Questions to Female Owners/Riders

[skeet]

Hello everyone, I'm a lurker, and I'll say this quietly, I also ride a 93 HD FXLR. My old body, Oh, I'm a middle aged woman, does not like the hard ride of the Harley anymore. So, I'm here courteous of Trip, to ask questions.

Being a women, I would enjoy hearing from other female owners who are riding their Nomads now. I have many questions about their experiences in lowering the bike so their feet will be flat on the ground. Since I'm only 5'4" now, due to shrinkage with age, what modifications have been done to their bikes to make their ride enjoyable.

So, if any ladies would like to chime in, please, do, I would love to hear how you changed your bike.

I'm looking for a bike now, but the prices are going thru the roof for used ones. If the modifications can be done to get it lower, then I'll seriously search for the right bike for me.

Skeet
aka Karen in Nashville

[MarkG]

I know two women riders that put thicker soles on their riding boots. One of them has boots with soles that are several inches thick. I think both of them had the seat modified to reduce the height a bit without actually lowering the bike. Just a thought if you haven't considered it. :)

[cactusjack]

I know two women riders that put thicker soles on their riding boots. One of them has boots with soles that are several inches thick. I think both of them had the seat modified to reduce the height a bit without actually lowering the bike. Just a thought if you haven't considered it. :)

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif I'm sorry Mark, but I'm sitting here picturing a female Herman Munster. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Oh, where are my manners? Welcome aboard, Skeet!

[watchman]

Ok I am not really a member, but my husband is. I have ridden the 04 Blue/silver Nomad 1500 and put a mustang seat and risers, it fit me quite well at 5'5". I really do like the feel of the 1500's. This bike was very comfortable for me, but I finally traded it in with 58,000 miles. I now have a 08 red/black nomad 1600, we put 1 inch lower progressive shocks on the back and it really did make a big difference for me. I have put on a mustang seat and phat II risers. This was a must for comfortable riding for me. It has taken about 2000 miles for me to get comfortable with the bike. It is everything, I was assured it would be by my husband and our friend Rick. The shocks made the front stand a little more straight up and down, making it a little easier to pick up. Which picking up a big bike it just turning the wheels away from the kickstand before getting on and up it will come. I hope this helps you. I really do like riding a nomad, it runs great at 80 or will move easy at low speeds too.

[bustagut]

even though i am a guy i am 5"4" and i put the spring setting on 2 and i have no proble reaching the ground and it is a great ride i have a 2000 nomad

[hollywood]

I love the Nomad. The seat height is not a problem to me since I am 5'9". I recently ordered the Phat II risers just so my arms can be bent a little more but haven't put them on yet. I have ridden the Harley's and they just can't compare to the comfort and style of the Nomad. It is a big heavy dog though. Don't even try to keep it from falling over if it starts to go. Just step off and let the crash bars hold it up. I have dropped mine several times in parking lots and such....no big deal.

Call around to all the dealerships in your area and ask for the out the door price (TTL). Tell them this is the only call they will get from you (to keep them from fudging). Ask if they have any new Nomads left over from last year.

I don't regret buying the Nomad at all. Good luck and send me a pm if you want more info or have any questions

[rlfaubion]

Wow what a bunch of cool ladies and of course our not so tall men for kick'n in and helping out. I just admire you all. My wife is 5.3 and wants to ride, so this is a good thread I'll share with her. Thanks guys errrr girls

[unwind2]

Hi Skeet- Welcome :).

I am a female - age...well I have an AARP card http://s2.images.proboards.com/lipsrsealed.gif. My Nomad is an -05 which is a 1600. I am 5'6". I am flat footed to the ground most of the time....depends on incline/decline etc. No mods to lower bike. Be sure if you have it lowered they are familiar with lowering as I was told lowering any bike affects the way it handles. I bought mine new fall of '05.....really enjoy it. I live in TN and summer before last went to Canada on it, last summer went to New York to Americade. Hope this helps.

[jmorrow]

My wife doesn't spend much time on a computer and she's not a member of this forum so, I'll answer for her.
She just bought an 04 Nomad in April 08. (she has been riding a Honda Spirit 1100) the Nomad fits her quiet well. It has a Corbin seat which IMO sits lower to the frame than the OEM or the Mustang seat. It has some kind of risers on it that bring the handler bars back to a comfortable position for her (mine are aeromach but I don't know what hers are) Her riser's come back closer to the operator than mine. They'll touch the dash on the tank.
But, like Hollywood said it a heavy piece of equipment. If it starts going over let it or you'll blow out a hemorrhoid trying to prevent it.

[beezer]

thicker soles will help

[skeet]

Good Morning everyone, thanks for the warm welcome. As far as my height, and some of you will not believe this, but THINNER INNER THIGHS make riding easier.... Yep, as my thighs got thicker, my legs got shorter. And having back problems added to the shrinkage. Even men shorter than me, can ride a taller bike, because they have no thighs.....go figure.

I like the idea of asking for an out the door price. I've noticed the used prices climbing up and up. When I walked into a local dealer on last Saturday, no one, no one would even talk to me. I was totally ignored. They were crowded with people, but as I was standing with my tongue hanging out over the new Nomads, not a single person came up to me to ask if I needed help. I felt like I was in a Harley dealer. So, I'll look else where.

I've fallen in love with an 2003 the beautiful Cranberry Red and Lt. Gold. they are hard to find around middle Tennessee. But if I can get a new one, then black will work also.

Thank you Ladies for your responses. The seat would be the first thing to change, add risers to get the bars back. I have been studying everything and would not like to have to change the height to keep the comfortable ride.

My job right now is to lesson the width of my rear end to fit a smaller seat and trim down my thighs to make my legs longer.

anybody have a thigh master they can send me!!!

Skeet

Maybe Suzanne Summers has an extra one around the house?

Welcome from drizzly San Diego from a passenger...can't help with your question but wanted to say 'Hey' anyways!!

[dantama]

I just came to see what the ladies were talking about :)

[hollywood]

A little clarification on my other post - I too had the same problem with the local dealer ignoring me in the showroom. I knew what I wanted and had cash in my pocket but they were idiots and ignored me. It really pissed me off.
I looked up every Kawasaki dealership from Dallas southward and called everyone of them. I found the best price at Universal City Kawasaki in San Antonio. I borrowed a trailer cuz it was raining and drove 250 miles to pick it up. He has the color I wanted at the right price. I called him and told him to have it ready. Walked in, they loaded it andout the door I went. Grinning ear to ear!
Now I take my bike to the Yamaha dealership for service cuz the local Kawa dealer has idiots in the service dept. too. But that's another story.

By the way, Do you have any problems picking the bike up off the kickstand???

[misunderstood]

I just came to see what the ladies were talking about :)

Me too. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[beezer]

Just checking in to see if anyone solved this dilemna.

[nomad1600]

Now I take my bike to the Yamaha dealership for service cuz the local Kawa dealer has idiots in the service dept. too. But that's another story.



So whats up with the Kawa Dealerships. I have had the same problems. I ask the guy in the Service Dept. to check the air in my rear shocks at the 600 mile check up. And he said what air???
Duh!!! Won't be going back there again. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

[cactusjack]

Now I take my bike to the Yamaha dealership for service cuz the local Kawa dealer has idiots in the service dept. too. But that's another story.



So whats up with the Kawa Dealerships. I have had the same problems. I ask the guy in the Service Dept. to check the air in my rear shocks at the 600 mile check up. And he said what air???
Duh!!! Won't be going back there again. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

You just can't fix stupid.

[beezer]

So whats up with the Kawa Dealerships. I have had the same problems. I ask the guy in the Service Dept. to check the air in my rear shocks at the 600 mile check up. And he said what air???
Duh!!! Won't be going back there again. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

You just can't fix stupid.

Amen!!!

[Top Cat]

Hollywood, if you straddle the bike and push in with your left thigh as you pull on the bars the bike will stand up alot easier than just trying to muscle it up with the bars only.
No I'm not a woman but i have seen women who could kick my ass :-[

[hollywood]

Oh- I don't have any problems picking the beast off the kickstand (unless I stupidly parked on a hill while it was loaded with luggage) DOHHHHH. I was asking the original poster.

I was going to make some suggestions to her if she couldn't get it off the kickstand

[hollywood]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
By the way - I just might be the kind of woman that could kick your ass!! ;) ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[beezer]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
By the way - I just might be the kind of woman that could kick your ass!! ;) ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

You probably are http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[Top Cat]

Ok, I'm outa here. Gotta go lift some weights and run a couple miles http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[beezer]

watch your heart

[burkazoid]

I'm looking for a bike now, but the prices are going thru the roof for used ones. If the modifications can be done to get it lower, then I'll seriously search for the right bike for me.

Skeet
aka Karen in Nashville

Karen,

I don't know how much you are looking to spend (dunno if you mentioned it since I didn't read the entire thread), so take my advice with a grain of salt. I got my 2005 Nomad out the door for $9995, brand new. It was the last week of January, and the dealer was about to have to start paying rent on the bike (no serious takers on it). It had sat on the showroom floor for quite some time, since I had actually sat on it six months prior. So now I pretty much recommend to everyone to go in January if you can when looking for a new bike.

Best,
B.

[ruruson1]

My wife asked me to chime in. She is only 5'2'' and wants to ride. althoug everything we've found we have the same problem. she can't reach the ground.

[hollywood]

I have a really short friend - she got a yamaha vstar 650 custom and had it lowered. Great learner bike. The bike feels big but very easily handled by women. My friend finally sold it and got a Harley Dyna Low Rider (lowered it some more too) Might be an option for your wife ruruson.

Just checking in to see if anyone solved this dilemna.


The thick thighs?

[kawgirl]

I've waited to respond with all that's going on around here. I'm the same height as Unwind and have an '02 that I bought used in May of 2006. I have not lowered it all all and can sit on it flat footed. The same as Unwind, it depends on how I've parked. I know what you mean about the thicker thighs. I've noticed that lately. I have put other items on it to make it more comfortable such as highway pegs and a Grasshopper backrest.

Hey TC, how's that workout going for ya? LOL

[cactusjack]

A Suzuki Boulevard C50 or C50T(ouring) is a good bike that's easily and inexpensively lowered for those who are height-challenged. I know a couple of women who ride them. The bikes look bigger than they really are and have beaucoup power for those big rides. They are not nearly as heavy as a Nomad and handle very nicely. They are also relatively inexpensive brand new. Many of us Nomad owners used to own one.

[Top Cat]

Not to bad Kawgirl :) The weight I was going to lift turned into a couple bottles of Cream Soda and the run turned into a walk http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif
Sssooo, I don't think I want to tangle with hollywood just yet http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[hollywood]

I might as well give my secret away - all bark and no bite LOL
Well I might bite a little but not hard......

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
By the way - I just might be the kind of woman that could kick your ass!! ;) ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Is this gonna be a pay per view? Jello or no Jello?

[dip]

Well as usual I'm late seeing what's been going on...but thought I would add my 2 cents on the initial inquiry - as a woman I initially found the Nomad to be a bit top heavy and definitely required more practice in terms of handling coming from a vulcan 750 to the Nomad. However, I knew this was the bike I wanted so I figured I would work it out somehow...I'm average height 5'6" and weight - well let's just say I could lose a few pounds...but the Nad is a BIG bike for me. I've put most of the extras mentioned already e.g. Phat II risers, highway pegs etc. These all made the bike much more comfortable. I'm never really flat footed when I'm on it, but I try to buy really good boots with extremely well nade soles. All of this has helped but quite honestly the more comfortable I became riding the bike, the feet on the ground issue has become less of a problem - in fact the least of my concerns. Of course if I have to back into a parking space, particularly one on an incline I'm generally on my tippy toes but use my calf and leg muscles to move it backwards; if that doesn't work I find another parking space. Good news, I dropped my bike a couple of weeks and had to wake hubby up to come outside and pick it up so I could go. It took him so long to wipe the sleep out of his eyes and pull on his pants that in the meantime, I went back out and gave it another try e.g. picking it up. I DID IT! I was extremely proud of myself and now I know for sure that we were meant to be with each other. If you like her get her - you'll be pleasantly surprised. The Nomad doesn't have the big HD or GoldWing name, but she gets her respect on the road - that is good enough for me.

[hollywood]

I totally agree with Dip

[skeet]

Happy Pre Memoral Day to Everyone, My quest for the best bike for me continues. I have found an leftover 07 for a wonderful price, but its 700 miles from me. Tomorrow, I'm going to l ook at a 02 that an owner has had for two years. Their Wing broke down while on vacation and they bought the Nomad to ride while the Wing was down. Hasn't been riden much in the past two years.

The only thing the owner knows about it, is that V&N pipes were installed. Doesn't know if other mods have been made.

Thw Owner is short also and said he can flat foot this bike, but again wonder if my thunder thighs will allow me to do the same.

Thought I would give ya'll some I candy. No, that is not me, just my baby. She used to drag race her bike. The other day she came home in tears cause she dumped her bike in a parking lot for the first time....ever. So now it has to be repainted.
Thanks for all the advice, you guys are the best. I'm truly enjoying reading about all the mechanical sides to this bike.

I'll go back to work now, gotta reduce those thighs!!!

Skeet
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h295/sarge384/thighmaster.jpg

[skeet]

OOPS, forget the eye candy...

I now present my beautiful daughter on her ZX12R.. Sorry if too big. The bike is blue now and after dumping it, it will return as Pinky again..

Skeet
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h295/sarge384/Karmz.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h295/sarge384/Blue.jpg

[unwind2]

Skeet-

Another thing I failed to mention. You cannot always just go by your height. I have a guzzi with a seat height of 30". The owner of the dealership I bought it at is taller than me, he's 6' -I'm 5-6" - he is more veritically challenged on the bike than me. He is long waisted. You have to consider inseam. That's why whatever bike you're looking at sit on it...have someon on each side...set it up and see where your feet come to.

Good luck with the thight master.....inspire me! ;)

[skeet]

As I have written in another post, I finally set on a 2002. And it was light feeling to me. My little old HD seems heavier. I had forgotten how balanced the Nad is. So with a little trim on the seat nose, my regular riding boots and some thinner thighs, I can set a NAD!! I'm so thrilled. On a stormy/rainey Memorial Day, it was a good day.

Skeet