Tips and Truths for New Riders from a Woman Who’s Been There
Posted by Speedivas.com
When I first decided to learn how to ride, I didn’t know much—just that my heart skipped a beat every time I saw a woman in control of her own motorcycle.
I thought: That could be me.
And it can be. But there’s a lot they don’t tell you when you’re just starting out. So this post is for every woman standing on the edge of the decision, helmet in hand, nerves in her gut.
Here’s what I wish I knew before I ever twisted a throttle.
1. It’s Okay to Be Scared—and Do It Anyway
Every new rider is nervous. If you’re not, you’re either lying or a little bit dangerous. Fear doesn’t mean you’re not meant to ride. It means you’re smart enough to respect what you’re doing.
You’ll get more confident with time and miles. But being scared doesn’t make you weak—it makes you aware. That’s a good thing.
2. You Don’t Have to Be Tall, Strong, or Perfect
Motorcycle marketing tends to favor tall, strong, confident riders. But you don’t have to fit a mold to ride. There are bikes for every body. You can be 5'2" and ride a cruiser. You can be in your 40s and learning for the first time.
You don’t have to muscle a bike—you just have to learn how to handle it.
3. The Bike You Start On Isn’t the Bike You’ll Keep
Don’t obsess over finding the “perfect” first bike. Start with something you can confidently manage and maneuver. You can always trade up (or down) later. The first bike is a stepping stone, not a lifelong commitment.
4. Drop the Ego (But Not the Bike)
You will probably drop your bike. We all do. It’s not the end of the world. What matters is how you respond: get up, breathe, learn, try again.
Riding teaches humility real fast. Let it. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone—just ride your ride.
5. Gear Is Just as Important as the Bike
Invest in your safety before your style. A DOT-approved helmet, armored jacket, gloves, boots—these are non-negotiable. And guess what? You can still look badass doing it.
Protect your skin. Protect your brain. Protect your ride.
6. You’re Not Alone
There’s an entire sisterhood of riders out there who’ve been where you are. Join women’s motorcycle forums, follow riding accounts, go to meetups, or even start your own.
We lift each other up here. You don’t have to go it alone.
7. You’ll Discover a New Version of Yourself
The first time you ride on your own—just you and the road—you’ll feel it:
Freedom. Power. Possibility.
Riding changes you. It gives you courage you didn’t know you had. It clears your head. It makes you stand taller, speak louder, and trust your gut.
That woman on the bike? That’s the real you. Get to know her.
For Every Woman Ready to Ride
If you’re thinking about learning to ride, do it for you. Not for a guy. Not to prove anything. Not to impress anyone.
Do it because there’s a fire in your soul and the road is calling.
And when you do? Come ride with us.
Because here at Speedivas, we believe:
Strong women don’t wait for the ride. They take the handlebars.
See you out there,
Kara, Speedivas.com
Kara O’Neil is a San Francisco–based streetbiker with more than a decade of riding experience and the founder of Speedivas, a lifestyle platform dedicated to empowering women motorcyclists through community and storytelling. Drawing from years on the road, she writes about confidence, freedom, and the realities of riding your own path. Kara rides with her Yorkshire Terrier, Phobos, who’s become her fearless co-pilot, and shares life off the road with her son, Marlon.
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