While alarming at first, we learned to just let go, and not
worry about keeping up with any other bike. The Sportster does not feel or
engender the need to compete. You ride the bike on its terms, which you come to
appreciate and accept as your terms. The Sportster gives you the serenity many
of us desire in life, and once attained, we contentedly take in the bohemian
atmosphere of Old Topanga Canyon Road, rather than contemplating an illegal pass
of a slow-moving vehicle impeding two-wheeled progress. Again, we both will
eventually arrive at the Rock Store for juice or coffee, but the Ducati and
Harley-Davidson make the journey in ways that stimulate different parts of our
personalities.
Also, the forward-leaning body position of the M695 is less
comfortable in the city than the reclining Sportster. The low seat height of the
Sportster is reassuring at stop signs, as it allows the firm planting of boots
on the pavement. The M695 is not poor in this regard, but the ergonomics that
seem so perfect when going fast through the mountains are a bit of a liability
in this setting.
 Nothing is more appropriate for a Rodeo Drive
shopping excursion than two coveted motorcycles. (Click image to enlarge)
The low seat height of the Sportster does have a drawback,
unfortunately. The front and rear suspension travel is very short and, in the
back, much too stiff. Harley also shortened the seat height by scrimping on seat
padding. The resulting effect is that the rough roads have a punishing effect on
our derrieres. This, of course, is where the personalization of the motorcycle
offers respite. Custom seats are available, as are built-to-order rear shocks
from companies such as Progressive Suspension and Works Performance. If we owned
an 883 Low, we would make some changes to enhance seating and ride comfort
without sacrificing the essence of the bike’s welcoming nature.
The final verdict on the two motorcycles is, like our male
counterparts, we really need to have both motorcycles in our garages. The
palette of riding is too wide-ranging for either the Ducati or Harley-Davidson
to fill alone. As a team, the two bikes make us ready for anything short of
all-out touring.
 (Click image to enlarge)
Another aspect of riding that touches to our feminine soul is
the available apparel. We had a generous supply of choices, each with its own
appeal, yet most of it was cross-functional—we could comfortably wear it on
either the Ducati or Harley. We were also at ease dropping into a favorite
brunch spot midway between the hills above Malibu and the busy streets of
Beverly Hills. The Penthouse restaurant at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica is
a welcoming stop. Other motorcycles and acknowledging smiles greeted us at the
covered valet parking area. A window table offers a panoramic view of Santa
Monica Bay and Malibu—perfect for recalling and recounting the last ride and
planning the next. (Click image to enlarge)
She-Moto’s Moto-Sleek jacket is made-to-order in Italy,
offering a quiet sophistication that works on both bikes. The Vixen jacket from
First Gear may sound like a cruiser jacket, but its tailored fit and flattering
lines have a decidedly sporty accent that favors the M695, yet is not out of
place on the Harley. Icon’s Bombshell jacket/pant/boot ensemble is definitely
aimed at the cruiser crowd, with its flamboyant styling. At the other end,
Ducati offers a wide range of devastatingly chic apparel, made in Italy, of
course. Naturally, you’ll have to buy a Ducati to go with it, but we all have to
make sacrifices.
Feminine helmets are just starting to take hold. Suomy’s Dream
helmet, while not marketed to women, certainly has that appeal, with its
undersea theme, complete with an anime-inspired mermaid and octopus. Icon offers
pink versions of its ostensibly men’s helmet, and M2R’s hibiscus-covered MR 11
Flower helmet is unlikely to be found on the heads of many men. Just appearing
now is the butterfly-theme Flutter RF-1000 helmet from Shoei.
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