New to this site - Never riden before | GTAMotorcycle.com

New to this site - Never riden before

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Shoopc

New member
Hi! I am now just contemplating getting a bike...hopefully at the end of this season. I am now just starting all my research. I am a very petite lady...5'0" tall and about 103 lbs. I have decided I want a Yamaha Virago 250 or a Honda Rebel as they are a great fit for my body size.

One MAJOR question I need answered is this: I am BLIND in my right eye. Which helmet would be best for me to try out to give me the best peripheral vision. I would also want a shield to protect my eyes.

Thanks for any / all responses

Shoopc from Burlington
 
I doubt that there are any "certified" helmets that would impede or impair your peripheral vision - but there are also none that would compensate for a "compromised" depth of field, which I understand gets screwed up, when you've only got one lamp. I certainly wouldn't want to discourage you from riding, but before you "totally commit" yourself to riding, try it out first. Riding a motorcycle with one eye, is a lot spookier than driving a car. People seem to have a difficult time seeing riders (just ask around), so you have to be super vigilant yourself, just to try and keep yourself free of the collisions they try to involve you in. It's tough enough doing this with both lamps functioning - it'll be a real chore with only one.
Best of luck and welcome to GTAM.
 
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^ +1 Well said

I'm all for encouraging new riders but physical impairments of any sort should be considered very carefully before deciding to pick up riding.

How "blind" are you in your right eye? Depth perception is a pretty crucial aspect to riding, especially when approaching/negotiating corners and during braking. I think you'd also have difficulty checking your right blind spot when making lane changes. It's hard enough with 20/20 vision and I've had plenty of close calls in the short time I've been riding.

That being said, pretty much any helmet will do.
 
Yes, I do not rely on my mirrors when making lane changes/turns (not that I really do in my car either) so checking your right blind spot may be a bit difficult.

Helmets do not block any part of your vision unless you've wearing a REALLY tinted visor at night.
 
as another one eyed rider, all full face helmets will impede upon visual field. its just the nature of the beast.

avoid a race-specific helmet (ie shark rsr2, et al.) as these often have a slightly narrower opening.

practice stretching your neck, and practicing looking over your (both) shoulders.

there are many one eyed riders out there. don't let having one eye stop you from trying motorcycles.
 
I have been totally blind in my right eye for 18 years. I have not had any problems driving a car. I have adjusted my mirrors but have learned to really turn my neck to look over both my shoulders. I totally understand what everyone is saying about people not 'seeing' riders, but I will be all a GLOW when I finally get out there! I plan on being seen ;)
 
My wife is also tiny (5.4, 100lbs) and she has a 2011 CBR250R which I lowered for her, but she has 20/20 vision.

To state the obvious, you being blind in one eye for so long you've used to it by now, but driving a car isn't like riding a motorcycle. Hell, I have two very functional eyes and sometimes it's a challenge. Just remember, ride like you're invisible. Be safe.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
You can have all the signs pointing at you but there will still be cagers out there that would not see you so if you rely solely on being seen, it would be difficult.
I have a daughter who has vision impairment since birth and I totally understand you not wanting to be limited in doing what you want to do.
Another suggestion I have is to be a passenger on the back of a motorcycle, with a helmet on and see what kind of vision you can get under normal speed conditions and see how comfortable you are with the depth perception. Good luck.
 
Please, before you buy a motorcycle, just purchase decent gear and a DOT helmet, and take the Gearing Up, or Learning Curves, or any other motorcycle specific training course before buying a bike. They will allow you to ride a variety of different styles of bikes and teach you many essential skills.
 
Welcome, the Virago or rebel are great choices. Go for it - ride safe.
 
Thanks! Like I said.....this year i'm just starting to learn what I will need etc. I'm not working currently so I hope to be soon and buy a bike in the fall. Then next spring I'll write my M1 and take the training course. My best friend has a bike now and so does my brother. They will make sure I am all geared up properly and enjoy it!
 
Shoopc said:
Thanks! Like I said.....this year i'm just starting to learn what I will need etc. I'm not working currently so I hope to be soon and buy a bike in the fall. Then next spring I'll write my M1 and take the training course. My best friend has a bike now and so does my brother. They will make sure I am all geared up properly and enjoy it!
Click to expand...

Don't buy the bike first.. write the m1 and then take the safety course and you will get to ride their bikes. That way you can be sure you can ride safely, and will still want to before shelling out hard earned money on a bike. There is no guarantee in passing and getting an m2, for anyone, so i would never recommend anyone buying a bike before they pass that.
 
Welcome!!
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