Which bike for the Mrs. ???

[blueyami757]

I am looking for a 4-stroke for my wife, she's a beginner, small frame 125#, 5'4". I was thinking maybe a crf150 or klx140, any suggestions?

[gwcrim]

I just bought my lady a TTR125LE. It has the larger wheels which is great for woods riding. The main point is that it has an electric start. She can lay it down and pick it up and get it started w/out any help. My Debbie is 5'1" and goes about 110.

The E start is crucial in my opinion. I wouldn't buy her a bike w/out it.

[blueyami757]

I agree, electric start would be a 'must'. I haven't heard good things about the electrical works on the ttr's though...

[DRGSin393]

Im w/Crim on this one. great choice. If she gets too frustrated, she'll give up riding altogether so make it as simple as possible.

[Darin]

CRF150F should fit the bill nicely. If it's not too tall. I have the 150R, it's a bit taller than the F, and it's not really THAT tall. Certainly worth a look. I did ride a friends TT 125 I think it was. Very very beginner friendly, but less plushy suspension. Might not be as comfy on rougher terrain if she's going to be sitting alot. Everything is a compromise pretty much. But it's just darn cool that she's willing to ride.

[kdx220]

Another vote for the CRF150F. We have two, one is my wife's, and the other is a spare for guests, if one of the regular bikes breaks, etc. These are rock solid bikes. Electric start on the 2006 and newer only.

[blueyami757]

Ya, I am pretty stokedthat she wants to ride. I got my son an xr70r a few months back and she said "When is it my turn?" The CRF150F sounds like the one if I go with red. Thanks for the input guys, I've been cruising Craigslist today, good used deals out there.

[ninjamonkey_16]

i was thinking about a crf230 or an xr250 for my ladyfriend.i dont know if it would be too big as her first bike, but i know she is pretty determined to learn to ride. she decided she needed more power after we went to silver lake and her polaris quad couldnt keep up with my cr250.

for some reason she is insisting that i get her a kick start bike.

[mxmama393]

CRF150F....easy easy easy

[jft67x]

crf150f bulletproof my mom loves hers and it will do anything a big bike will do

[SikspakD]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

Im w/Crim on this one. great choice. If she gets too frustrated, she'll give up riding altogether so make it as simple as possible.

Sounds like Doc has some experience with that situation.

[baja1d]

Two words: "MAGIC BUTTON"!!!

[Crfs4life]

crf230 is the perfect bike for her or the crf150 if you dont want as much power
the crf230 is a very reliable bike with a reasonable amont of power

[Mainjet2001]

Originally Posted by blueyami757

I am looking for a 4-stroke for my wife, she's a beginner, small frame 125#, 5'4". I was thinking maybe a crf150 or klx140, any suggestions?

Listen to what the doc says.(DRGSin393)
The most important part is she is comfortable. Take her to a couple of bike shops and let her sit on different bikes. You then can get an idea of how high the seat level should be and how easy it is for her to touch the ground. You also can do this with friends or neighbors bikes. By this you can judge what bike will work and which one are to big or more important, to high.

If she starts out comfortable, you hit a homer.
Pick the wrong bike and you will ride without her.
Been through this a bunch, wife, daughter and grand daughter.
Remember, she needs to be able to sit on the seat and touch the ground.

Keep us posted.
Know how to post pictures?

[jimmy1181]

I had both models of the Yamaha TT-R 125.... (Big version and smaller version).

I would recommend the TTR 125LE - My version had Electric Start AND Kick Start. So if one fails, just go to the backup.

It also had adjustable suspension (in Front and Back). The smaller version did not. The TTR 125 had plenty of juice of basic trail riding (very simple to control and handle). I never owned a Yamaha before those bikes and I gained mucho respect for the quality (of a simple 4-stroke trail bike). My wife had NO difficulty at all first time out - And she had Never ridden any bike before that!

In the end, the larger version is perfect (has good-enough suspension for new riders and sits just high enough - but not too high to ensure 100% control of the bike).

Of last note, in case you get a TTR - for some reason mid-grade gas worked best in both of mine... never did figure that out.

---------- Post added at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:48 PM ----------

Originally Posted by jimmy1181

I had both models of the Yamaha TT-R 125.... (Big version and smaller version).

I would recommend the TTR 125LE - My version had Electric Start AND Kick Start. So if one fails, just go to the backup.

It also had adjustable suspension (in Front and Back). The smaller version did not. The TTR 125 had plenty of juice of basic trail riding (very simple to control and handle). I never owned a Yamaha before those bikes and I gained mucho respect for the quality (of a simple 4-stroke trail bike). My wife had NO difficulty at all first time out - And she had Never ridden any bike before that!

In the end, the larger version is perfect (has good-enough suspension for new riders and sits just high enough - but not too high to ensure 100% control of the bike).

Of last note, in case you get a TTR - for some reason mid-grade gas worked best in both of mine... never did figure that out.

Crap.... Not to start a fight... but forgot to mention.... I prefer Honda personally... may not be the best choice in this situation because of the good experience with the TTR but.... I've done nothing but abuse Honda's... and they keep Going!!!!

[ninjamonkey_16]

my girlfriend ended up getting an xr200. its a pretty good size, starts up fine, good suspension, terrible brakes, good power, and its a great first bike. its even easy to kickstart. also she already has crashed it.

[DRGSin393]

take it back-we never gave you that option! congrats on the new scoot