First Bike For her??

[pdsgt]

Ok,  not your typical girl.  My darling has ridden dirt bikes off road, but it's been lots of years ago.  When I say she's not your typical girl, she's really not.  First off, she has a 34" inseam, and she's about 6' tall, and strong as a bull.  She's a State Trooper and has a reputation of taking no shit from people who want to give it to her just because she's a girl.  

She rides on the back of my C-14 and has issues with her knees being bent up.  She gets restless back there quickly and needs to stretch out.  I want her to get her own bike, but don't want her to get something she won't like or be comfortable on.  I hate to spend big $$ and have her decide it's not for her.

What do you think?  Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Papa Lazarou]

Something bigger and faster than yours......or a Triumph Rocket 3  

[bassjones]

When you say a few years, are we talking 3 or 4?  Or are we talking 15-20?  If 3-4, there's really no reason she couldn't handle a bigger ST bike.  If 15-20 then I wouldn't have her starting on anything bigger than a Ninja 650R or Suzuki 650F.  Maybe a VFR.

[MrMoto]

Ninja 250. $2K, holds it's value. The ultimate starter bike.

[Cricket1]

Ninja 250. $2K, holds it's value. The ultimate starter bike.

At 6' tall and 34" inseam, that 250 Ninja is not gonna fit her. Probably a Wee Strom would be a much better fit. (If she can get past the looks)

[falcofred]

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,48624.0/topicseen.html

SV650 Std. Perfect beginners ride that won't be out grown.

Now lets see a photo of your not so typical amazon gal in uniform  

[KLRchickie]

Male or female, go sit on every bike you can find & decide what feels right.  If possible, arrange a test ride before buying...

[pdsgt]

Here she is....Not in uniform though!!!

[phoenix]

you're picking out a bike for her? Now waitta minute. You have obviously lived with women for a long time now. Have you learned nothing? If you pick out something, she will not like it. You must get her involved. Let her do some scoping out and then YOU be the FILTER.

Having said all that BS, I'd say the Suzuki DR650 (Wee strom), a Yamaha FZ6, Kawasaki Versys or 650N would be my suggestion. If she likes the looks of any of them, that is. Or maybe a Suzuki DRZ400SM since it will have a fimiliar feel to dirtbikes.

[nater]

you're picking out a bike for her? Now waitta minute. You have obviously lived with women for a long time now. Have you learned nothing? If you pick out something, she will not like it. You must get her involved. Let her do some scoping out and then YOU be the FILTER.

Having said all that BS, I'd say the Suzuki DR650 (Wee strom), a Yamaha FZ6, Kawasaki Versys or 650N would be my suggestion. If she likes the looks of any of them, that is. Or maybe a Suzuki DRZ400SM since it will have a fimiliar feel to dirtbikes.

 

I would try to steer her towards one of the 650 twins or the "new" FZ6.

[Ves]

Versys...

[Zerosum]

If knee-room is a concern, the Wee-Strom has tons of it.  The Wee will also keep up with your C14 better than a single like the KLR or DR.  The bike is made for tall people.

I'm with phoenix, let HER pick out what she likes.  But I'd definitely steer her toward a Suzuki/Kawaski 650 twin.  Those two engines that are available in five great standard bikes.  I'd steer her away from multis.  Twins are better confidence-builders for new riders.

[kitesurfer]

let HER by HER bike.  if you pay for it, she won't take the time to learn it, clan it, care for it.  if HER dollars are paying for it, she will treat the entire experience differently.  On reason I know this is my wife's Ninja 500 that I bought and fix,clean, and take care of.  She has not sat on it since june!

[sammyseaman]

  Never feckin' fails! "Buy the bike I ride because it's the bestest thing ever!"  

[bomber]

Her decision making apparatus is likely just as functional as yours -- go to one of the International Motorycle Shows and let her try things on for size -- this will certianly narrow things down in a hurry --

As with any new/reentry rider, I'd suggest used and cheap, to take som of the pain out fo the inevitable drops.

[cultureslayer]

If she has a 34" inseam the ninja 250 might be too small.  I am 5'5" (29ish inseam) and had to add an extra inch to the seat so my knees wouldn't complain.  I'd suggest a dual sport or one of the adventure bikes.  I wish I could own one but they are all too tall for me.

[Zerosum]

  Never feckin' fails! "Buy the bike I ride because it's the bestest thing ever!"  

Yeah, you're right.  A V-strom is totally inappropriate for a new rider who's 6'-0", has a 34" inseem, has some dirt experience, and is concerned about leg room.  

And I totally agree with kitesurfer.  Something for nothing = nothing.  If it's going to be her bike, let her buy it.  Especially if you're not married.

[Papa Lazarou]

Here she is....Not in uniform though!!!

Valkyrie!!!

[CosmicCowboy]

 



At 6' tall and 34" inseam, that 250 Ninja is not gonna fit her. Probably a Wee Strom would be a much better fit. (If she can get past the looks)

My wife is about the same size and loves her 250. Asked her yesterday if she was ready to move up to a larger bike, and she said nope.

[sammyseaman]

Yeah, you're right.  A V-strom is totally inappropriate for a new rider who's 6'-0", has a 34" inseem, has some dirt experience, and is concerned about leg room.  

Was I talking about you? Obviously not!
I do agree with you though. The Wee Strom sounds like a good choice. Ugly as feck but a good choice non the less.