Wifes first Bike.

[duclvr]

Thats weird, cause i heard from a lot of new rider (me included) the 696 is a GREAT first bike.

1) Move to Florida from New England
2) Pass MSF Course - never having rode a motorcycle - ever.
3) Buy 696
4) 8,500 miles later  

It worked for me. I'm glad I did not listen to everyone who told me it was a terrible idea.

By the way I am 5'4" and 145 lbs.

[RC Fan]

1) Move to Florida from New England
2) Pass MSF Course - never having rode a motorcycle - ever.
3) Buy 696
4) 8,500 miles later  

It worked for me. I'm glad I did not listen to everyone who told me it was a terrible idea.

By the way I am 5'4" and 145 lbs.

I am sure there are lots of people who didn't drop their first bike.  For all those other people that did drop their first bike (myself included), it would be an expensive proposal to fix a 696.  Just as a point of reference, I priced those parts for the 696 that I damaged on my '07 Bandit 650S as a result of a simple tip-over.  There is a huge difference, not to mention the extra time you will spend waiting for parts.

[duclvr]

I am sure there are lots of people who didn't drop their first bike.  For all those other people that did drop their first bike (myself included), it would be an expensive proposal to fix a 696.  Just as a point of reference, I priced those parts for the 696 that I damaged on my '07 Bandit 650S as a result of a simple tip-over.  There is a huge difference, not to mention the extra time you will spend waiting for parts.

I totally understand where people are coming from when they say this. I just don't think it's a "terrible" first bike.  At least the 696 that is.

[RC Fan]

I just don't think it's a "terrible" first bike.  At least the 696 that is.

Financial reasons aside, I would agree with you.

[duci05]

Wow, lots of good response, thanks a ton. I grew up riding dirt bikes and motorcycles all through out my early years and teens. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around a motorcyle being difficult to ride and learn for someone, so your responses are really helpful.  We are going to look at some Buell Blasts and Ninja's tomorrow. Both seem like a better alternative...We'll see though!

[ducducgooseme]

start on the small cheap side and see if she even likes it.  then go up from there.  you wont (she wont) notice that big of a diff between 620, 750, etc. 

[DarkDuc696]

Sometimes you just need to take her and show her a couple and let her sit on them. I had a pre-determined mindset of what I thought the wife would like... Granted I wasn't entirely off, but after having sat on a few, Monsters, cruisers, and ninja's she was noticeably more comfortable on the Ninja than anything else. If your wife happens to be into technical stats here are a few.

Ducati 696
Weight          355 lbs (Dry Weight)
Seat Height    30.3 in
13 Assorted Colors (More than a bag of Skittles)

Ninja 250R
Weight          374.9 lbs (Curb Weight)
Seat Height   30.5
4 Different Colors

Personally I would say the 250R just for the fact that it has lower torque than a Duc.

-- Side note, my wife is 5'2" 120 soaking wet and she can stand both bikes up and plant feet comfortably.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Overall height of the lady in questions is not the only measurement of note-inseam is what matters.

[somegirl]

Ninja 250R
Weight          374.9 lbs (Curb Weight)
Seat Height   30.5
4 Different Colors

That is for the newer model (2008-on).

The previous model has a seat height of 29.3 inches and dry weight of 304 pounds.

[RC Fan]

Overall height of the lady in questions is not the only measurement of note-inseam is what matters.

And some bikes will seem taller than others, despite the fact that the posted seat height will be the same.  There is also the 'feel' of the bike when you sit on it and take it off the side stand, which may or may not correspond to the weight of the bike.  Both of these factors will contribute to confidence, or lack thereof in the short new rider.

[Popeye the Sailor]

And some bikes will seem taller than others, despite the fact that the posted seat height will be the same.  There is also the 'feel' of the bike when you sit on it and take it off the side stand, which may or may not correspond to the weight of the bike.  Both of these factors will contribute to confidence, or lack thereof in the short new rider.

That confidence is probably one of the more important things in regards to her enjoying motorcycling. I would try and find a moto show and let her sit on everything, and just buy her what feels good to her.


MSF would also be useful.

[RC Fan]

I would try and find a moto show and let her sit on everything

I plan to do this myself on the weekend.  It's never too early to start thinking about the next bike.   

[dennisd]

OK, I'll throw in my .02 cents (although most people say it only worth about .0001 cent).

When asked the question about the first bike I usually suggest getting a trail bike.  Not a MXer,  but a user friendly small 4-stroke.  Find somewhere you can do some trail riding.  It doesn't have to be a large area like the national forest trail system.  Just an open pasture or something.  This will allow the new rider to get acquainted with controlling the motorcycle in different situations (such as a front wheel slide while braking hard or the back end stepping out slightly under acceleration) without having to worry about traffic.  Riding for the first few months to a year are scary enough for some but throw in the idiots out there on the road and it's enough to turn some people off from riding.  Learn to control the motorcycle first then add in having to deal with the cagers trying to run you down.  If an open area will be impossible, then consider a small dual purpose such as the Suzuki DR250S and find some back roads with little traffic.  You might even consider getting a DP or trail bike yourself to ride along with her, just don't be the well intending partner that pushes her too much.

I still like to get out and hang out the rear end of my DRs on some back country gravel roads.  It helps hone my skills quite a lot.

[Grappa]

What dennisd said^^^^^.  If dropping the bike is such a potential, then maybe she shouldn't be on the road just yet, even if she passed the MSF.   A dirt bike would be a great way to get a better feel for motorcycles in a safer environment away from cars, trucks, etc.  And if you drop it, no worries.  There is so much to worry about when motorcycling once you are on the highway and in traffic, that if you don't have the basics down, like how to not drop the bike, then things could get ugly and terrifying really quick.  

[angler]

OK, I'll throw in my .02 cents (although most people say it only worth about .0001 cent).

When asked the question about the first bike I usually suggest getting a trail bike.  Not a MXer,  but a user friendly small 4-stroke.  Find somewhere you can do some trail riding.  It doesn't have to be a large area like the national forest trail system.  Just an open pasture or something.  This will allow the new rider to get acquainted with controlling the motorcycle in different situations (such as a front wheel slide while braking hard or the back end stepping out slightly under acceleration) without having to worry about traffic.  Riding for the first few months to a year are scary enough for some but throw in the idiots out there on the road and it's enough to turn some people off from riding.  Learn to control the motorcycle first then add in having to deal with the cagers trying to run you down.  If an open area will be impossible, then consider a small dual purpose such as the Suzuki DR250S and find some back roads with little traffic.  You might even consider getting a DP or trail bike yourself to ride along with her, just don't be the well intending partner that pushes her too much.

I still like to get out and hang out the rear end of my DRs on some back country gravel roads.  It helps hone my skills quite a lot.

++1 I am really hoping the GF goes for the TW200 so I can get back to my dirt roots!