Falco for a new rider

[SimonDK]

IMO an important aspect of a beginner bike for a woman (assuming average size/strength - i.e. somewhat below men's) is low weight / seat / COG.

Because it'll be a lot of minor mistakes and non-appropriate moves at lowish speed, that will cause a beginner to drop a bike. (Stalling a U-turn, hitting the front brake too hard, loosing footing/balance etc. - think we all know them!)
Like learning any new motor skill, your body will with practice learn to make these less frequent, and be better at correcting/catching the consequences a split second earlier. Thus making taller/heavier bikes a good option only with some experience.

Continuing with the stereotypes, women propably less likely than males to twist the throttle 'in anger'. So don't think 50 or 70 or 100 hp will actually be too important... (Oh, but maybe a non-faired bike could help keep outright speed in check, if that's a concern!)

[Bene]

I think anyone can twist the throttle by mistake though, male or female.

[planter87]

Well I was in your position in January, missus has been learning for nearly a year now, saw a nice 02 r6, liked the colour, bought it. Has been in storage since, it's restricted, really light and has potential to keep up with me if I allow it or she rides it right lol. She's failed her final test 4 times now through silly mistakes, lack of concentration riding through a red light being one of them by just following the car in front in traffic. Did the theory twice, had to do cbt after the first training school fucked us about for 6 months so he could get more money once she had to do the cbt, had her riding up and down 1 road for 6 weeks... Before letting her out on the road, had to do the offload manoeuvres twice, then I bought her a mito 125 2t after her 2nd fail, loved it 33hp not too quick but took a bit of thinking to ride it right. And she blew it up 2 weeks ago, almost made it to Dublin and it popped, wouldn't listen to me that it wouldn't make it. But sure.

My first bike was a cbf500 then bandit 1200 then ape,

Falco wouldn't be so bad if she can handle the weight and the throttle could be cut back but certainly a torquey engine would be better, less chance of stalling, one thing the r6 and mito will make the missus learn is clutch control!

What about a older 400? Ninja/ vfr or something

[Aladinsaneuk]

could always P/X the MRS... I did

[Candied Falco]

Theres a good deal on a GS500 down here but shipping cost might negate the savings.

[javamac10]

I think anyone can twist the throttle by mistake though, male or female.

This was definitely a cause of one of a few close calls for myself. The Falco was a starter bike for me, and though I don't regret it, I don't recommend it. I could have dropped the bike and/or possibly killed myself a few times by making newbie mistakes while learning, even playing the safe game. I think a 600cc range bike would be the max I would recommend for a new rider.