My mother wants to learn to ride shes taking the msf course but she has no intrest in a sport bike of any cc. She really likes bikes like the honda shadow and such but the bike is a little to high and heavy for her. Shes about 5 ft and 130 pounds not exactly a heavy weight or a tall women. I was wondering what bikes you guys think she might feel comfy on that the hight/width/weight so she can ride with some confidence.

 

Do like I did for my Mom. Get your Mom a Virago 250 or Rebel 250 (the Virago is better...stronger engine, looks "beefier" than the Rebel, and has a better resale value [you can ditch it easier when she outgrows it]). Sign her up for the MSF and when she's done with the course for the day, take her to a large parking lot and turn her loose on the Virago or Rebel. The lessons she learned during the day can be reinforced in the parking lot, and it lets her get more comfortable with the bike (informal setting) and gives her more confidence in the class (formal setting). Good luck.

 

I MIGHT BE A LITTLE LATE ON THIS POST..... sorry. i have to agree, the reble and virago both are decent learner bikes, i think suzuki makes a 250 'cruiser' as well. good cheep prices around 4000 new. but at around 6000 new you can get the 06 shadow vtx in 580 something cc's at 200 something pounds more and it has actually a lower seat height than the 250cc rebel. but take her out and sit on them. a good test s if she sits on the bike and has that look of fear in her eyes when she picks it up, it might be too big. if not than ur good.