I've had 2 Sportsters and loved them but I must agree with the posts here.
It is probably not the best beginners bike.

It is called a Sportster for a reason. ( 'peppy' ..quick to respond....top heavy to 'drop' into those corners.....fun, fun bike to ride.)

We wouldn't suggest a beginning car driver get a sports car would we?

 

Have her try out a Nightster. It was my first bike, and I loved it. I went on to a Fatboy, and just sold that and went back to a Nightster. Best bike I ever rode. Easy to move around, low for us shortys...nice weight distrabution...jmo. (I'm 5'4" 115 lbs.)

 

If your set on a harley have her try the Deluxe, Low Rider, Streetbob. I would recommend a jap bike though, my wife learned on a 600 honda shadow.

 

As a general rule, the Sporty will be too top heavy for a small beginner rider. Dyna is usually a good choice. I have a lady friend that I ride with pretty often. She is a very experienced rider. Rides a Dyna. Anytime I ask her to move my Sporty, she complains about how heavy the bike is. She's about 5'2" average build.

 

I only dropped my street bike once, and that was due to a woman stepping on the foot pegs like she was mounting a horse. but I grew up on dirt bikes. I think everyone should learn on dirk bikes before moving to the street, you learn alot more. get her a used jap bike and let her tear it up then move to a sporty. or go to a dealer that rents bikes and see if she can handle a sporty