Good beginner's bike??

[Hammerhead1st]

SWMBO might be interested in getting her own bike. I've explained that my 11 is just too heavy for her to learn on, and suggested something lighter. Just wondering what the general opinion is for a decent beginner's bike that won't be left choking on dust when the pack goes rolling away...

She's 135lbs soaking wet with a rock in each pocket...but grew up around dirtbikes and can ride trails with the best of 'em. However, she's totally new to street, as I was, and needs to learn maneuvering and leaning into curves, that sort of thing. Operationally, she's got what it takes to make the thing move and cruise...

[wingnut]

If SWAMBO ever wanted to ride I'd find a 80 -82 XJ650 for her. Just re-did one for my brother inlaw who is as they say inseam challanged. I rode it for about 300 miles before I turned it over to him and I think its one of the best riding machines I've ever ridden. Its honest, quick, very stable and looks almost as good as an 11. Mater of fact I think I will look for one for me

[Dsxs11]

I'm going through this right now. So far my wife likes my Bonneville the best. So we've been out looking at XS 650's She seems to like the whole 2 cylinder concept. She has found a 450 Honda she likes but she's not made the final decsion yet.

[Pat Kelly]

When my wife wanted to learn to ride we bought an old Honda XL250 (enduro/dual sport) for her to learn on. If it gets dropped nothing gets hurt (on the bike). Can learn in the dirt and move to pavement as confidence and coordination increases. She later moved to an XS750. The XL stayed around for awhile but was easy to sell when the time came. I used it to teach another new rider and sold it to her.
Wife now rides a Virago 1100.

[Crazcnuk]

Friend of mine, who also had never ridden street, but lots of dirt bikes, picked up an XS1100 special a few weeks ago, got his licence a week later.

I don't think the XS is 'heavy' to learn on, as long as she understands the relationship between throttle and movement.
If she is a reasonably calm, collected person, she can learn on pretty much anything.

Other than that, if your going to be doing a lot of highway cruising, with other bikes, I wouldn't go less than 500cc, and preferably not smaller than 750. Otherwise you will end up buying a 2nd new bike, in short order.

My Ex girlfriend started on a KZ400, but then went to a Shadow 750.

Size and weight, as far as handling is concerned, are not as important as balance. They show old ladies riding around on the Boss Hoss!

For example, I find the '82 Virago 750 a lot more top heavy than the 85 Shadow 1100. My '73 GT-750 is heavy, but very well balanced. Lots of smaller riders like the 84-on Virago 700-1100's and Harely Sportsters.

[prometheus578]

If her legs are long enoug, something like a Ninja 250 or Ninja 500 might fit her.
There's always the old Honda Rebels... light, and low to the ground for shorter legs.
Maybe an XS 850, or old XJ650.

[Hammerhead1st]

old and easy to fix sounds like a good combination...

[planedick]

Honda 450

Pretty quick, but not for much highway use trying to keep up with the others. Cam followers wear out real quick as the oil gets hot and top end suffers. Rode one accross country and had to have a big selection of cam followers in my pocket.

[webbcraft2150]

I would suggest the "cruiser" style V-twins cause the seat height is usually low, center of gravity low also. They can be had pretty cheap to. The XS11, while well balanced once rolling can be a real handfull once it starts to tip over. Dual purpose rigs are also good if you can find one to fit the budget and inseam. 500+ cc is mandatory to maintain highway cruise speeds withour riding a buzz box. Gotta remember, she's gonna want a windshield real quick after a blast down the interstate at 70mph. If she cannot plant both feet on the ground flat when stopped, reconsider the bike. Remember, your first bike is never your last!

[trbig]

Apparently not many have this opinion really... but if her feet touch on the XS11.. get her one! Just because the throttle goes back as far as it does, doesn't mean everyone uses it. Doesn't everyone on here talk about how the XS is the best all-around bike? It is balanced well, it corners well without scraping, it can be lowered a bit like John did to Wildkat's. You can work on it, you have parts for it. I also personally think power will get you out of bad situations more than brakes ever will. I was taught very early on dirt bikes... "If in doubt.. burn out" It's worked very well for me over the years on the street. They are cheap to get one and cheap to fix if it gets tore up... compared to a new bike.

If you're simply going by the fact of weight, it's only a factor if it gets dumped. If that happens, then even the 250 Rebel will more than likely be too heavy for her to pick up. Get her something cool that she can grow into.. not something to just get her by for a bit.

For what it's worth... that's my opinion.


Tod

[oseaghdha]

Originally posted by webbcraft2150
I would suggest the "cruiser" style V-twins cause the seat height is usually low, center of gravity low also. They can be had pretty cheap to. .......................................

Viragos are good girl bikes.
Low seating position, fairly narrow with good power.
She may even outrun you in the twisties!
Mine cornered like it was on rails and was about as dependable as the sunrise.

[prometheus578]

"Yeah! I get to disagree with TRBIG again."

I would say that 500/600 pounds worth of XS is a little much for a 135 lb female. Especially for a first bike.
First bike should be small to medium, and easy to manage. Fun to learn on.
Would be a shame for her to have a bad experience, or just not feel comfortable/safe on her first machine.

[trbig]

3-400 pounds might as well be 5-600 pounds if it's falling. It's not like these take a lot of effort to turn or anything.

I see your guys' point and knew my option wasn't the general concensus here. I'm just glad to see that Pro and I disagree again... makes me all warm and fuzzy inside!


Tod

[Crazcnuk]

I find the XS very easy to drive. It's well balanced and behaves very nicely. I don't think she would have any problem with it, as TR said, provided she can comfortably stand on the ground.

Only concern with a big, powerful bike, is how responsible will they be on the throttle? If that is not an issue, the XS1100 is as well mannered as almost any other bike.

The principles are all the same. You can go through 3 bikes and end up on an XS or just start there.

[wa407mpp]

first bike.

I started my boys out on a xs650 and a cb750 but I would go for a good cb550,good handling keeps up with the big dogs and fun to ride when she's not looking.