Author |
Message |
Jlnance
| Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 09:12 am: |
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FWIW, I think it's important to make sure she knows you're going to be ok if she wants a bike you don't like. My g/f is learning to ride. I'm the proud owner of 2 Buells, and past owner of a third. So the g/f knows it would tickle me pink if she was to ride one too. But she really prefers the Suzuki cruisers. I'm not saying that would be a good fist bike, but things will obviously work out better if she knows she can ride something she likes. Of course that particular issue has become a moot point since I got a Uly with a comfy seat and the beaver tail back rest. |
Bigdaddy
| Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 09:29 am: |
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"beaver tail back rest" |
Essthreetee
| Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 10:03 am: |
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My wife has had 3 bikes...started out on an 883 and rode it everywhere...then we got her a Springer Softail, and she rode it about 5 times...We purchased another 883 (Custom this time) last April...she didn't ride it much, but that was because it wasn't "hers". After we did some things to it (handlebars, and chrome doodads...soon to be doing a 1200 conversion), she loves it and is riding again (when we have time and someone to watch the babies). Get her whatever she feels comfortable on and INSPIRES her to ride...if she doesn't like it, she may not ride it... my .02 |
Sonomacyclone
| Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 03:20 pm: |
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My wife rides a Suzuki Intruder 800 (VS 800). She absolutely loves it. We swapped out the bars for a more comfortable set (the stock ones are lousy) but other than that it's stock. It's been very reliable has good power and she can put in long hours without getting fatigued - we've taken various trips logging 8-13 hrs. in the saddle per day. For a starter bike, you can pick up a used on at a reasonable price. |
Fastgirl
| Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 06:58 pm: |
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I'm 5'4". I started on a 250 Suzuki in '81 and progressed to an 883, a couple of Softails and Lowriders. I now have a 2006 Road King and a 1999 Buell X1. First, wait until after she takes the safety course and SHE decides she can't live without a motorcycle. Then she can choose something small, used and cheap that fits her. Also she won't feel like cutting her wrists or your throat when she drops that $10,000 Sporty - and like it or not she will. |
Tramp
| Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 07:31 pm: |
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i disagree with starting lighter, shorter riders on harley twins. any machine which outweighs the rider by more than 3x is too much, sure, anyone can start on anything, but the lighter, shorter rider will devlop too many bad habits on a heavy machine, which requires too much speed in order to bring it about in clean arcs. she'll develop too many bad, choppy riding habits on a harley twin. Old Honda Rebels are outstanding first machines for the under 5'5/under 150 lb set. plus, you can find used ones crazy cheap, and you won't get upset when she drops it. avoid harley twins as first bikes for the light and short. |
Natexlh1000
| Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 12:43 am: |
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I maintain that a dual purpose bike is the best thing to start with. Light weight is better than just about any other criteria in my opinion. (also, you can drop them like an idiot and they don't break as much ask me how I know this) Start em off with a nice light thumper. Mine was a KLR250. I got 28,000 miles out of it before I sold it to the boneyard for $400. |
Tramp
| Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 07:07 am: |
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dualsport's best on many levels, sometimes it's difficult to find a short one, though. i agree that the dualsport's best for beginners. |
Natexlh1000
| Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 08:08 am: |
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solution?
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Whatever
| Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 08:20 am: |
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Who are you calling short ??? Or er um shorter... I resemble that remark !!! |
Bomber
| Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 11:23 am: |
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don't think anyone's mentioned what I'd consider a good choice for a smaller rider Triumph Bonnies are one fo the few bikes out there with what used to be standard ergos without also having the traditional Dualsport height restrictions -- not feet forward cruiser style, not rearset pegs to any degree, but like most bikes used to have they are light, nuetral handling, and good all round performers -- they are also pretty good bargains more data for the big chart in the sky |
Natexlh1000
| Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 07:31 pm: |
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You mean the old "real" ones with pushrods and drum brakes? |
Tramp
| Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 08:25 pm: |
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tr6 is more reliable, although an inch taller. honda rebel is lower and weighs half. bonnie is one incredible handling machine, though.... just a tad heavy for lightwieght beegweener |
Garrett1998s1
| Posted on Friday, April 21, 2006 - 02:12 am: |
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Well gotta say you people havent helped me narrow the options down very much. So the search continues...... |
Tramp
| Posted on Friday, April 21, 2006 - 07:50 am: |
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that's a good thing, though. the world is yer oyster.... (and me buell is de pearl) |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, April 21, 2006 - 09:19 am: |
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Tramp -- yessir, it is a bit heavy for a stone newbie, agreed -- won't be outgrowed quite so quickly, though, which is a feature AND a benefit Nate -- er, the lady in question HAD a puchrod/drum brake Bonnie, back when my hair was blond -- don't think one of those was ever in consideration as a primary ride ;-} I'm thinkin it's tough to buy a bad motorcycle today -- THESE are the good old daze, ain't they? |
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