Suggestion on a bike for my wife?

[natemoen]

I am working on trying to convince my wife to get a bike get her license. She seems to be coming around to the idea slowly so maybe some time this fall or winter I can find something for her.

So I am looking for suggestions She is about 120lbs soaking wet and about 5'4'' and has never driven a bike before. It would be nice if I could find something to sort of match my XS but isnt necessary though. Anyone have any suggestions?

[CatatonicBug]

The XS650's are a smaller version of the XS1100, and seem really popular amongst the "custom" crowd. I see them on Craigslist all the time. Of course, there are the 750 and 850 versions as well.

[ManagerMike]

After several months of shopping, my wife settled on a
rebel 250, as she had taken her licensing classes on 250's, it was the only one we considered that didn't intimidate the sh*t out of her

[bikerphil]

There are many choices, does she want a cruiser, a standard type, or a sport bike?

[79XS11F]

XS 650 as close to stock as you can find would be a good, simple and reliable ride.
Rob

[b.walker5]

Over here, we have a graduated licence system (Learners, Restricted and Full) and were not allowed anything over 250 until we have a full licence. It takes 18 months to graduate but it's not a bad way of stopping a novice jumping on some 100hp or higher machine and loosing it.

My son started on a Suzuki 250 Marauder and now rides my 11 whenever he's allowed.

Anything in that size and style are really good learners bikes. Not to powerful, and not too heavy. Nothing kills the confidence quicker that the feeling of loosing control on something heavy.

[dpotter58]

Some of the older xs400s can be found at decent prices and are small and easy to handle. The two cylinder xs 650 or four cylinder xj 650s make nice starters also

[malber]

Does she like your bike? How about another 11? The XS1100 was my first bike. I think the idea that a new rider should have a small displacement bike is a myth. If she had an eleven you'd already have the resources to work on it and a reference machine.

[Ken Talbot]

The year we both turned 40, SWMBO had her mid-life crisis and got her motorcyle endorsement. She did the full MFC course thing, which involved three full weekends of instruction on their bikes, which was a lot of money very well spent.

We started her off on a cute little 200cc Yamaha. With a couple of years of saddle time, she stepped up to a 650 XJ Midnight Special for her first big destination ride to Camp Wyoming in 1998, with a side trip to Sturgis. By that time she was comfortable with the 650, and it was obvious it was just not big enough for long distance travel.

That's when we picked up another 'H which she proceeded to customize, with a paint job and a bunch of work on lowering. By the time of our ride to the meet in Colorado in 2001 she was comfortable with the 'H and we've never looked back.

Of course, she still sits on every ST1100 or FRJ1100 that we see, and the latest report is that she still thinks the FJ is a bit top-heavy. Thank God for small miracles...

Send her to a good course, start out small, and let let things evolve at their own speed.

[b.walker5]

I think the idea that a new rider should have a small displacement bike is a myth.

Saddest thing about that statement is that your serious.

[malber]

Saddest thing about that statement is that your serious.

Well I certainly wouldn't suggest that he put her on a 'busa as her first bike. I'm talking about a 30 year old Eleven here. These bikes were designed to be well balanced at slow speed, be reliable and low mainenance, yet have enough power to get you out of hairy situations like when you're trying to merge on the highway and a semi is bearing down your ass. As a novice rider I never felt like the bike was more than I could control, and appreciated having the available power when I needed it. As a matter of fact, the first time I rode it I felt it was more well mannered and stable than the Rebel 250 I rode on the range during the MSF course. I'm glad I got a bike that I could grow into rather than one I'd grow out of.

I think the issues she might have would be the bike height if she's a real shorty, and bike weight. These were two issues I had since I'm 5'9" with a short inseam. I just dealt with the height issue by using my toes and having heeled MC boots. The weight issue just meant building up those leg muscles. But if these are too much, than a XS650 or XS750 would be more ideal, if he's looking at keeping in the antique cycle range. These bikes are undervalued on the used market anyway. If she's more the cruiser type, then the Virago would be the way to go. I imagine one of the reasons he wants her to learn to ride is so that she can ride with him, which would mean he'd want her to keep up. I wouldn't suggest anyone looking to ride on the highways to get anything less than a 650.

OTOH, I think a lot of it is in the mindset of the rider. If a new rider isn't comfortable with the idea of a large displacement bike and thinks that they could get out of hand with it, then starting small may be a good idea. She has to find what fits.

[Smash]

Given she seems to be timid and maybe a bit afraid, I would look for something lighter than the XS650, especially because she's pretty small. Why not locate a XS400? Heck, I started my ex out on a rebel 250 and she loved it. They are easy to find, pretty inexpensive, and we sold it for $50 less than we paid for it 12 months later...

[Poprock]

Suzuki is in the market with some small bikes, including the S-40 with a 24" seat height, 650 cubes, looks cool and goes faster than most cars. Kawi Vulcan 500 is a nice ride too.

[Bullet]

250 Honda Rebel, great starter bike, lightweight and easy to handle and learn on, easy to maintain and when she gets bored of it, you can always sell it for good $$

Great gas mileage too ( 80 + mpg )

I brought a bunch up from the US a couple years ago for resale, they didn't stay in stock long

[CatatonicBug]

The Honda 250's are what the MSF folks use for the classes here. They feel like toys! I wouldn't trust one on the freeway, IMO. I just hate the idea of buying a bike (or anything for that matter) with the intention of selling it again in a very short time. I do agree though that it depends on the mindset of the rider. If they feel comfortable with a 650 or even an 1100, that's great. If not, then maybe a 250 (or something in beween) really is the best way to go for now.

A little apprehension is fine (this builds respect for the bike), but if the rider is truly afraid of the bike, that takes all the enjoyment out of it.