Troublesome
Registered user
Its hard to tell from forum names, just wondered if there are any other women GS riders here?
Gender query
- Thread starter Troublesome
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There's also Fannykins who goes by the name of Fanum.
Her real name is Billie and she's a good laugh but don't mentions she's a ginge !!!
Her real name is Billie and she's a good laugh but don't mentions she's a ginge !!!
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There's a few old women been complaining about their heated grips in the toilet section! 
Not many recent posts from women though ...There are quite a few Check out the 'Heels on Wheels section
Anyway, I'm one.
Troublesome
Registered user
Good to know , i have a question. I have only had my GS for about 4 months and as much as i love it 90% of the time i really struggle with the slow manouvers, i mean parking and getting out of tight situations, its hit the deck once which has made matters worse (in my head anyway lol) just wondered if anyone else has had these issues or am i just being pathetic lol
What kind of boots are you wearing?
Many smaller people find a great benefit in hard soled boots.....MX or similar.
You will be able to push harder with the toes, which helps 'paddling' the bike around.
Troublesome
Registered user
My boots are pretty substantial i chose them because they had a really thick chunku sole, paddling is really hard anyway with just the toes down, i could do with using my lower seat but its so damned uncomfortable lol
There are alternatives....lowering the bike with shorter springs for example.
There are also some very good seat reshapers around...Tony Archer gets mentioned here a lot......he would be able to keep the padding in yoour seat for the comfort aspect, but trim a little so the front is narrower, which would let you get your legs lower and better braced as your thighs can get closer together.
You might find that going to a large carpark and practising paddling about and getting in and out of imaginary small spaces might help your confidence as well.......plus of course there are engine bars and all sorts of protection you could look at to toughen up the bike and perhaps be less worried about dropping it
There are also some very good seat reshapers around...Tony Archer gets mentioned here a lot......he would be able to keep the padding in yoour seat for the comfort aspect, but trim a little so the front is narrower, which would let you get your legs lower and better braced as your thighs can get closer together.
You might find that going to a large carpark and practising paddling about and getting in and out of imaginary small spaces might help your confidence as well.......plus of course there are engine bars and all sorts of protection you could look at to toughen up the bike and perhaps be less worried about dropping it
I too found moving the GS around quite a struggle. I tried Daytona M Star boots ( also they make Lady Star ones).
They helped a far bit, as they raise you about an inch, while looking like normal boots.
Had to go to Smart Riders, Christchurch, Dorset to find someone who had them in stock for me to try them. Left wearing them.
Can't be too far from you, might be worth a visit.
SMB
Your height shouldn't really be an issue, though I can see that paddling backwards into a parking slot could be a problem if you can't touch both feet down securely. Rather than recommend different boots, seats, etc., if you haven't done so already, I would really recommend doing some advanced training - either 1:1 or with RSoPA or IAM groups - or even, if you're feeling adventurous, with an Off Road School. I never had the time to take the advanced test before leaving the UK, but the 'Machine Control Day' I did with the LAM was worth the membership fee by itself - the whole day is about the bike's balance and slow manoeuvring (on and off the bike) and leaves you far more confident to push the bike around in tight spaces.
JimVonBaden
Registered user
I know you are trying to be serious, but you sure picked an appropriate name for a woman!
Jim
Troublesome
Registered user
I know you are trying to be serious, but you sure picked an appropriate name for a woman!
Jim
lol yep i knew someone would pick up on that eventually
Thanks for all your comments, the bike is the lower suspension model so no further i can go on that score lol
I will look into the boots too.
I also plan to try and get involved with rospa this year, i have a friend that is a rospa instructor and he spent a few hours with me recently on slow riding which was great , i can ride pretty slow when actually moving its anything that involves turning the bars from a standstill if you know what i mean
My OH is great and often acts as my 'valet' , it is embarrassing but figure my bike is more valuble than my pride! Off the France in 10 days on a organised tour just going to try and get as much riding practise in as poss before we go
I chose the plate thing rather than the engine bars to cut the weight down, it worked when i dropped it although not sure i made the right decision as in hindsight the weight would have been low? When i did drop it it was the only time i have put the top box on
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Have you considered trying some off road training. The BMW ORS (Simon Pavey's business) run ladys only courses if that's your preference and low speed manoeuvring is a fundamental on these courses. You will come away with a completely new outlook on handling your bike. Everything is done on bikes provided by BMW so no danger of damaging your pride and joy. It's an experience you won't forget and well worth it.
http://www.offroadskills.com/courses-2/level-1-women-only
http://www.offroadskills.com/courses-2/level-1-women-only
Rather than trying to paddle the bike backwards, on tiptoes, just get off the bike and push it. You can leave the sidestand down while pushing (which isn't ideal, as it will scrape on the road, but won't damage the bike), and that will give you a safety net should the bike fall towards you.
If your short then its often just easier to get off the bike and move it.
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