Any bike that takes whatever her current interest in riding to the next level. Wouldn't want to diminish her interest either by going to tame or to big, let her pick her fav.

 

Since we are all offering advice, I will contribute mine. I started riding, full time and year around, 42 years ago. That doesn't mean my opinion is the only one worth considering, but it may carry some weight.

I have seen several, make that many, new riders. And a few of them rode for many years. But most of them discovered that riding a motorcycle wasn't what they expected or wanted. I see from your profile that you live in a big city. And you probably face a lot of traffic in the daily riding in your area.

That may, or may not, be a factor to consider. Back in 1968 Vegas was a much smaller town and I felt comfortable while learning to ride in traffic. I look at Vegas today and think what a frightening experience it must be for newbies that aren't fully comfortable/confident on two wheels.

If a new rider can get some time and miles under their belt before they experience some of the 'close calls' or near misses that occur more frequently when riding in a high traffic area, he or she may be a long time rider. But a few bad experiences can mean an early end to someone's desire to ride. That, as the 'drops' others have mentioned, can be can be a much better experience on something cheaper then a Harley.

Or another consideration, especially if your area is anything like a big city traffic wise, is the danger that new riders face. While nobody can be ready for everything, there are things those of us that have been riding for a while know to watch out for. Some of these are things that a new rider may not expect. And some of these experiences may be less intimidating on a smaller, easier to control, motorcycle.

Ron

 

Started out on a Suzuki Intruder VS800. Probably the perfect starter bike. Put on forward controls and drag pipes. Loud as hell and pretty fast. Its a very light bike and you can get an older used one for cheap $2000-2500.

I dropped it simply because my foot got stuck on the crash bars which sucked and completely did the opposite of what they where supposed to do but **** happens. Start of small, you can always trade it in for a HD or sell it and move up slowly. Dont start on something huge thats gonna cost an arm and a leg to fix.

 

Not a whole lot to add here. I am a small guy and bought an Iron 883 as my first bike (will never sell), it is so much fun.. I would like a SG someday in addition.

Check out the HD site tomorrow, the newly designed 2011 super low sporty should be up, tomorrow is release day for the 11's.

Someone posted on article on here earlier, think it was Cycle World that had a write up, supposed to be somewhat redesigned from what I hear.

 

Honda Rebel 250, light, low to the ground and throw away cheap.

 

My wife's first bike was a Harley and she's had several since. If you can find a Harley that fits her, go for it.

 

Having never met her, I would have no idea. Depends on the individual.

 

I think she is deserving of a Softail Deluxe.

 

I agree with the above post...take the msf course first. If she likes it I would buy her a junk bike...maybe an old honda rebel. Something light enough if she dumps it she can pick it up. Once she has it mastered get her a bigger bike. I'm not a fan of sporty's (I learned on an 883 and we didn't get along) but they are making some pretty cool sporty's now that women really like. I recommend a dyna though once she's mastered the ability to not drop a bike.