New Bike For my Girlfriend!

S

safia k

New member
Just wondering what you guys think would be a good fit for my girlfriend.

She is 5'4 120 pounds.

I am open to anything but I would like it to be a Duc.

She has never ridden a bike before. Except for the kind with pedals.
 
Bought my wife a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500. She's never ride before so a Duc may not be a good starting bike unless you are loaded. I also sent her thru a riding school.
 
Usually I suggest a GSXR 1000 with nitrous for new riders but since you seem to like your girlfriend I'd say a small monster. Dark edition so every scuff isn't an expensive paintjob, wet clutch becuase it's more forgiving, and best of all, a cheaper bike.

Otherwise 250 Ninja's are hard to beat.
 
There are not many choices under Ducati for start-up rider but you can look at:

* Ducati SportClassic (GT1000 version)
* Ducati Monster (696 version)

Happy Shopping!
 
If she is going t take the MSF course I think you would be fine with any of the 600 range monsters. They are not by any means overwhelimng, but they do retain enough performance to enjoy after she gets more experience.
 
I'd also add I don't think anyone's first bike should be new. Odds are it's going to fall over, six year old low mileage 600 or 750 monster, maybe with a scuff already on it to lessen the "don't drop it" pressure.
 
I'd buy her something based only on price. Once she starts riding there will be initial interest and it will get used. But once the novelty of a nifty new fashion statement riding jacket and two wheels wears off many women (my wife is in this boat) will just want to keep the bike as it's one of those bragging rights status symbols. But it just will sit collecting dust as it's not her cup of tea. My wife has an older 450 Rebel. Last year she put a whoppin 43 miles on it.

In all honestly she may not be the girlfriend a year from now. and if it were me I'd hate to be hung with a spendy bike if I broke up with someone.

I'd pickup something for $2000 and as she's a shortie, something that is a low for a starter. It might be something totally miserable from our perspective but bought purely based on money. A Rebel, a 535 Virago etc. These can be had for a song as other women were in the same category.

After the first year of riding the beater and she's still jacked on bikes and actually riding the thing, a 695- 696 monster which is fairly low or something else. **IF she pays for it.
 
Get her the Ninja 250. She'll have plenty of time to ride a Duc down the road. The added baggage that comes with being a Duc owner are better left for a more experienced rider. (IMHO) If you're worried about the Ninja being too small, then go SV 650. If it HAS to be a Duc, the 696 would be tough to beat for a new rider.
 
Ex-girlfriend had never ridden before or even had much interest in bikes 'til she met me. After I got
my first street bike, an '04 Triumph Speed 4, she
took the MSF and went to the nearest Ducati
dealer in The OC and bought herself a new '03
Monster 620. About the same dimensions as your
lady, but no doubt older (46 at the time of purchase).
Yeah, a 696 (or used 695) Monster would be just
the ticket! And after I got my 749, I used to love
riding her "Duck" as there was so much less drama
and it was admittedly much-more comfortable!
Remember, the bike you get her will automatically
become YOUR "back-up bike"! Enjoy!
 
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