High all!!I'm a 34 yo Texas girl lookin to learn some about motorcycle mechanics.I've been ridin for 30yrs, but I never had to fix my own bike.Dad always took care of that.Unfortunately, he passed away before he could pass on his vast motorcycle experience.However, he did make me a decent auto mechanic, so I have basic knowledge of how engines work.I'm lookin to buy a bike this year, and without my father's guidance, I'm askin for your help!So here's some questions:Metric vs. American style engines?Which do you think is better and why?
How about maintenance, workability, and rideability?
Metric engines:Honda, Kawasaki, or Yamaha?(I prefer Hondas so far)
American engines:Harley, S&S, or H&L?
What's a good size bike for me?(I'm 5'4" and 110lbs)I wanna bike that has power, but if I lay it over I wanna be able to pick it up(or at least be able to jack it up to get enough leverage)Also I'm short, so I need a bike that has low seat (Seen the New Fatboy LO?)
I've ridden choppers, Harley's, and Hondas but never had to really compare them.
ANY help anyone can be out there will be greatly appreciated.Send me your opinions!I WANT TO LEARN!

I think most bikes nowadays are Metric. There are still ones that maybe aren't! You should have a mix of both.

I would start with a simple set of tools. Craftsman would be good. Start doing simple tasks like changing the oil and filter. Work from there.

This forum seems to have been taken over by scammers, spammers, and weird advertisers! I would post your question on these Forums!

http://www.beginnerbikers.org/
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/
http://www.motorcycleforum.com/forum.php