Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Smaller GF Bike Needed

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 3
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous 1 2 3 template Next
    #16
    Originally posted by Wizard View Post
    My Wife is 5'4" on a good day.
    Always started fine, very reliable (the bike that is).
    Bike has a low center of gravity, very stable at any speed.
    Had enough Jam to climb a 8% Intestate Grade at Speed+.
    I even had fun with it on a Go-Kart Track.
    Wish we still had it. Only problem would be finding another one.


    Not sold in the USA (Although a 2 valve version was). But It is one I would buy. The earlier slab sided one too, especially the "S". Any of the family, actually except the L. Rarely do I see one for sale in decent shape though, if they turn up at all. Hacksaw owners seem to like them....
    Last edited by 850 Combat; 11-27-2013, 12:50 PM.
    sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

    Comment

      #17
      I think the GS450E from the early 80's when you can find and the GS500 from the 90's are the ideal choice. The GS500 are easier to find and I see them in good roadworthy shape for under $1500. Simple design, very well behaved for power band and handling and very light under 400lbs. The 450 will bury the 85mph speedo but not much left and the 500 will hit 100mph with nothing left after that. I've owned both and taught my daughter and son on both models. They have a good size to not outgrow too quickly like a Ninja 250 and better mannered than that GSF400 4 cyl(but not as cool looking).
      Last edited by Guest; 11-27-2013, 01:30 PM.

      Comment

        #18
        She's a beginner, right?

        Why such big bikes?
        http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

        Life is too short to ride an L.

        Comment

          #19
          Originally posted by tkent02 View Post
          She's a beginner, right?

          Why such big bikes?
          Ideas of going places together, with her on something that can keep up. I think a 400 twin or 500 single should be good. Plus, I guess I want to like it too. I sold my Ascot to my nephew. He might still have it.
          sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

          Comment

            #20
            Originally posted by daturat100r View Post
            honda gb 500
            That bike is pretty rare here, most decent examples are in collectors hands

            Plus, a lot of NLA parts

            Beginners need something crashable

            PB, don't you have an XT 250 or something like that in the back of garage?

            That would be good to get her started, then a 500 or something like thta
            1978 GS 1000 (since new)
            1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
            1978 GS 1000 (parts)
            1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
            1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
            1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
            2007 DRz 400S
            1999 ATK 490ES
            1994 DR 350SES

            Comment

              #21
              This one does not look too bad.
              Change the bars, check the valves, haggle on the price and go for a ride.
              craigslist | Page Not Found
              http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/4210180975.html
              2@ \'78 GS1000

              Comment

                #22
                I am surprised, it has not been mentioned as of yet.....

                We need to have a picture of the girlfriend to better asses the proper bike for her...

                you know how we love pictures around here.....

                Comment

                  #23
                  Originally posted by 850 Combat View Post
                  ...Plus, I guess I want to like it too...
                  Fail!!! Biggest mistake guys make in buying a bike for the GF/wife. It's HER bike. Only thing that matters is that she's comfortable on it and likes it.

                  From what you're said I recommend a Ninja 250, hands down. It's lighter than the older 400s and just as fast. But that only counts if SHE likes it.

                  Back to your OP, I had a couple of 400 Hawks and a CM450 back in the day, they're fine bikes, if a bit appliance like. Not sure I'd be looking at any bike that old for a new rider though, modern brakes are worth having.
                  '20 Ducati Multistrada 1260S, '93 Ducati 750SS, '01 SV650S, '07 DL650, '01 DR-Z400S, '80 GS1000S, '85 RZ350

                  Comment

                    #24
                    I shouldn't, but here she is at the MSF course. New Tourmaster jacket and helmet.



                    The Ninja 250 is a good choice. She doesn't really want it to look fast though. I can get my old Ascot back from my Nephew, who also bought my 1983 1100E, but that is in Maine, and I want it in Oregon.
                    sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

                    Comment

                      #25
                      Lots of Honda CM 400's around. Won't overwhelm her and it is Honda reliable.

                      Comment

                        #26
                        Check out the Suzuki TU 250 4 stroke single, not bad looking from 10 yards and is pretty light, a bit hard to find for sale but usually you can find one with very low mileage and around $3,500
                        I bought a 2007 GS500 for my wife and she's 5' 7" but found it a bit heavy when full of fuel, she really liked the TU 250 but her instructor convinced her the GS500 was the better bike for her.
                        She dropped it 3-4 times and has decided not to pursue riding.

                        Just my 2cents
                        2018 Honda Africa Twin AS
                        2013 DR 650 Grey, sold 1981 GS 650E Silver,
                        1980 GS1000ST Blue & White, X2
                        2012 DL650 Vstrom Foxy Orange, in storage
                        1981 CT110 X2 "Postie Bikes" Gone to a New Home.
                        2002 BMW 1150 GS Blue & White - Sold
                        1975 BMW R90/6 Black - Sold 1984 GS1150EF Sold
                        1982 BMW R100 Africa trip, Stolen - Recovered- Sold
                        1977-1980 Suzuki GS550, GS1000E, GS1000S GSX750, GSX1100,s
                        Hondas ST90, CR125 CB175 , CB350 CB750, NSU Quickly, Yamaha RD's 350/400,

                        Comment

                          #27
                          Maybe a TW200
                          sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

                          Comment

                            #28
                            Originally posted by 850 Combat View Post
                            Maybe a TW200
                            They are pretty light and tough, aren't they? I know my XT-250 has been great for a couple of ladies developing skills. The TW maybe even better.

                            cg
                            sigpic
                            83 GS1100g
                            2006 Triumph Sprint ST 1050

                            Ohhhh!........Torque sweet Temptress.........always whispering.... a murmuring Siren

                            Comment

                              #29
                              Originally posted by Charlie G View Post
                              They are pretty light and tough, aren't they? I know my XT-250 has been great for a couple of ladies developing skills. The TW maybe even better.

                              cg
                              The smaller the better for learning how to ride.
                              http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

                              Life is too short to ride an L.

                              Comment

                                #30
                                My wife rides a 1976 KZ400 - nice nimble light bike and she loves it. Here's a rather nice example of a 450S if you're looking for one;

                                craigslist | Page Not Found
                                http://youngstown.craigslist.org/mcy/4130460378.html

                                Comment

                                Previous 1 2 3 template Next
                                Working...
                                X