Take the MSF course they willteachhereverythingshe willneed to know and she will be using a 125 cc bike.They start with power walking the bike no better way to get use to a clutch. It is better then trying to learn how to ride on your own.Me, my girlfriend and female friend alltook the MSF course it is a great course to take no matter what you riding ability is. Oh by the way my girlfriend is also 5'4" and she rides my stock height 06 636 busted a tight U turn on it the first time on the damn thing. She only touches to the ***** of her feet.

 

m doggy, get her a 250 cough cough, when she learns the key stratigies and balence of a street bike and will be ready to step up, you keep the 250 and coughcough get her her next bike. this way it dont scare the crap out of her and intimidate her.it will be more then enough for the time being. and yougeta250whenshes ready to step up.

 

Find one of these, then borrow it for kicks.
http://www.geocities.com/aprilia250..../page0001.html

 

Normally the weight and feel of the ride is the first impression objectives. That can make or break a persons first impressions when learning to ride and also to continue to ride. Falling down will happen, but everyone has a different view on their learning curves and abilities with the eye, hand coordination. Depending on the person, normally starting small and getting schooled is the better way to go.

 

I just went through this. My girl is taking the MSF in april. She was told to get a 250, or 500. A lot of people suggested a sv650 but she hated the style on them. We just picked up a ninja 650r for her for a good price. She has never ridden so it will sit in my garage and I'll put around on it till she is ready to hop on it after the MSF course next month.

 

I am the same height as your gf, I have a 500. I have no problem getting both feet flat on the ground with the 500.....if memory serves me right the 650R has the same seat height as the 500 - so those shouldn't be a problem.

imo - the 500 is great....I have had mine for three years now and am not 'bored' with it. It is a very fun bike that has plenty of power. I know they don't look as sporty as the other bikes, but to me that doesn't really matter......fewer expensive parts to replace in the event of an accident.

Another thing to keep in mind......if she has small hands, both the clutch and brake levers on the 500 are adjustable.

Good luck. Keep us posted on how things go!

 

I will have to give a +1 on the gs500. In all honesty - it is much better put together and quality than the Ninja 250 or 500, and the overall handling and front-end feel are much better, yet the power & delivery is not ramped up to something as extreme as a 600. Someone else mentioned it will likely get dropped - so do keep that in mind... most folks - men or women - drop their first bike. It is the 2nd most educational day you will have on a bike, 2nd only to the MSF. So keep that in mind and either get something used (but decent quality), or pick up some sliders when you pick up the bike. The MSF is a must. I know a lot of people think you need to flat-foot a bike, but I actually do not agree with that. For cruisers - it is a given, due to the riding position. There are many sportbikes however which not even men can flatfoot. I am 5ft 10 and I cannot flatfoot the zx9 on both sides... but it's ok. If you can lean it just a couple degrees and rest it in the inside of your leg, you should be good.... and so long as you have decent balance and negotiation skills, as well as strong legs... if you can almost get your heels down on both sides, you should be ok.

Yes, lowering links are also an option for a taller bike - just make sure you adjust the rest of the suspension when you do it, because it will have some pretty dramatic effects on the handling & geometry. Make sure she is geared up right, and spend a LOT of time with her in the parking lot before & after the MSF. Also - don't put her in the city and traffic right away. Go find some back-jack county roads that are in decent shape without a lot of traffic, teach her about focusing down the road, not in front of the bike (big mistake everyone makes) and target fixation.Let her get used to riding where it is just her and the bike and the road for a couple weeks, then work your way into town & traffic.

Otherwise... MSF MSF MSF MSF... Take lots of time in empty parking lots... learn the clutch, the balance and the counter-steer.

 

yo mav, did you guys deside on a bike yet ?

 

Not entirely. Got a better idea now though. We have time until we make a decision though. Financially and due to the fact I'd like her to take the MSF course first.

 

keep me posted so i can work on getting my woman a bike.