Beginner bike for daughter???

[drums4money]

Had a Ninja 250 all through college.   Perfect at the time as a 1st bike.  
Just enough sport, not instantly lethal as the 600 supersports, good around town & on campus, and never left me stranded.

Looking back, the last thing I needed at the time was "personality" or "character".  That little bike was as predictable as a Timex and reliable as a hammer.

[Joliet Jim]

Buell Blast 500 cc of fun and made of indestructible plastic.  4 good drops and all that needed replacement was one turn signal lens. It can run 70 and keep up with the Cali. Fun little bike and there are thousands of them with low miles.

[jas67]

Buell Blast 500 cc of fun and made of indestructible plastic.  4 good drops and all that needed replacement was one turn signal lens. It can run 70 and keep up with the Cali. Fun little bike and there are thousands of them with low miles.

Maybe not entirely indestructible:

[DCWCALI]

Samantha was 18 when she started on a 2002 Ninja 250.  I can say she has been ready to move up to a bigger bike but the decision is hers to make.  Can't go wrong with any of the 250's cheap, reliable and won't intimidate the rider

[biking sailor]

Here's my take, and I did read and understand she doesn't want a mini-Harley clone!!!!

My wife has about the same height and inseam.  Her first street bike was a Ninja 500.  Excellent first bike because just as easy to ride as a Ninja or Honda 250, but will have the speed to easily keep up with you when on two lane highways, or even an interstate when the ability/skill reaches that level.  From there she went to a Breva 750, which she still has.  Now she really likes "MY" CB500X, and tours on it.  The Buell Blast is a nice bike that would be along the lines of Ninja 500, but look a bit more modern.  

But first...  I would pickup a small dirt bike, such as a Honda XR100 or something similar.  Let her ride it around the house and on easy trails to build her riding, shifting' and braking skills along with reactions when sliding a bit in sand and dirt.  Also, when it gets dropped or dumped, it won't be that big of a deal.  You might even find picking a little one up for yourself to ride with her would open new doors of sharing your MCing interests.  When the bikes have served their purpose, you can usually turn them for about what you bought them for.

Making sure she has good riding skills before you watch her ride off into the world on her own will only make it a little bit easier to take. BTDT and I still worry like an old ..., well you get the picture.   ;)

Good luck on finding the right bike THAT SHE LIKES and GOOD GEAR THAT SHE WILL LIKE TO WEAR!   ;-T

[Perazzimx14]

Only problem there, is an ATV steers completely different than a motorcycle.

Agreed but when stalls it doesn't fall over.  Learning to operate a manual clutch with a set of "training wheels"  is okay.

[LongRanger]

Here's another vote for the CBR250R. I've been riding for 40 years and added one to my stable two years ago, just because. It's a very impressive little bike and ideal for first-timers IMO (350 lbs, 100+ mpg, simple and inexpensive to maintain). More fun than a barrel of monkeys. Where did that saying come from?

[Green1000S]

Lots of replies... Thanks guys.

No, she has no riding experience. Sleeping on back of the Quota does not count.
Where I live, there are million roads with close to no cars, so we can go on Amish back roads and practice all we want without any traffic. Same on my neighborhood, lots of double wide roads and zero cars. She could drive hours without even worrying if she is on right side of the road.
Safety course is a must. She ain't going anywhere without it. I'll take it too.
Even if she passes the test, she will be riding with me so I can confirm better her capabilities and how she steers, brakes etc...
Looks like the Ninja and CBR are front runners at this point. Light, nimble, cheap and plenty of parts available. Matches the budget too. I'll also look at the 400's, but I have a gut feeling that Allstate likes the 250 much better.
I'll have rest of the winter and spring to figure it out, although right now you can bargain well on bikes....

[bad Chad]

A Blast makes the most sense to me, based on what I know of them, and Joliet did what you are contemplating, and like he said, droped 4 times, needed 1 turn signel lense.  Hard to beat those numbers, and the bike has a lot torque!

[Doppelgaenger]

But first...  I would pickup a small dirt bike, such as a Honda XR100 or something similar.  Let her ride it around the house and on easy trails to build her riding, shifting' and braking skills along with reactions when sliding a bit in sand and dirt.  Also, when it gets dropped or dumped, it won't be that big of a deal.  You might even find picking a little one up for yourself to ride with her would open new doors of sharing your MCing interests.  When the bikes have served their purpose, you can usually turn them for about what you bought them for.

Yeah, this.

[ratguzzi]

I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB

[jas67]

I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB

That's what I love about this forum.     Lot's of very good people.    JB, you're a class act!

[Joliet Jim]

A Blast makes the most sense to me, based on what I know of them, and Joliet did what you are contemplating, and like he said, droped 4 times, needed 1 turn signel lense.  Hard to beat those numbers, and the bike has a lot torque!

Yeah I just wish she'd get it out of my garage. I don't think the vlx we looked at would have faired as well. especially the high speed get off on the way to the illinois rally that year

[Rich A]

As you say your daughter enjoys going fast, you might consider sponsoring a track day--after she takes an intro class and learns the basics--as an alternative to dirt riding. If she is going to go fast, there is no safer place than a track, and imho no better place to learn riding skills.

Rich A

[jas67]

2006 GS500, $1,800.
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4827200998.html

2012 CBR250, $3,250 (yes, higher than your stated price range)
http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4818059017.html

2006 Ninja 250, $2,300
http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4822423571.html

[mach1mustang351]

I test drove a Buell Blast as a potential first bike for my wife and I think it could fit the bill.  It was a little odd for me to ride because of the thumper feel on the road, but it was torquey, and predictable.  The torque can be helpful for a new rider who might be still getting used to picking the right gears, learning entry and exit speed etc.

How about this for a crazy option.  A female friend of mine got a Dr400 supermoto as her first motorcycle ever.  She has been all over the place on the thing.  The down fall has been limiting on trip distance due to range but it has been solid and predictable.  

How about that new CB500x.  I know its new and over budget but in the great scheme of things it may be a good option if she is ambitious to be a motorcyclist.    

Its funny someone mentioned an SL175, that was my first bike.  I rode it in the dirt before it became my "road dog" when I turned 15 and got my bike license.  It topped out at 63 MPH and I rode it 63 mph everywhere I went.  My dad told me if I blew it up he would get me a different bike.  I had no luck blowing it up, but I got a new bike anyway.  I guess the point of the tangent was we sold it to a college gal that rode it for years before it finally gave up the ghost because of years of no maintenance.  Solid bike bit the traveling aspect would be rough.

[tiger_one]

The MSF school in Shreveport uses the CBR250R and I have ridden with a young woman that owned one.  I put lowering links on it to lower 1-1/2" in rear and raised the forks an 1".  It will run 80 on the interstate pretty easy.

Has my vote for a new rider.

[greer]

I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB

Wow, what a nice offer!

Sarah

[Nic in Western NYS]

I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB

some good eggs around these parts

[Green1000S]

I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB

Hi John!
Wow...  What an offer! Thank you so much.
Let me discuss with the daughter, since for me its money and safety, for her it's more of what she likes😃
I don't know the Yamaha 185, is it street or dirt bike?
And once it warms up again, let's go for a spin next time you're here in a Lancaster area!

[Noguzznoglory]

IMO The CBR250 or the Ninja  250. Had a Ninja and it was great fun. Good power and light. She looks rather petite and I suggest you make sure there are parts available to lower the bike whatever you buy. I know there are lowering links available for the Ninja. Stlll have a set.

[Travman]

Did anyone mention the Suzuki Tu250?  It has a fairly low seat height and doesn't look like a Harley.

[jdgretz]

My wife bought her son an '07 Ninja 250 for his High School graduation present back in 2007.  I finally got the bike sorted out almost a year later when I got back into town and he then really began to like the bike - light weight, cheap to insure, cheap to maintain, cheap to run (hmm, could almost be Guzzi content here).  His first one got totaled when a cop ran a light and whacked him about the rear turn signal and snapped the frame.

I got him into an '89 Ninja 600 for $1500.  He liked the extra power but really preferred the smaller bike.  He's now on his second '07 and it has been very reliable.  He prefers the look of the '07 and earlier than the '08 and later.

Either the 250/300 or the 500 would be excellent bikes for her, and what the heck - let her take it on the trip.  She will learn so much about riding and gain so much experience.  Get an intercom system (my wife and I use the Sena SMH10) and coach her as you follow or give her tips on the turns and what to watch for when you are leading.

jdg

[tpeever]

If seat height is an issue and she likes Guzzi, Nevada has a very low seat height and is reasonably light. Sounds like she may not favor the cruiser styling though. We have a 2007 Nevada that my wife rides when we go on tour. She is currently using soft bags but we are thinking of getting Hepco & Becker bags for it. She learned to ride about 4 years ago on an '86 Honda Rebel which has an even lower seat height and is an excellent learner bike but is a bit light for highway use.

[steven c]

 Buell Blast? Dirt cheap, a lot with low miles on them for around $1500.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Buell Blast? Dirt cheap, a lot with low miles on them for around $1500.

I have to say, the (low mileage, well-maintained) 2001 I rode was the biggest POS I've ever swung a leg across. Handled and braked only okay, heavy vibration at most all engine speeds. Build quality wasn't all that great. Didn't help that the owner had a V&H "muffler" on it. Made it obnoxiously loud and (still) slow. 

[geoff in almonte]

Well, not trying to tell you how to raise her, just reacting - I want ALL our sons and daughters to get through the teen years safely!   AND be able to proudly ride to the rallies .... !!

Lannis

That climb up Fool's Hill can be painful.....

G

[DC950]

it won't be long before I go through the same thing with my soon to be 16 year old son.  I've given it a lot of thought.  I used to be a MSF instructor and have seen a lot of noobs get started.  Even though I ride and often commute on a dual sport bike, he won't start on one of them.  Why not?  I really like how they are tall so you can see and be seen.  They also aren't stupidly powerful and do eat up potholes and the like.  However, with a 21" front wheel and semi-knobby tires, they just don't stop as well as a street bike.  Perhaps we could find a 21" street tire, but I doubt it will have the stickiness I'd like him to have. 

The little Honda or Ninja with ABS is just about perfect IMHO.  Yeah, yeah, I know many of you learned on overweight, underpowered 1970s bikes with hard black things that passed for tires back in the day and did fine.  I like the idea of him finding a CB550 and fixing it up together.  But the world has changed; traffic is worse, drivers are more distracted than ever, and for a few more bucks having the ability to accidentally grab the front brake and get away with it is priceless when it comes to my kid.

[nikwax]

My daughter had a Ninja 250. She has a really short inseam (28 in maybe) and there weren't many choices, I think it was the Rebel and the Ninja. I installed bar risers on the Ninja for her so she wasn't sitting so far forward. She liked the bike a lot.


I'm 6'3", I could sit on the back seat and ride it. And it was a lot of fun.

[biking sailor]

Even though I ride and often commute on a dual sport bike, he won't start on one of them.  Why not?  I really like how they are tall so you can see and be seen.  They also aren't stupidly powerful and do eat up potholes and the like.  However, with a 21" front wheel and semi-knobby tires, they just don't stop as well as a street bike.  Perhaps we could find a 21" street tire, but I doubt it will have the stickiness I'd like him to have. 

First thing comes to mind is stoppies on a WR250X (super motard).  Second was how well the Shinko 705 21" fronts held traction on our dual sports.  Not gonna easily find a DS with ABS, but...   YMMV