Top 5 motorbikes for women

Published: 30 April 2009 Updated: 05 October 2021

Ducati Monster 695 - stylish, fun, easy... what's not to like?
Suzuki Gladius
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883
Suzuki SV650

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You’ve probably heard the term ‘girls bike’ at some point, especially if you’ve ever owned a Suzuki SV650 or Ducati Monster 695.

But sexism aside, a lot of us lady riders have specific requirements from a motorcycle and these five models meet them perfectly – they’re also damn good bikes in their own right and shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone.

All of the ‘girls bikes’ below are great fun for novices and experts alike, but they also appeal to lady riders because they’re easy to ride, boast a low seat height and possess bags of style.

Here are five so-called girls bikes that are really so much more:

Suzuki Gladius (2009-current)
“The old SV650 was a good bike and to be honest Suzuki didn’t have to do much to make it a great bike once more. But they have gone one better and given us an excellent bike. Obvious improved looks but the real beauty it’s under the skin, the lovely fuelled, smooth, punchy, little V-Twin. As an added extra bonus it’s easy to ride, yet still fun at the same time.”

Read the MCN Suzuki Gladius review

Ducati Monster 695 (2006-2008)
“The Ducati Monster 695 was revitalised with more capacity, better equipment and brakes and all-new paintjobs. Cheeky handling, verve and novice-friendliness are unchanged, however. The Ducati Monster 695 is the cheapest way into Ducati style.”

Read the MCN Ducati Monster 695 review

Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2008-current)
“The little Kawasaki Ninja 250R is a lithesome agile number that makes the most of narrow tyres, high-ish bars and minimalist 154 dry weight figure. It all adds up to make town work and B-road rides a hoot. A brave move by Kawasaki because the Ninja is virtually in a class of its own. Trend setting? Maybe.”

Read the MCN Kawasaki Ninja 250R review

Suzuki SV650 (1999-current)
“The Suzuki SV650 is a straightforward middleweight V-twin all-rounder which proves you don’t have to be boring to be practical. The SV650 is versatile, affordable, a doddle to ride (making it popular with inexperienced riders) and yet is a hoot to muck about on – or even to race.”

Read the MCN Suzuki SV650 review

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 (1993-current)
“The cheapest route to Harley ownership and arguably the purest. The carbed, 883cc Evolution engine has masses of grunt low down but wheezes at it approaches the ton mark, but it’s the essence of customisable cool.”