Looks are individually subjective...like the 'best' seat, the 'best' bike, the 'best' anything. If you don't like it you don't like it. I, however, never discourage anyone from buying stuff because one never knows if I buy a deal on a used one someday. The street has potential but if a transformer is more attractive then buy it.

 

Oh, you work for HD’s Product Marketing department?

 

 

I'm thinking about getting the CB1000R in 2019, it is actually the first metric bike I ever liked.

 

I have a different perspective on the Street from the OP's.

Mine is based on riding it for 5,200 miles. It was purchased in 2015 to ride the 2K round trip to the 75th Sturgis rally. It was my way of doing a fun stunt. It was a 750 so I rode it 75 mph. I stopped at a DQ along the way as it was their 75th anniversary too. It was my 75th year. I passed 750 miles by going the 861 mile to the campground in 13.5 hours. The bike was comfortable all the way.

I did a quick 1K on it prior to the trip. What I found was that the bike was an exceptional handling and tracking bike. On a particularly bad Illinois road with 30 mph+ crosswinds it took the sweeper planted better than most bikes. It was unaffected by winds.

I am 6'3 and 210 lbs. The acceleration was strong and gave me 55 mpg at interstate speeds and loaded with 45 lbs of camping gear.

Fit and finish was equal to other H-Ds as it is on the same assembly line, same paint in the same booth as other H-Ds.

The 750 is a variant of the V Rod revolution engine and should demonstrate the same bulletproof history that it's bigger brother has.

When I traded it was for the Street Rod and I got a very good return in trade in.

They sell well in this area both new and used. Mine was gone within 1 week after trading.

Just looking at something does not give a full in depth knowledge about a product. Even a typical test ride is not that revealing. Riding under different conditions on different roads for one to two thousand miles gives the rider an understanding of the machine.

 

I took the MSF course a couple of years ago, it was free for us Medics, They used the street 500s. it was a fun bike, handled great, plenty of power even though I was 6'2 and 250lbs. I won't own one though, I'd never be comfortable riding it more than a handful of miles. I also wouldn't own that little Honda, also too small for me.
Honda makes quality stuff, probably one of the best, if not the best made bikes. I'm not brand crazy guy, I like lots of different things. I have 2 Harleys a 43yr old Ironhead and a 12yr old FatBoy. Love them both, will own them until I croak. I also have a 98 Valkyrie, also love that beast. Another one I will own forever.
Like other folks have said, have her piton a bunch of bikes, test drive the ones that feel good and go from there.

 

Bought one of those in 2012, sold it 6 months later cause I knew it would be the death of me. Super awesome bike, nible and quick, was a peach in peak hour traffic. It was only me not able to control myself on it, when the motor started I would have a rush of blood to the head, no need to say anymore.


As for the OP, I've learned through spending many a $, let her deside. Let her test ride it, different models and whatever she chooses is the best for her. Any bike she does like, let her ride it and then go ride it again after a day or two. Also be aware that 300cc is good for now, but once she gets use to it you may be in for an upgrade sooner than you thing. I would think the 500 - 750 class is a better option.

 

And the new one has 20 more hp, not to worry, I have loads of self control... yeah right.

 

I'll be the first to admit it: this 2018 Street Rod looks pretty damn good in this color.

 

Looks like they have copied the Ducati Monster!