Smaller GF Bike Needed

[850 Combat]

It looks like I may need a smaller friendlier roan bike for my girl friend. The RD is out because of unintended wheelies, narrow power band, and kick start. She is currently intimidated by the size and weight of the 650 Seca I have already. I'm thinking '78 on 400 Hawk variants, with the F as the ideal. I don't have any experience with them, but they were always reviewed pretty well my the magazines. The 360 degree crank engine sounds better than a 180 degree crank to my ear.

Anybody have experience with these, or any suggestions? A GS400 would be a great alternative too, but the ones that cross my path all seem pretty thrashed.

Don't want any L's or Rebels. I'll have to look at it, after all.

 

[Big Rich]

If the GS400 is pretty rare around you, what about a GS500? Suzuki made them from 1989-2012 or so, and it is basically the same motor from the GS450.

 

[Charlie G]

http://salem.craigslist.org/mcy/4165753525.html

How about a GS550. I see GS400 come up every once in awhile.

cg

 

[trevor]

How about one of these?? My wife likes it and I love taking it out for the odd little spin too! It's a scream!!
1991 400f Bandit 59hp 13500 redline!

 

[850 Combat]

http://salem.craigslist.org/mcy/4165753525.html

How about a GS550. I see GS400 come up every once in awhile.

cg

I don't think its significantly smaller or lighter than the Seca. Its still heavier than my Commandos. It looks nice though.

 

[Big T]

It kind of depends on how tall she is

What about a 250 or 500 Ninja? Lots of those around

BTW, for OR or SoCal?

 

[850 Combat]

How about one of these?? My wife likes it and I love taking it out for the odd little spin too! It's a scream!!
1991 400f Bandit 59hp 13500 redline!

Not bad! Are those smaller than a 600?

 

[850 Combat]

It kind of depends on how tall she is

What about a 250 or 500 Ninja? Lots of those around

BTW, for OR or SoCal?

Good idea. She's 5'-7". The 500 should be nice. I was thinking a twin, and she could move up to the Seca when she has more confidence. She is tall and strong enough to handle more bike than she will be confident enough to try.

 

[trevor]

Not bad! Are those smaller than a 600?

My wife is maybe 5'5" and she is flat footed on it. I really like the bike. I had not rode it in a while so I took it out Sunday. Note to self..need to ride my wifes bike more often.

 

[daturat100r]

honda gb 500

 

[Charlie G]

honda gb 500

Pretty rare here, but nice.


http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/4191728766.html

A GSF 400 in SF.

cg

 

[850 Combat]

honda gb 500

First, these are expensive. My dad had one, and the riding position is far too extreme. They do have, like an English bike, lots of parts that are fun to look at. I bought him a White Brothers pipe and carb for it, and it went reasonably well.

 

[Gorminrider]

...whatever you do, take her with you to look at it !-I bought a dress for a girl ONCE. .
fail.

and why not an L? It's as good as any other bike in its class and Tamara here on the forum loves hers.
I rode a couple of honda 400s before I got my suzuki 400 and they were fine.But were fairly tall bikes...If she's not a rangy person, http://www.supersarah.net/shortbikers.htm groups older bikes pretty well.

I would have bought either one except price wasn't right...Actually lighter feeling than mine...in fact, I went to see one recently with-and-for a friend and putting it on the centre stand, I nearly threw it across the yard ,compared to putting my own T up. But it was just an impression.

 

[jms]

How about a Suzuki SV650? I have one now and I think it could be a good bike for her!

 

[Wizard]

1984 GS400e

1984 GS400e

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.

 

[850 Combat]

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....

 

[lurch12_2000]

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).

 

[tkent02]

She's a beginner, right?

Why such big bikes?

 

[850 Combat]

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.

 

[Big T]

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