I just started learning on my 883L in May, and I gotta say it has been rewarding. I think if you get her a bike that is too small she will outgrow it too fast, especially since she already has riding experience. Most importantly, have her sit on a bunch and the one that she finds she can reach the handlebars, controls, and feels comfortable on will most likely be the best one.&nbsp\\;

 

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yeah I've heard that before ....what about that the sportster is a "girls bike"?
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I have a sense of humor but your not funny.......

 

I don't see a 1200 sportster falling into the class of a "girls Bike"&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; 883 possible but a 1200 No. it's too fast for a girls bike, 1200 is the fastest harley off the line.................

 

If Honda is an indication of a trend, it will be almost impossible in the future to get what you are after. Honda has the Rebel 250 and the Nighthawk. They discontinued the 450 Rebel many years ago (good bike, btw), they discontinued the Shadow 600 last year, and this year they may be discontinuing the 1100. that means in the cruiser class they have the Rebel 250, the Shadow 750, VTX 1300, then the VTX 1800. That cuts out a lot of middle ground. Then again, it makes sense...

 

250 for learning how to ride, the 750 for learning how to ride on the mean streets and roads, and is a great commuter bike...I put 631 miles on mine in one day last year, mostly at 65-70 mph. The VTX 1300 is the "General purpose" cruiser, capable of road trips and commutes. The VTX 1800 is just HEAVY! Yes, it's quick and fast, but oh, so clumsy in tight spots. That thing is for big dudes!....

 

So Honda has cut out the 600 and will discontinue the 1100...Now Harley doesn't have a 250, but they do have a 900cc class bike in the 883, the 1200 is quicker, lighter, and more nimble than VTX 1300, and then Harley steps up the the big twins in various models and configurations. Basically what I'm trying to say is Harley has been selling the right sizes of engines for their market from the get-go.
That means get her a 750cc or better, whether it be Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, or even Harley. Kawasakis seem a little tall and heavy for me, but I havent sat on one lately. Good bikes if they fit your wife though.
Teek

 

&nbsp\\;Just find her an old used Sportster even an Iron Head would be good and you can find real deals on the old ons.