A few weekends ago I finished the MSF Course, and thus began my journey in searching for a motorcycle.
What I didn’t anticipate, and what is now obvious is: I’m short, I’m 5’2″. So, I needed a bike that would accommodate that! This became very obvious after making a trip to see a bike, and loving the look of it, but realizing that I had to stretch to reach everything. Not a good plan. I really shouldn’t have to point my toe out like a ballerina to reach the rear brake! I realized I needed to try on some bikes.
As I visited three different dealerships, straddling each bike, playing “Motorcycle Cinderella,” two bikes fit—the Kawasaki Vulcan 500, and the Suzuki S40 Boulevard (650).
The dealership wanted ten thousand, which included positioning all of the controls, for the Vulcan. I went home and did some research.
After finding some very favorable reviews of the Suzuki S40 Boulevard on Youtube, I looked on Cragislist for a used one.
I spent some hours with some lovely people, who were kind and helpful. Their S40 had gone through several women riders in their family, and she was well taken care of. I felt all the more comfortable, as the woman I was buying the bike from was built just like me—short and stocky. My research and my knowledge of it all came together, and it felt right.
I brought “Pinkie” home! She is a single cylinder 650. She has one carburetor. She is simple, not a lot of parts (which is good for repair and upkeep).
I am also happy with her styling. I don’t know a lot about her performance through my experience yet, but people really seem to be loyal to the bike. I found an online forum which is excellent with support and technical knowledge. I am so excited for all that I’m going to learn, the confidence it’s going to build, and the adventure!
