One more vote for the Ninja 500R. It's a great bike, if it's not too high for her. Plus it has enough performance (12.7s 1/4-mile) to keep her from getting bored. And a parallel twin is nicer than a single. Here's some info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_500R

 

Why not sign her up for Riders Edge. She can try out a Buell Blast for 16 hours and learn techiques all for $250. Plus if you are a member of HOG, you can get a $50 voucher back once she is done.
Cheers

 

Get a used Blast. Nice little bikes (if I did not look like a Circus bear on a midget bike on that I'da got one)

 

Actually my wife and I went the Blast route to learn on. Bought mine for $3k, bought her one 3 months later for $3k (both used, about a year or two old). I traded them in for $3k each, so I actually made $500 on the 2nd bike! I guess you could say I broke even, since I bought both at a dealer, because of the tax/tag/title portions. Granted, if you buy onenew you won't be able to do that, but that would be the same if you bought a new Ninja 200/500 (if they still make them).

The Blast was a great beginners bike to learn on, plus it still felt like a Harley (which was actually a requirement for my wife!) $200 for a V&H Pipe and it sounds just like a Harley too (mine was LOUD!)

 

The Blast is a great bike to learn on. I had a 03 & 05. One was to teach my sister on and the other was my quick in-to-town runner. Took the MSF course a few years back and was the reason I bought them. Traded them in along with a Softail for a FLHTC.





2007 FLHTC

 

I like Buells (have owned 3) but I would have a hard time recommending purchase a new Blast for a starter bike. In my opinion, they very overpriced and quickly outgrown - especially compared to bikes like the Ninja 250/500. On the other hand, the later models (say around '03 and up) are pretty much bullet proof and are excellent learning bikes for neophytes.

 

Just get her a GSXR 1000.....JK. If you can get the blast for a good price, then go for it. The Blast or the Ninja 250 are great beginner bikes. Dirt bikes are great to learn on but they are not for the inseam challenged.

 

I promise you the 250 at 15k doesn't have all that power Off the top of my head, I think the 250 makes about 20-25 hp. You have to look at them differently than a harley (yes even a Buell). Higher rpms is where the power is, doesn't mean good or bad, just different than those with the rev limiter around 6k.

But the bottom line is she has to be comfortable on it, so if the seat height and ergos of the Buell are what she likes, then that's the answer. I am a bit tippy toes on the ninja (seat shaved but suspension set properly for my weight). On the Triumph, I can only get one set of toes down after shifting my buns! Not the best position for learning...if she isn't comfortable, then you'll be selling whatever you buy