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Women are an increasingly large share of the motorcycle market. Every day, more women find the joy of two wheels and a revved-up engine, and motorcycle manufacturers are increasingly gearing their offerings toward women riders. So, if you’re a woman who rides or a woman who wants to start riding, you might be wondering: Which are the best motorcycles for women on the market right now?
The technically correct answer is, of course, that any motorcycle can be a woman’s motorcycle. All it takes is a woman riding it! That said, there are definitely some bikes that are known as the best motorcycles for women. So, whether you’re interested in joining one of the many women’s motorcycle clubs or just riding for your own enjoyment, here are seven of the best motorcycles for women riders today.
1. Harley-Davidson Sportster
Harley-Davidson is among the most popular motorcycle makes for women riders, partly thanks to the brand’s aggressive campaign to make riding more friendly to women and partly thanks simply to making the iconic American cruiser. And it’s hard to get more iconic than the Harley-Davidson Sportster line, powerful midweight cruisers that pair the classic V-Twin engine with a stripped-down styling while retaining all the best-loved Harley elements. Plus, they’re among Harley’s most affordable bikes, with most models starting between $9,000 and $11,000.
2. Kawasaki Ninja 400
For women who love the sleek look and rocket-engine power of sport bikes, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the perfect entry point. The Ninja 400’s 399 cc engine is an approachable amount of power for beginners, but also more than enough to slice through corners like a pro. It’s also a great choice for women who love to get in the garage, since aftermarket parts for the Ninja series are cheap and plentiful.
3. Honda Grom
As perfect for an urban rider as it is for a person with a small frame, the Honda Grom is 125 ccs of pure single-cylinder fun. It’s both a perfect starter bike and an ideal around-town errand-runner for riders of any skill level. Plus, thanks to Honda’s incredible reliability, the Grom is a bike that will still be cranking up your day for years or even decades to come. Throw your favorite tunes on in your motorcycle helmet speakers and, well, go to town.
4. Harley-Davidson Street Glide
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide is another Harley model that’s gained a lot of popularity with women riders, particularly ones who enjoy long-distance riding. With its power-packed V-Twin and its killer sporty looks, this touring motorcycle is built to conquer the open road and the streets of your city with equal aplomb. Grab your luggage and tell your best friend or significant other to get on the back because you’re going on an adventure.
5. Triumph Street Twin
Triumph is another venerable motorcycle brand that’s carving out a strong niche with female riders in the 21st century. The Triumph Street Twin is a British classic that will make any rider feel like royalty with its insane customization capabilities and sleek vintage style. It’s also a great choice for the woman who wants serious power in her bike, with a torque-rich 900 cc engine and a design based on the famous 1959 Triumph Bonneville.
6. Honda Rebel
The Honda Rebel is a classic for entry-level riders of any gender. Low-cc Rebels are cheap, easy to find, easy to repair and are designed with the perfect mix of classic good looks from multiple types of motorcycles. They’re a little bit cruiser, a little bit standard and all fun. The Rebel 300 is great for beginners and around-town riding, while women riders who want to do a lot of highway riding should consider upgrading to the Rebel 500 for improved acceleration and power.
7. KTM Duke
As powerful as it is rider-friendly, and as attractive as it is well-built, the KTM Duke is truly the best of all worlds. Its “hyper naked” style makes it absurdly light and maneuverable, while its compact engine packs tons of punch in a small package. Beginners will love the stripped-down fun of the 390 Duke, while more advanced riders will drool over the 790 Duke or even the monstrous 1290 Super Duke.
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No matter what you’re riding, good communication will help keep you safe on the road. Check out Cardo’s full line of motorcycle communication systems for hands-free voice chat, phone calls and media streaming while you’re out. And for any woman in search of her next great motorcycle adventure, make sure to see our guide to motorcycle road trip essentials to make your trip unforgettable in the best way possible.
