Beginner bike for daughter???

[Green1000S]

Many of you have seen me and my youngest daughter Lisa at the Rallies. Last 3 years we have toured with the Black or red Quota allover, often about 3000 mile trips.
This year we are trying to ride from Tucson-San Diego-LA-Las Vegas-Grand Canyon-Denver-Lancaster. Once again, with the Quota.





She got her drivers licence 6 months ago and has driven about 8000 miles. She is very natural behing the steering wheel and fluent in traffic.
Sooooo... looks like we have come into a situation where riding with "Daddy" is still OK and better than  staying in house with "Mom". ;D
However she would REALLY, REALLY want to have her own bike. She likes Guzzi's, but the Robin is not a great choise for Buena Vista Rally....



and as I see it, there is no "newer" and "smaller" Guzzi's available.
She likes modern looking bikes, like 250 Kawa Ninja. Seems to dislike the Honda Rebel (looks like a Harley, hahaha...) Budget is about 2500, give or take few hundreds.


Few questions to you guys who have circled the globe longer than me.
1) At what age your daughter got her own bike? How did you feel about it?
2) Any recommendations for a decent "touring"/beginner bike for a girl that weights less than 1/2 chicken?

She already asked the 1000S and I said no.
However the Robin seems to dissapear from garage at frequent intervals...

Thanks, Lauri

[jas67]

If she likes the Ninja 250, then that would be a fine bike for her to start up.    They're pretty simple, reliable, and common.    Because they're common, used ones are also inexpensive.     A 2007-newer one can be had for $1,500-$3,000, often with quite low miles.       Earlier ones often are seen on Craigslist this time of year for as little as $1,000.    The Honda CBR250R is another bike in the same class as the Ninja 250 that would be a good starter bike.   Being a single (ninja is a twin), it makes less HP, but, has better lower end torque.

A Ninja 500 would be just as friendly a starter bike, if not even better, due to having better lower end torque.   Ninja 500 prices aren't much higher than the Ninja 250.

Both bikes, though having sport bike looks are pretty much Standards with fairings.

Another bike that would be good starter bikes and also fall in the price range is the Suzuki GS500.

[M0T0Geezer]

Would she accept a mega scooter?
I put 25000 miles on a Yamaha Majesty 400. Fantastic bike and great for touring.

[smdl]

Maybe an older small block?  I know that's not "newer" but many look very nice, and if she likes the 1000s...

Here are a couple that a quick search came up with:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcd/4777680334.html
http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/4790663729.html

I know the one is a bit more than you want to spend, and the other is an unknown (trade), but you can likely find a SB where you want to be.  One of these would keep her in the Guzzi fold, and you would be certain that the bike wouldn't be overpowered.   ;D

Edit:   Please let us know what direction you ultimately take.

Cheers,
Shaun

[Orange Guzzi]

My daughter is 15 going on 16 shortly.  She will be attending the local motorcycle riders school this next summer.  I have been thru the instructors course, but never taught classes.  I do not want to teach my daughter to ride.  I want here to learn from some one else so the dad/daughter relationship does not gets in the way.  I have a Buell Blast for her to ride.  She is ready and eager to learn to ride.  She said she wants to pull up to school next year on the first day on a motorcycle.  Nothing like some good dirt bike riding to start off with.  

[crc]

I like her tee shirt, any chance of getting one of them? ill pay, or any other guzzi rally tee shirts? I worked for a Kawasaki dealership for a few years and I must say kawasakis aren't bad bikes. if she was my daughter id rather see her on a Italian bike, proberbly not ducati though. maybe a gilera or aprilia? start her off on a good bike and shes bound to end up likeing Italian stuff. end of the day though she best to decide what she likes

[Sasquatch Jim]

  I would say start her at 650cc or smaller with close attention to the ergonomic fit of her physic.

[Sheepdog]

A friend just picked up a Honda CBR250RA with 733 miles for $3K. Water-cooled, fuel-injected, and with ABS brakes for the price of a really nice big screen TV! The operating/insurance costs are small and the aftermarket is pretty large (Hepco Becker even makes C-Bow saddlebags for it). It may be just right for her....

[youcanrunnaked]

Another vote for the Kawasaki Ninja 500.  IMO, the perfect starter bike.

[AH Fan]

Many of you have seen me and my youngest daughter Lisa at the Rallies. Last 3 years we have toured with the Black or red Quota allover, often about 3000 mile trips.
This year we are trying to ride from Tucson-San Diego-LA-Las Vegas-Grand Canyon-Denver-Lancaster. Once again, with the Quota.





She got her drivers licence 6 months ago and has driven about 8000 miles. She is very natural behing the steering wheel and fluent in traffic.
Sooooo... looks like we have come into a situation where riding with "Daddy" is still OK and better than  staying in house with "Mom". ;D
However she would REALLY, REALLY want to have her own bike. She likes Guzzi's, but the Robin is not a great choise for Buena Vista Rally....

Your a very lucky man congrats to both of you on your motorcycling adventure/ relationship future ............. I have sons of similar age which have virtually no interest in riding or mechanical things in general ?? not sure how that happened.
As far as a choice in first machine...... JMTC ... make sure its light weight and fits ...... and I would not recommend a scooter as there probably wont be a whole lot of shifting / clutch skills developed on those.

Ciao



and as I see it, there is no "newer" and "smaller" Guzzi's available.
She likes modern looking bikes, like 250 Kawa Ninja. Seems to dislike the Honda Rebel (looks like a Harley, hahaha...) Budget is about 2500, give or take few hundreds.


Few questions to you guys who have circled the globe longer than me.
1) At what age your daughter got her own bike? How did you feel about it?
2) Any recommendations for a decent "touring"/beginner bike for a girl that weights less than 1/2 chicken?

She already asked the 1000S and I said no.
However the Robin seems to dissapear from garage at frequent intervals...

Thanks, Lauri

[oldbike54]

One more thing Lauri , good job raising such a great kid , she looks like a hoot  ;-T

  Dusty

[Morizzi]

The small Stelvio thing has been done. The Stelvio 1200 NTX is in fact the copycat.




Even a more trail style/farm bike.



But I think one of these, that can be fitted with more adventurous tyres like Bridgestone Trailwings or Hidenau K60's, in black with green stripes like a 1000S would be cool and multi purpose. Over 50kg lighter than your Tonti too. V50 or V65 are very similar. Monza would be good too but harder to find.



They have seen military service.



Rod

[Doppelgaenger]

V50, ninja 250 are good choices although all are likely to be too tall for her right now.

How about an SL175? See if she'd enjoy a more classic looking bike? You can probably find one for about $500-$750. Basic as bones bike that she can tear apart and fix herself. Maybe a bonding moment that she'll always remember? It's always a great idea to learn those kinds of skills when you're young, this is a valuable learning opportunity for her.

I personally wouldn't give a teenager a big engine, it's probably best that she learns on something she can flog mercilessly without getting up to big speed. It won't matter so much exactly what she gets, I think that what will matter most in the end is that it's HER bike that she can ride when she wants. Of course the bike should suit the purpose she intends for it, but that's my two cents.

[Shorty]

Yamaha XT225 or 250

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lls_Vu0RCMg





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XqG3Bm73zQ

Light. Forgiving. 70 mpg. 70 mph. MSF schools used them.

[oldbike54]

V50, ninja 250 are good choices although all are likely to be too tall for her right now.

How about an SL175? See if she'd enjoy a more classic looking bike? You can probably find one for about $500-$750. Basic as bones bike that she can tear apart and fix herself. Maybe a bonding moment that she'll always remember? It's always a great idea to learn those kinds of skills when you're young, this is a valuable learning opportunity for her.

I personally wouldn't give a teenager a big engine, it's probably best that she learns on something she can flog mercilessly without getting up to big speed. It won't matter so much exactly what she gets, I think that what will matter most in the end is that it's HER bike that she can ride when she wants. Of course the bike should suit the purpose intends for it, but that's my two cents.

Uh , good luck finding a good 175 Honda for less than $1500.00 these days . The girl wants to ride , not spend the next 2 years rebuilding an old clunker  ::) ;D

  Dusty

[clubman]

You might consider a Suzuki Savage. Low seat height,mild torquey motor with highway capability,cheap on the used market.Easy to get rid of when it's time to move up. The 500 Ninja gets great reviews too.

[Nic in Western NYS]

Honda CBR 250R with ABS.  Reading this list, lock ups happen even with decades of experience.  Cheers and congrats on the new member of the riding fraternity/sorority.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/06/honda-cbr250r-abs-motorcycle-proves-fun-well-suited-to-new-riders/index.htm

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/28/honda-cbr250r-abs-sportbike-long-term-test-wrap-up-review-photos-specs/
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/04/11/honda-cbr250r-abs-long-term-test-update-2/

[Perazzimx14]

Grom

[jas67]

Uh , good luck finding a good 175 Honda for less than $1500.00 these days . The girl wants to ride , not spend the next 2 years rebuilding an old clunker  ::) ;D

  Dusty

 :+1

And +1 on the comments about learning in the dirt (which, I'm sure you already know).   You didn't mention her height or inseam.   If she has long enough legs to handle smaller dual sport, that'd be a great bike to learn on, both street and dirt.

In any case, this will open a new and exciting chapter in your relationship with your daughter.

[jas67]

You might consider a Suzuki Savage. Low seat height,mild torquey motor with highway capability,cheap on the used market.Easy to get rid of when it's time to move up. The 500 Ninja gets great reviews too.

She doesn't like the Rebel, because it "looks like a Harley".    She's not going to like the Savage for the same reason.

Grom

While I think the Grom is cool, for the money they cost, there are many more suitable (for the road) bikes she can get.
That money would be way better spent on an XT225, XT250, DRZ250, CRF250F, etc.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Uh...What type of bike does your daughter like?  If it's going to be hers, my opinion is she should be involved....

[boatdetective]

If she already likes modern sporty bikes than the task is easy. Either the Kawa or Honda are fine machines. I am especially impressed by the fit and finish on the Honda- it looks fantastic! Both companies are very wise to produce entry level bikes that are not "cheap". The obvious goal is to make the rider feel proud of thier mount and sell them into the family. She is rare in that she is already racking up miles- I'd make sure she gets something reliable as a stone axe.

 The hidden extra here is that huge, goofy looking muffler. It's gotta go. If she gets this, she can research an appropriate Yoshimura can to start modding her ride. Man, then you'll have a daughter who rides and is also a gearhead. Nice!

[Perazzimx14]

She doesn't like the Rebel, because it "looks like a Harley".    She's not going to like the Savage for the same reason.

While I think the Grom is cool, for the money they cost, there are many more suitable (for the road) bikes she can get.
That money would be way better spent on an XT225, XT250, DRZ250, CRF250F, etc.

Practicality and sensibility go out the window when spending money on daughters.    

[Lannis]

Uh...What type of bike does your daughter like?  If it's going to be hers, my opinion is she should be involved....

 :+1 to this.   Like most other responders, I can't answer the specific "How did you get YOUR daughter started riding?" question.

But she's just like the rest of us in this; that the bike she will do best on is the bike she feels like is HERS and that she has a chance to bond with and to enjoy riding and being seen on!

If she has no opinion and just wants Dad's best judgment on which bike to choose, that's great.   But if she has ANY sort of a brand or type preference, go there first!

Lannis

[Mike Tashjian]

The Yamaha TW 200 is a great bike to learn on.  Both of my kids and the neighbor learned on a TW that I bought from a friend.  The bike is just very easy to handle and will start off in 1 or 2nd without a glitch.  And any drops at low speed will not destroy hundreds of dollars in parts.  My advise is to buy a used one and let your daughter drive it for at least 6 months.  Then you can sell it on and buy something else.  You probably won't lose more than a registration fee and couple of hundred dollars. The confidence and experience your daughter will gain will be priceless.  Mike

[Vagrant]

my cousin age 55 and daughter 30 both started ridding this spring. she got a used 300 Ninja ABS for your budget with only 2-3000 miles on it. she can't break 5' tall and 80#'s but this bike works great for her and at 70 MPG is hard to beat. handling is fantastic both running and pushing around the garage. it of the cbr250-300 is what I'd get.

[rocker59]

If she likes the Ninja 250, then that would be a fine bike for her to start up.    They're pretty simple, reliable, and common.    Because they're common, used ones are also inexpensive.     A 2007-newer one can be had for $1,500-$3,000, often with quite low miles.       Earlier ones often are seen on Craigslist this time of year for as little as $1,000.    The Honda CBR250R is another bike in the same class as the Ninja 250 that would be a good starter bike.   Being a single (ninja is a twin), it makes less HP, but, has better lower end torque.

A Ninja 500 would be just as friendly a starter bike, if not even better, due to having better lower end torque.   Ninja 500 prices aren't much higher than the Ninja 250.

Both bikes, though having sport bike looks are pretty much Standards with fairings.

Another bike that would be good starter bikes and also fall in the price range is the Suzuki GS500.

 :+1

Ninja 250
Ninja 500
GS500

 

[greer]

I can vouch for the Yamaha XT225, rode plumb across the country on one and had a blast.  But be sure to check out the Suzuki TU250X; I don't own one but they've caught my eye from the start.  Said to be tough as nails and offer better performance and handling than you'd expect.  All the best to you; you are a lucky dad and she is a lucky girl.

Sarah

[rocker59]

The Yamaha TW 200 is a great bike to learn on.   

I can vouch for the Yamaha XT225, rode plumb across the country on one and had a blast.  

Green1000S is planning a trip from Arizona to California to Nevada, then all the way back to Pennsylvania.  While the TW200 and XT225 are really good bikes in their intended role, They really aren't the kind of bike you want to put someone on for 3,000 miles of highway touring.

[greer]

As I said, I rode my XT from KY to Moab and back with nary a hitch, but I hear you.  And folks are riding the TU's everywhere.  They offer an upright seating position for good leverage in the bars and weigh in at 326lb wet.  That's about 50lb less than the Ninja I think.  I'm not trying to argue, I just prefer a lightweight standard.

Sarah