Ahem....so that is why I don't see or hear anything about them.Definately no minced words there. Maybe she should stick witha 250 Rebel or Virago. or the Buell.

I really wish the Vstar 650 would have been ok...that was an awesome bike. Couldn't afford to keep that one and get yet another bike.

 

Sorry, didn't mean to rant. That was a vote for the Suzi.

 

We just traded in my my wifes 06 S40 in for her 07883L. The S40 is a nightmare on windy days for a beginner. Otherwise, a great little bike for a beginner, or to buzz around town on. She could not be happier however with her 883L.The S40 isn't even in the same game as the 883, in her opinion. Before the S40, she had a Yamaha Maxim 550, and a Suzuki GS650. Both bikes still being ridden by people we know.

 

S40 isa great bike for a starter.
I think you would be fine with it if your daughter is not going to spend much time on the highway.
The highway is not a good place for it.
However, this is not usually a problem since lots of beginners usually keep off the highway anyway.

Those bringing up the Vstar 650 are on to something.
I know two people with Vstar 650's and both are very happy with them.
Both of these riders use them as commuter bikes and spend time on the highway without ill effects.
One of these two riders is arather small female and she handles the Vstar with no issues.

My $.02:
The S40 is good if your daughter is keeping off the highway.
The Vstar 650 is the way to go if there is even a decent chance she'll be spending some time on the highway.

On a side note, used Vstar 650's seem to be more available (at least in my area). So, if you're looking to avoid buying new, the Vstar might present you with better options as it seems to be a much more popular bike than the Suzuki.

 

I had a vstar 650...solid bike. That was the one she decided was too heavy to start on so I sold it.....I was sorry to see it go but it wasn't going to get riden. I used to do the 100 miles to my mom-in-laws on it

I was hoping for something light enough and low enough for her that had a bit of guts...but no luck. Really I would soooooooo be into the nightster but it's not me I have to please.

Think I'll just start looking for a rebel. It would be just enough to get around town...When she gets her confidence up I'll be able to sell it for what I bought it for and maybe go back to the VStar. She won't be able to afford a Harley for a while.

 

When my wife THOUGHT she wanted to get her own bike(she's since changed her mind) I had my old V-Star 650. Good bike, I liked it really well. BUT, the wife thought it was to heavy for her liking. Sold it. Checked out the S40, and when I sat on it the tank wobbled all over the place. I wasn't very pleased with that, but understand it could have been that it just wasn't tightened down. We also checked out the 883L. By far my favorite. Well built at balanced very good. The 883L was balanced so well, it felt lighter than the rest of the bikes that were heavier. 883L was my favorite by far. What-ever you decide, have fun.

 

bluerose did you take the rider course in simi valley? I took it there about 5 years ago and everyone in my class passed but more than that they improved their skills greatly, I had some experience but other riders were pure beginners. Also my mom and sister took the course there last year and did great, and they had no idea what they were doing in regards to bikes. My dad is also thinking about bikes for my sister, shes a tall and athletic girl but still a total novice, we like you love the nightser and my sister totally digs it however were concerned about the weight. I'd be very interested to hear what route you go with your daughters bike as it would help us in our search for a bike for my sister. good luck. (push for the nightster it is sweet)

 

I traded my Suzuki M 50 for an Ultra. The M 50 was 805cc and probably quicker than my Ultra. Around town it handle great, I think the weight was less than 450 lbs. The problem was on the highway it was being pushed around, but if stay off the highway it was great so my vote would be for the S40, S50 or even the M50. One more thing take a good look at the Suzuki Voulsa too. the weights on these bikes are low. Too bad you can't find a Rebel for a few months, they are always quick sellers.

 

I would want to be certain she liked the bike before buying it. If she doesn't care for the bike she will have no where near the interest in riding it.

 

You can get a used 883 low for around 3 g's. The 1200 probably does not weigh much more but the 883 sits a little lower and has more manageable power. It won' be a matter of months before she gets bored with it either.