the type of motorcycle that fits you best. After all, you wouldn’t buy cross-country skis if all you wanted was downhill skiing!

Are you willing and able to do maintenance?
If so, you might consider more intricate or vintage models that require extra “tender loving care.” Or perhaps a two-stroke motorcycle, which generally demands more upkeep than a four-stroke. Your willingness to maintain your bike will impact what’s a practical choice. And if you’re not willing to do the maintenence be sure you buy a newer model that’s fairly maintenance free.

Is your dealership nearby, and are parts easily available?
If you buy an exotic brand like Aprilia, MV Agusta, or BMW but the nearest dealer is hours away, servicing could be difficult. Also, consider parts availability — waiting weeks for a replacement can cost you valuable riding time. Japanese brands (Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki) tend to have widely available parts and reliable dealer networks.

What’s your style? Are you brand-focused?
Are you drawn to sporty machines, wilderness adventure bikes, cruisers, or long-distance tourers? Do you prefer German or American-made motorcycles? Your personal style and brand preference should weigh into your decision.

What is your experience level and confidence?
If you’re still nervous with throttle control, opt for a bike with lower horsepower and torque. Forget “cc” as the sole measure of power—what really counts is the power-to-weight ratio and how that power delivers to the rear wheel. A bike with smooth, manageable power lets you build confidence. Overpowering a motorcycle at speed or during slow maneuvers only fuels anxiety and slows skill development. Many new riders pick bikes based on desire or “clout,” often pushed by retailers suggesting models you’ll “grow into.” That’s risky and can lead to your bike spending more time parked than ridden. Choose a motorcycle that feels fun and fabulous, one you can confidently control — yes, with feet flat on the ground.

What is your budget?
Budget often limits your options. Don’t forget to factor in insurance costs, which can vary widely depending on location and bike type.

Used or new?
I usually recommend buying used for your first or even second bike. Many riders love owning motorcycles but don’t ride them enough to justify new prices. You can find well-cared-for used bikes at dealerships. But if you can afford your dream bike, go for it!

Often that “growing into” stage comes with too much anxiety – meaning, your new ride sits in the garage. Your motorcycle of choice should be fun, fabulous and bring out the best in you. You need to overpower the motorcycle, not the other way around. And yes with feet flat on the ground.

Vicki Gray

How These Motorcycles for Women Were Chosen:

• Fit and comfort
• Size and weight
• Manoeuvrability and performance
• Care and maintenance.

Main Motorcycle Types / Key Categories:

CRUISER: 
Low center of gravity for easier balance and maneuverability. Low seat height makes it ideal for on-road riding, commuting, and touring. Features an upright riding position for comfort on longer rides.

STANDARD:
Similar to a cruiser but with a slightly higher center of gravity and taller seat height. Features plain design and technology, offering good maneuverability and versatile riding comfort.

SPORT | SPORTBIKE | RACEBIKE:
Built with race-inspired technology and a forward-leaning riding position. It features sharp throttle response and strong braking. Generally lightweight but with a higher center of gravity, which can feel top-heavy. Seat heights vary.

DUAL PURPOSE:
Built for both on- and off-road use, with a taller frame for greater ground clearance. Typically heavier due to a higher center of gravity but still offers good maneuverability.

TOURING  | SPORT TOURING:
Built for long-distance comfort and carrying capacity, these bikes have larger engines and heavier frames to handle extra cargo and storage. They come in various styles — including cruiser, sport touring, and dual-purpose (ADV)—offering a blend of comfort and performance.

OFF-ROAD | DIRTBIKE | MOTOCROSS:
Designed for dirt trails and off-road terrain, these lightweight bikes feature minimal accessories and knobby tires optimized for gravel and loose surfaces—but not ideal for pavement riding.

ADV (Adventure):
Adventure motorcycles designed for both on- and off-road riding. Built rugged and versatile, they’re typically tall and heavy, with features like large wheels, long-travel suspension, upright seating, and extended fuel range—perfect for tackling diverse terrains and long-distance touring.

SCOOTER:
Automatic motorcycles with a step-through design, available with small or larger tires and engine sizes from 50cc to 1200cc. Ideal for commuting and touring, they offer ample storage and require low maintenance.

Six Fun and Fabulous Motorcycles for Women

There are more options than ever before in motorcycles for women. Each motorcycle manufacturer has many more models in their product line suitable for women riders than ever before in history. So, with the wide array of possibilities it is difficult to narrow things down to six models –  as really, each motorcycle type has its plus points.
However, the following models stand out.

Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 ABS

 Key Features

• Sport cruiser, great performance and easy to manage and manoeuvre.
• Ergo fitted to your body.
• Great for urban or fun sporty rides through the canyons; for long distance touring
• Wide turning radius for easy manoeuvring.
• Easily maintained, low maintenance costs.
• Numerous accessories, colours and customizations available.
• Affordable – fits the budget at under $10,000.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

 Key Features

• Authentic cruiser.
• Narrow, low, lightweight.
• Easy to keep up; low maintenance needs.
• Great for urban riding and for short distances. Not best fit for long distance touring.
• Numerous accessories, colours and customizations available.
• Affordable price point under $10,000.

BMW F 700 GS

 Key Features

• Dual purpose great for on road, for adventure riding, rougher terrain and long distance rides.
• Lightweight, narrow sit.
• Lots of features including heated grips.
• Seat height options; four seat styles to fit you.
• Narrow sit, easy to manoeuvre, lower centre of gravity with central fuel tank.
• Great price point starting at below $11,000.

Triumph Bobber Black

 Key Features

• Naked, street-fighter style with a 1,200 cc parallel-twin delivering 77 hp and strong low-end torque.
• Low seat height (~690 mm) suits shorter riders.
• Weighs about 553 lb (251 kg), lighter than many cruisers.
• Equipped with dual 310 mm Brembo front discs, ABS, traction control, and two ride modes.
• Solo seat and minimal wind protection make it best for city rides and short trips.
• Starts around $12,000 USD (CAD $13,750+).

Ducati Monster

Key Features

• Standard, naked style with a sport bike ability.
• Urban, touring, and great on the track for a track day.
• Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, narrow sit.
• A little more intricate with maintenance which will also be a little pricier.
• Little higher price tag as is a more exotic make (Italian). Budget for that in your service schedule as well.
• Any model under 900cc has a bit more advanced-rider torque management needed.
• Manufacturer Suggested Retail from $9000. and up

Kawasaki Ninja 400 (or 300)

 Key Features

• Race inspired sport bike.
• Doesn’t look like a 400 but appears as larger cc motorcycle.
• Super lightweight, agile, narrow and low to the ground.
• Great for inner city, highway rides and touring -depending on personal comfort needs.
• Nice features and colours to accent your personality.
• Terrific on the track as well.
• Great price point starting at: $5000. and up

After considering all the factors above, there’s one final and most important element—your personal style and preference. Whether it’s a sleek sport bike with a pop of pink or a retro café racer  with a bit of character, if it makes you excited to ride, go for it!

Have fun and ride safe!

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