What is good starter bike for girl

[rb240tuner]

To be honest, my learner bike was a 04 HD Sportster 1200. That was also the first bike I got on and rode without any previous questions. I can safely say an 883 HD or a 250 of some kind.

[crazy steve]

Ok, I'll take heat for this, but how about a Buell Blast? My next-door neighbor (also a first-time rider) is looking, and from looking around at what's available here in the same price range, these seem to be the ticket. Looked at 250 Ninjas, but unless you rev the crap out of those they don't make any power (scary for a new rider...). Also have a bit more upright riding position (big deal for who I'm helping, as she has a bad back).

500cc single, so it's torquey. The motor is rubber-mounted, so it doesn't vibrate as bad as you might think.

Belt drive, no messy chain.

It's a pushrod single, so tune-ups are cheap/easy; no carb syncs, involved valve adjustments, no complicated water cooling (Ninja).

Very good chassis; light, quick handling, dual discs.

Light weight (360 lbs) and low seat height (29")

Good mileage; 50 mpg +, most get in the 60s...

Most women think they're 'cute'...

Basically unchanged from 2001 through 2009, you can find these for anywhere from $1K to $3K depending on year/miles...

Everything else I could find in her price range is either too big, too old, or a 'project'. I already have enough projects...

[tom clisham]

Whatever you end up with, I'd keep to at least 500cc. Otherwise you end up shopping all over again in a few months when she's more comfortable. I always thought a good first ride is the 750 Maxim. Usually cheap & reliable.

[79XS11F]

The best starter bike for a girl is the passenger seat of any bike under the control of a man ... LOL
Rob

[DenyP]

My daughter just passed her MC license in San Diego.
Now she is looking for a ride.
She is 30 yrs old, inseam of 27 inches and 130 pounds. 5'3" tall.
Her budget is about $2,500.00 for a used bike.

I have been told that a 650cc Yamaha V star cruiser is low to the ground and stable. Low CG and easy on slow turns.
Any suggestions from the Guru's on here will be very very much appreciated
I have not ridden so many bikes so my experience is limited. I hope there is someone here that knows which bike, not necessarily Yamaha, would be a great starter for my daughter.
Thank YOU
Dell82

Hell man, take the girl bike shopping. Hit some large dealers and let her look, poke, feel the different size machines and take a few test rides. She will know how big a bike she is comfortable with. Then look for something similar in her price range. Remember she is only 130 lbs. It doesn't take a lot of HP to haul her around faster then she wants to go. I envie you! What I would give to have a daughter to share this wonderful excitement with.

[fastchevy383]

One of the best bikes Ive had was a 96 Yamaha Virago 1100. Short wheel base, light weight, nimble and plenty of power. Make a great beginners bike, price is affordable and parts are plentiful.I put 50,000 miles on mine in 3 years. I'd still be riding it if it weren't for having been riding with pneumonia. Started coughing, passed out and hit a guard rail at full speed. After a helicopter ride and being in a coma for 5 1/2 weeks I found out the ex disposed of what was left of the Virago. I miss it yet LOVE the ride and Power of the XS11. ED

[tcoop]

We got a Suzuki GN125 for my wife to learn to ride on. She thought it would be all the bike she would ever need...she now rides a XJ750 maxim. She out grew the Suzuki after only a few months, but with my wife, daughter and son all learning on it and then selling it for $100 less what I bought it for, I would say it was not a bad investment. But do have her sit on many bikes to get a feel for them.

A 750 may be on the big side for a new smaller rider. The first time I let my wife take my 750 maxim she dropped it at the first stop sign. She was not ready for the weight difference between the 125 and 750. (shes 5'9" and less that 150 lb)

[DELL82]

Thanks everyoone for great info.

I want to THANK everyone's input on this thread. We have decided on the Honda Shadow 750. Other suggestions had problems for her, sitting, flat footing and weight distribution. I believe she will enjoy this bike for many years to come.
Thanks again all
Dell82

[DGXSER]

Nice Choice Dell.

honestly, I rode a 750 for years and years and never felt it was underpowered. Of course mine were inline Honda CB750s. But I still do not get the idea that anything under 1000 cc is a girls bike or a starter bike.

I would bet half the people saying that stuff drive a little cracker box four banger every day. Wonder if they plan to graduate from the starter/girl car any time soon? Not coming down on those gas sipper cars at all, just the thought that it makes them less "manly" or whatever.

[rb240tuner]

Nice Choice Dell.

honestly, I rode a 750 for years and years and never felt it was underpowered. Of course mine were inline Honda CB750s. But I still do not get the idea that anything under 1000 cc is a girls bike or a starter bike.

I would bet half the people saying that stuff drive a little cracker box four banger every day. Wonder if they plan to graduate from the starter/girl car any time soon? Not coming down on those gas sipper cars at all, just the thought that it makes them less "manly" or whatever.

I agree with this... I know plenty of guys that have GSXR 750s and they are quite fast and modded. The first "crotch rocket" I ever rode was a 2004 Honda CBR600 F4i. That was a great learner bike for my brother plus it had plenty of power to enjoy it.

[tom clisham]

There's a real power & torque difference between a CB750 & a shadow vtwin 750. That's the differeence between a starter & a rider.