While the motorcycle market is still very much male-dominated, more women are now riding in the Philippines. Whether it’s just for practicality given the country’s broken public transportation system or traveling to experience a sense of joy and freedom from the daily grind, it’s evident that the number of female motorcycle riders is on the rise.
One only has to look at the availability of models specifically designed or targeted for women compared to the options available a decade ago. As a female rider myself, I’ve seen the growing shift and inclusion of women in the Philippine motorcycling scene and am here for it.
In case you’re an aspiring female rider considering buying your first motorcycle or a guy who wants to convince his girlfriend or wife to get into motorcycling, here are some factors you need to consider when it comes to motorcycle shopping for women.
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Factors to consider for female motorcycle riders
Comfort
While most guys I know are willing to sacrifice comfort in favor of looks, comfort is one of the most crucial factors first-time motorcyclists should consider. For women, this is often determined by the seat height and one’s ability to put both feet flat on the ground. A motorcycle with a low seat height means anyone can easily maneuver and handle the motorcycle when seated in the saddle.
Since most motorcycle models are designed for men, who are typically taller than women, this limits the options that most women will instantly feel comfortable with.
Thankfully, most modern scooters and motorcycles in our market (including those from the big four Asian motorcycle brands Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha) have come out with new motorcycle models with lower seat heights specially designed for shorter riders.
There are workarounds when it comes to seat height. I’m not that tall and normally have to balance on tiptoe when sitting on a motorcycle with a high seat. Some riders suggest investing in riding boots or shoes that add a few inches so you can reach the ground more easily, especially during long traffic standstills. Others opt to have their motorcycles lowered or get customized seats so they can sit more comfortably.
The riding position and the ergonomic fit of a motorcycle also matter. You don’t want to be crouched or have to extend your arms the whole time you’re riding because this can get very tiring. It’s also more dangerous to ride when you can’t easily maneuver the handlebars. Women need something they feel confident driving on their own.
The trick, even for experienced riders, is that you have to ride at your own comfort level. Comfort leads to confidence and enjoyment. What is the point of riding if you’ll just be miserable the whole time and wish you were driving a caged vehicle instead, right?
Weight
The curb weight of a motorcycle, which refers to its weight including a full tank of fuel and standard equipment, is another important factor to consider. If you’re just starting out, it’s not the best idea to invest in a heavy sports bike or manual motorcycle that’s difficult to pick up in case you accidentally drop it. Some bikes get extremely heavy once you load a full tank of gas.
Transmission type also matters since most big bikes come with a clutch. Compared to automatic motorcycles, driving a manual one has a higher learning curve which can be very stressful if you stall and hold up traffic when you’re still just learning to ride.
Experts suggest starting with automatic scooters, which are beginner-friendly for city use, or small dirt bikes if you want to learn how to drive a motorcycle in different road conditions.
It’s dangerous to drive a motorcycle that’s too heavy to handle. Considering our congested city roads, women will probably want to use something light, easy to maneuver, easy to park, and won’t be a struggle to back out of tight spots. Lightweight scooters in the 110 cc to 150 cc range offer a hassle-free riding experience for city use for everyone.
Even if you can drive a heavier motorcycle on long open stretches of road, the sad reality is ma-traffic sa Manila. More often than not, you’ll find yourself stuck in between trucks and other vehicles, narrowly avoiding potholes, and waiting constantly at traffic lights, so driving a hefty motorcycle could result in accidents.
But that’s not to say that women can’t drive big bikes. Many women prefer using big bikes for long rides and touring. But for first-timers looking for practical transport for city use, a lightweight motorcycle is preferable. Once you’re confident in your driving skills, you can always upgrade to a bigger bike of your choice.
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Style
Women also put a high value on the overall look of a motorcycle. We just have different style preferences from men. Based on models available in the market, motorcycles designed for women are often described as cute or classic rather than aggressive and sporty. There are also different color options and shades compared to the basic black, red, or blue.
Having the engine and parts neatly contained is preferable to having exposed engines and cables which are more vulnerable to elements and damage from regular use.
Despite being generally taller and heavier than other scooter brands, the iconic Vespa is popular among women because of its stylish looks and brand image. Since the 1940s, the brand has targeted women in its marketing campaigns and ads.
Color plays a huge part in the decision-making process of women. Color Psychology studies for brand marketing show that women generally prefer softer tints of color plus white, compared to men who gravitate towards brighter shades and black.
These days, we’re seeing established brands release more modern “retro-style” scooters in softer and candy-colored hues like white, yellow, mint green, and teal. All riders feel like motorcycles are an extension of their personality, so the design, style, color, and overall aesthetics of a motorcycle are their selling points.
Performance and reliability
Generally speaking, women are practical shoppers when it comes to high-value items like appliances and vehicles. We’re not as prone to upgraditis as guys who seem to want to buy a new bike every time a sparkling new model is rolled out even if they already have several in their garage. We want something reliable and built to last. Women will read reviews and ask around extensively before forking out their hard-earned cash for a motorcycle.
It helps to ask for input from friends who already have experience using certain motorcycle brands. You could fall in love with a motorcycle based on looks alone, but you need to assess if it will be a reliable workhorse mechanically. Some brands are known for being more prone to breaking down than others and their parts more expensive. Can you afford the maintenance costs? Consider how responsive the service centers are and the availability of spare parts when making a purchase.
After going through a custom bike phase, I now personally prefer something low maintenance that I don’t have to tinker with beyond the regular preemptive maintenance. A motorcycle is something that should get you from Point A to Point B without headaches. It’s something you should be able to enjoy for several years and keep in good condition to eventually sell second-hand.
Value for money
Women need to consider their needs and the long-term value of a motorcycle. For first-time motorcycle owners, between something that looks great, but is too expensive and possibly unreliable and something practical and affordable, it’s a no-brainer.
But while motorcycling starts with a need for practical transport, you’ll find yourself wanting to use it for longer rides during weekends, so paying for something that offers better performance and specs, and looks better might be a good investment.
Ask yourself if the motorcycle you have in mind can satisfy your needs and weigh that against the price tag and how much you’re willing to spend.
Appropriate attire
Aside from the motorcycle itself, women also need to take into account the appropriate attire needed when driving a motorcycle in the Philippines. You’ll need to invest in a proper motorcycle helmet that meets Philippine safety standards. This means a standard helmet with a Product Safety (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker. Substandard helmets, bike helmets, nutshell helmets, and hard hats are not allowed.
In the past, it was difficult to find proper motorcycle gear and helmets in women’s sizes, but more riding gear these days come in smaller sizes and stylish color options. IXON available in MotoMarket has Asian-fit riding gear like riding jackets, riding shoes, and gloves designed for women. SMK also has affordable basic open-face and full-face helmets with designs that will appeal to women.
The new motorcycle dress code in the country requires all those who operate motorcycles to wear closed footwear, even if it’s just for a short ride. While it was generally accepted in the past, you can no longer wear flip-flops, sandals, or slippers or go barefoot while operating a motorcycle or a scooter on a road or highway. Under the new single ticketing system being implemented in the metro, pillion riders or backriders are also mandated to wear a helmet, closed shoes, and follow the dress code.
Philippine laws don’t require specific protected gear like motorcycle jackets, gloves, and the like. They don’t prohibit riders or passengers from wearing shorts either. However, it’s best to gear up for safety especially when going on long rides or for basic protection around the city.
For safety, whenever you drive a motorcycle, you should be wearing closed shoes and wear a standard protective helmet. For extra sun protection, most riders wear jackets or long-sleeved shirts. It also helps to bring rain gear for riding during bad weather days.
Effective May 2, 2023, violating the motorcycle dress code in the Philippines carries a fine of P500 for the first offense, P750 for the second offense, and P1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Other factors
There are other factors women should consider when shopping for a motorcycle, including storage capacity, the availability of accessories, fuel efficiency, the track record of the manufacturer, and extra safety or tech features like built-in navigation.
Women tend to use motorcycles for shorter rides, but to numerous destinations and for errands and household obligations like going to the grocery, schools, banks, offices, etc., for mobility versus just pure recreation. For convenience, you’ll want something with storage so you can easily keep items safe and secure. Scooters are more practical because you can carry a lot of stuff on the floorboards. Some models can even fit full-sized helmets in their underseat storage so you don’t have to carry it around every time you go somewhere.
Parking is always a problem, especially in malls where spots are tight for motorcycles. You don’t want your vehicle to be too wide or heavy that you find yourself struggling every time you need to back out or put it on the center stand.
Some modern motorcycles also come with extra safety features like ABS (an anti-lock braking system that prevents you from skidding when you suddenly brake), a side-stand engine cut-off, and anti-theft features.
Safety tips for female riders
Having a motorcycle of your own at your disposal without having to rely on someone else to drive you all the time is great. However, owning one means you have to take responsibility for the basic maintenance of the vehicle and be extra careful when you drive as motorcyclists are really more vulnerable on the road compared to those in cars.
Here are some basic safety tips for female riders:
- Make sure your bike is in good running condition to avoid breakdowns on the road. Do the necessary oil checks, tune-ups, and tire checks before long rides.
- Invest in the proper safety and riding gear. Wear a helmet and closed shoes no matter how short the ride.
- Plan your route and take note of the nearest gas stations and vulcanizing shops.
- Drive safely and defensively. Drive at a speed you’re comfortable with. In case you didn’t know, the Philippines has speed limits of up to 80 kph on most roads.
- If your motorcycle stalls in the middle of the road, wheel it safely to the side of the road so that you’re not blocking traffic. If you can’t diagnose the problem, ask for help. The motorcycling community is generally very helpful.
- Save emergency numbers of contacts like mechanics and towing services who can help out in case your motorcycle breaks down.
- Always bring a mobile phone with enough load and a power bank to make calls in case of emergencies. Have extra cash on hand especially when traveling.
- As much as possible, avoid driving in dark and isolated areas alone at night.
- In case it suddenly rains when you’re on the road, find shelter somewhere and wait it out until it’s safe to drive again.
- Let relatives know if you’re planning to go on a solo ride and check in with them every time you arrive at your destination so they know you’re safe.
Next up, we’ll be listing some of the best scooter models for female riders to consider in 2023. Stay tuned!
