Good beginner's bike??

[Hammerhead1st]

Nah, letting her try my XS is out of the question.

I plan to take her shopping soon..let her try out the ones SHE likes the look of...she's very particular. After that, I'll have a good idea of what to look for in the used department. Buying new is not in the cards this year...

[Crazcnuk]

Excellent point.

When I went bike shopping with my ex girlfriend, she picked it out. Both times.

She chose the KZ400 because, of all the bikes we looked at (in this size range they were all pretty much of the same style) because it looked like showroom. It was a 1975 model and this was in 1992.

She rode that bike from Edmonton to Calgary twice, and all over Edmonton for a few years. It was NOT suited for long trips. It would certainly do it, but not comfortably.

The 2nd one she picked out, all on her own, was a Shadow 750. This one she chose because, yes it looked good, but more because she thought it was comfortable.

No one knows what bike they will eventually like, or end up with. The best thing is to get her to the point where your (her) friends will let her try thier bikes so that she can get a good idea what differences there are.

I just wouldn't put size as the MAIN criteria, and I still wouldn't go under 500cc (pref 750cc) if she plans on taking it on any long trips. She won't be happy or comfortable, and therefor, you won't either.

[HobbyMan]

Heck, I started out with my Dad's 79F at 17. It even has a vetter fairing and backrest on it. Keep in mind that I am not a "big buff" guy either. Now a year later and the bike is perfect for me. I am about 5'11 and 145 lbs.

[Wildkat]

Yes, but Andrew....

we have already decided that you are some kind of XSive super savant...


Comfort and handling are really important (duh)... and everything is really unique to each rider... But as far as size goes... I wouldn't do anything smaller than 450... I'm sure she'll want something that will keep up and, IMHO, the smaller bikes just don't cut it... even for a beginner... Unless, of course, you plan on never taking it on roads that have a speed limit higher than 40MPH...
Oh sure you could go with a small rocket... They'll probably keep up... but you sacrifice some comfort there....

This is why I have 2 bikes... I take the XS on long rides... and the FJ for the shorter rides (I still like my speed... although perhaps not as much as some people around here... ahem... )

Whatever she (you) decides on... keep us posted... and good luck!

[Hammerhead1st]

It's very important to me that she likes the bike she ends up with. THe look, the feel, the power, everything about it has to be purrrfect.

She's VERY particular.

I think she is less enthused than I am, but i know if I egg her on a little bit, she'll bite and we'll be out shopping...she DOES love shopping. I just want to be able to share my enthusiasm for riding with her and not make her ride back seat all the time. Not that I dont enjoy her hands around my waist, because I do, I LOVE that, it's just that I want her to feel the thrill of running a machineon the road when she's in total control...it's not the same as riding Queen...

I will kepe you posted as we look at bikes along the way...

[Hammerhead1st]

I hoped she was joking...

SWMBO just told me she wants an ENDURO!! I'm heartbroken. I thought she was into classier rides. I am saddened because, she called my bike ugly and, now I have to leave her...

[Crazcnuk]

What? and miss all the fun?

Someone once said "Careful what you wish for..."

Get her an enduro, it will be fun later, after she decides it's not so fun on the highway!

Keith

PS: Although if it's something like a KLR600, or one of the big Dakar types, she will certainly have no trouble keeping up at legal speeds.