Wifey's first ride - BMW???

[neoBusa]

I was considering the Suzuki Gladius as her first bike, but found a great deal on a barely used BMW f650 CS. I know the owner and he really takes care of his assets. But what's the point getting a great deal on the wrong bike. Many reviews suggest that the f650 CS is a great first bike, was wondering if these comments apply to female riders as it may be a bit larger in size... Ur opinions matter pls.

 

[Blue'87GT]

Something to consider for those who are inseam challenged (short) like myself is that most BMWs are usually very tall. Might want to drop by a dealership first and have her sit on one before thinking too much about one.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[red1100cc]

beemers are kinda tall.
have her try out as many as you can get her onto. theres a bike out there for everyone. happy hunting.

 

[BusaWhipped]

Most important thing is that she is comfortable on the bike. You won't know until she sits on it.

 

[EarlyBird]

Most important thing is that she is comfortable on the bike. You won't know until she sits on it.

Buying a bike is like clothes shopping! You got to make sure it fits, before you buy by a brand name label!

 

[neoBusa]

Not after the brand at all. After a good choice for her. Reviews were great on the BM but I think it's tall for her. My wife's about 5'4". Anyone her height try riding one? I was planning to surprise her but maybe I need to have her try it first.

 

[x-d-x]

Suprising her would be a awesome thing to do but in the long run having her try out a few differant bikes or atleast seat heights on differant bike you could compare jsut to get a good idea of what would work. But either way i think shes gonna love you

 

[BusaWhipped]

Not after the brand at all. After a good choice for her. Reviews were great on the BM but I think it's tall for her. My wife's about 5'4". Anyone her height try riding one? I was planning to surprise her but maybe I need to have her try it first.

Unless you can get her sitting on bikes thinking you are looking for something for yourself, surprising her will most likely end up with a bike that sits in the garage. Even if the seat height is fine, she may not like the riding position. I have first hand experience with this.

 

[Dan]

Unless you can get her sitting on bikes thinking you are looking for something for yourself, surprising her will most likely end up with a bike that sits in the garage. Even if the seat height is fine, she may not like the riding position. I have first hand experience with this.

+1 Same experience here. Suprise her by taking her bike shopping.

 

[skydivr]

My wife has a 2003 F560CS. She's a little taller than your wife, and at 5-4 your wife may have trouble sitting on it (only way to find out is to try it). The CS (Street) model sits lower than the GS model. She learned to ride on this bike and took the MSF course on it did not drop it thankfully.

My wife loves her little BMW, mostly because she gets about 70 MPG with it. It's a very docile motorcycle, even though it will move on down the road once you get it wound out. Much more comfortable riding position than the sportbikes you might be looking at to compare. I've got Dunlop Roadsmarts on it which have done her a great job. I think it would be a great learner bike.

The only downside: This is a BMW, takes all kinds of different tools/parts/stands/ect. than a Japanese bike and can be a little difficult to work on as BMW's service docs stink.

If you want to know more about this bike: The Chain Gang • Index page

There is a complete forum for women's issues specific to this bike.

Good luck!

 

[spotrot]

Consider a S40?

Very low seat, very easy to handle, good looking, inexpensive --
and 65 pounds lighter (381 vs 445) makes a big difference for a beginner or smaller person.

Plus they are a lot of fun.