Wifes first Bike.

[duci05]

My wife has just finished up her motorcycle coures so we can finally ride together now....We are looking at buying her a monster 620, hard to come by in my neck of the woods. We have found a 750 though, its a 2002, great looking, great shape, and a great price. Would this be too much bike for a small female just learning to ride?

[teddy037.2]

the 620 and 750 are pretty similar, so I'd imagine it'll be ok for her.

although the 620 has a slightly lower seat than all the other monsters, but that can easily be modded on any of the bikes 

[Popeye the Sailor]

My wife will chime in but she will most likely be forever annoyed that people talked her out of starting on a 250-much easier to ride, lighter (which is oh so important when you're smaller and have weaker legs) etc etc.

I think ducs are bad first bikes.

[somegirl]

My wife will chime in but she will most likely be forever annoyed that people talked her out of starting on a 250-much easier to ride, lighter (which is oh so important when you're smaller and have weaker legs) etc etc.

I think ducs are bad first bikes.

Yes, that's me.  Here's my review on a friend's Ninja 250.  It's a great first bike.

For us smaller folks, the starting / stopping / parking becomes a bigger issue than actually riding.  Something taller and heavier is much harder to deal with, and chances are very high for someone small that it will get dropped, multiple times, at 0 mph.  That is really intimidating and a big blow to your confidence.  It doesn't help if it is a more expensive bike to repair.

[topangster]

Got my wife a used S2R 800 for her first bike.  She LOVES it, especially the bright red color and white stripe (she's Danish, looked like her country's flag.)

But she dropped the thing, like, 5 times in the first few months going up and down our driveway.    I'm sure she would say it's a great first bike...but I'm not so sure.  Doubt she would have dropped the Ninja so much.

[WetDuc]

I had a 250 Piaggio MP3 before my duc.  My buddy got his duc as first bike, but he has dropped it several times at 0mph.  Another friend got a Ninja 250 then a CBR600, but he and I haven't had too many 0mph drops (he's had a few at higher mph's).  The 250 was a great starter power and give the rider absolute control.

[akmnstr]

Got my wife an older, pre-dropped, and pre-dented Suzy GS450 for her first bike.  I remember when she dropped it in parking lots or in our driveway it was no big deal.  The next year when she got her new bike it was a very emotional moment when she dropped her bike.  I vote for the 250 or another light and easy to handle bike for her first.

[DesmoDiva]

Having owned a new 695 for my first bike; I would recommend a 250 as well.

I loved my monster, but seeing her on her side multiple times in the first few months was difficult.   

We all know, "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow."   [moto]

[dropstharockalot]

Got my wife an older, pre-dropped, and pre-dented Suzy GS450 for her first bike.  I remember when she dropped it in parking lots or in our driveway it was no big deal.  The next year when she got her new bike it was a very emotion moment when she dropped her bike.  I vote for the 250 or another light and easy to handle bike for her first.

This.  My first drop was extra-super-double traumatic... had I gone with a pre-dropped bike I wouldn't have cared one bit.

[Venom51]

After the safety class, my wife's first bike was/is a Ninja 250. She is now looking at a Monster but says starting with the 250 was the best thing for her. It's light, easy to ride, and gave her the confidence she needs to be out on the road. She rode my M696 and after the ride said "yup, I'm REAL glad I started with my 250." so, take that fwiw.

[RC Fan]

For us smaller folks, the starting / stopping / parking becomes a bigger issue than actually riding.  Something taller and heavier is much harder to deal with, and chances are very high for someone small that it will get dropped, multiple times, at 0 mph.  That is really intimidating and a big blow to your confidence.  It doesn't help if it is a more expensive bike to repair.

So true!

Another option to modifying the bike is getting thicker soles put on your riding boots.  I think most cobblers can accomplish this.  If I end up getting a taller bike, I am going to try this route.

[Statler]

G's 620 has been down at 0 to 1/2 mph several times.  

they were all more upsetting and frustrating to her than lowsiding it at the track.

[junior varsity]

If she's got long legs, a sazook 400 ain't too shabby. Cheap to fix if it gets dropped.  

Most people drop their first bike. Forgotten kickstand on dismount, putting left foot out and leaning right, etc etc etc. Ducs show damage more, and cost more to repair, than the plastic covered inexpensive counterparts.

If you are deadset on Monsters, look for 600, 620 and 695's.

[ajw85]

GS500

or EX500

[angler]

The GF started last year with a 1972 Honda CB175.  Low, slow and fairly light.  She doesn't ride it as much as she could because it is not push button reliable.  It is a little cantankerous.

At the IMS show she fell in love with the Yammie TW200.  Except for the big, square 80's headlight, I like the look of it too.


Dirt bike posture, but lowest ride height of any of the bikes in this class.  Lighter than the CB, too.  They are popular as MSF bikes.

It's got a following with several forums and a good aftermarket parts market.

Haven't ridden one though, but ADVrider had a review http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40322