This is a lady who knows how to get things done! I think we should all stand back and watch....

 

Issue is comfort and safety not price. Of course the MSF, like many folks I would vote for a smaller lighter bike first, if you feel you have to have new the 1200 and you can trade up. In the current market lots of used smaller bikes. I like the Honda 400's the Virago as someone else mentioned. Better to build confidence and safety first. Bikes are fun, but are not toys. Good safety gear is the first consideration, then what type of bike.

 

The course is also great fun, we took it at a local Harley dealer that gives a free rental (of a sportster) after completion of the course.

So she can test out a harley before you guys bite the big bullet.

 

I bought a used Rebel and it worked great. When she was ready for a bigger bike sold it for what I had in it and bought a FXDL. THe MSC is definately the way to go - you can never be too safe. You may also want to consider buying the Ride Like a Pro video - great stuff and featuring an equally nice looking lady. By the way, as the other guys have said, you have a very pretty wife.

 

Great idea.

Thanks for all the compliments on her btw - i'll pass em on... if i dare. I haven't told her i posted her on here yet!

 

well, my buddy bought his wife a brand new sportster and after 2 months she decided she really didnt like riding..after she dropped it.... go figure lol...

 

I operate in a fairly chauvinistic society (Navy warship, small boys) and I have been struck by the condescending tone of some of the comments--although they seem to be 'harmless' or 'helpful' in a rather paternalistic sort of way ....

Unless she is financially dependent on you to buy the bike (and even then it is rather poor taste to mention it, I suppose) or if she specifically solicited your input ....

I recommend to anyone, who is under no obligation to do so otherwise, to take the Basic Rider Course.

It depends on one's self confidence whether a Harley (and specifically a Big Twin) would be a good first bike. I think most people could handle the bike. There are a lot of diminutive folks on this forum who handle them quite well (or so they report).

As a first bike, there is definitely a learning curve to developing one's skills, but I don't see why it would necessarily be ill advised for her first bike.

Best of luck and hope to see more of her on the forum ... she is a very pretty lady. You are a fortunate man ....

R/
'Chop

p.s. any chauvinism or paternalism is purely unintended!

 

Give her what she wants . That way you get what you want. lol

 

If you are still looking for input I am with the start with a "beginner" bike first crowd. Smaller bikes are just easier to handle when you are learning. Most 250 metric cruisers will probably be half the weight. The Bob will handle great in the end but I was more comfortable when I rode off on my 1st bike, a Suzuki Savage, than I was when I took off on my FXDC, which is my 3rd bike. I just can't imagine a beginner hitting the streets with that bike.

A lot of people could start with a big bike and do fine, in my experience it is a sharp learning curve, you learn the basics of handling it fast. But then there are the finer points of riding that should be taken in on something more forgiving. Some people put the brand over practicality. She is worried about people laughing at her on a metric, but better to put the time in on something you can handle than wreck a 14k bike and yourself to look cool. What do I know though.

 

Not sure what bad experience you may have had but percentage wise the depreciation between a HD and any other bike has been the same relative to the purchase price.

However, any vehicle you just buy new drops as soon as you roll it out the dealer's door. That's why it's a much better bargain to buy any brand used and not new unless you plan on a long term ownership.