Bike Suggestions for my Wife

[Ric in Sac]

Rogdeb: Nope. But Scruffy will replace this avator soon. I need to take some new photos of Scruffy in his pumpkins suit with his doggles.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

One more on the MSF course...and I can't belive no one has mentioned the new Kawi 650R Ninja! Supposed to be quite entertaining and supremely user friendly. Cheap to buy new or used, and oughta be equally cheap to insure. It could probably keep her content for several years since it's more modern than most of the others mentioned.

My $.02,

 

[Silver Penguin]

One more on the MSF course...and I can't belive no one has mentioned the new Kawi 650R Ninja! Supposed to be quite entertaining and supremely user friendly. Cheap to buy new or used, and oughta be equally cheap to insure. It could probably keep her content for several years since it's more modern than most of the others mentioned.My $.02,

How about this? I agree with Dangerous Dave - everything he said in his post. (This statement limited to that ONE particular post )

I've ridden the three smallest Ninjas recently and loved every one of them. Even thinking about bringing one of those babies home to keep my FJR company. The 250 is good for short, nervous riders who are not going to get out on the highway. Great bike for what it is, but will soon be outgrown. The 500 is a good starter bike and the 650R is awesome. Some have described it as a scaled down FJR. It's comfortable to ride and really moves.

The only advantage I see in getting the 500 over the 650 is that there are some cheap, used ones out there. For a beginner, it may be an advantage to start on something that's had it's corners rounded off. Less intimidation factor, if it goes over.

+1 on the MSF.

+1000 on thinking of such a wonderful thing to do for your wife. I remember what a thrill it was to arrive home from work and see a sparkly bike with a big red bow, in my parking spot.

Jill

 

[niobium]

Along with the EX500, don't overlook the Vstar 650 Custom; it's the lighter version that's supposed to look like a "drag bike". We picked one up for my wife to learn on after she passed the MSF course. She's been riding it for a year, low seat, not too much motor, shaft drive, handles well and it's cheap. Plus, not much hits the ground on a drop (the rear turn signals are on rubber stalks).

 

[Scab]

Yo, jwilly! Take her by WOWMotorcycles. They should have a couple hundred used bikes on the floor. It will give her a chance to sit on a bunch of different types to see what she likes.

 

[chornbe]

After a couple of years of talking about it my wife is ready to learn to Ride!! :clapping:
Looking for suggestions of what would be a good starter bike for her. She is pretty tall so the seat height isn't as critical as for some women. I would buy something used for her to learn on and then upgrade later if she in fact rides quite a bit.

A couple of thoughts I have are either a Suzuki GZ250, Ninja 250, etc.. I think if the bike had some wind protection it would make it more enjoyable for her.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Also if anyone has a bike for sale that would be a good fit, let's talk!!

Thanks,

-jwilly

Stay away from anything even remotely resembling a cruiser for her. They're small and light but make horrible starter bikes. I continue to recommend the GS500 as *the* starter bike.

$.02