Tiny motorcycles: Honda Grom and Kawasaki z125

[Savago]

My daughter is about to start learning how to ride and I thought about getting her a tiny motorcycle for starting before moving to something bigger (e.g. Honda Shadow 750).

My primary concern is not the inseam (as she is pretty tall for her age), but the weight of the bike.

The other day I saw one of this tiny bikes (a z125) in the mall close to home and got intrigued. Anyone here has experience with them?

Kawasaki z125:


Honda grom:


You can find them new for 2.5 to 3K bucks here in the SF Bay Area: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcd/d/2017-kawasaki-z125-pro/6260610400.html

They have clutch and four gears (unlike a scooter), only 8-9HP but I feel it might be enough to start.

Any thoughts?

[..]

Larger diameter wheels are better for learners. More stable.

[The emperor has no clothes]

How old and what size is your daughter ?

[sandy]

Look for a used 250 Rebel. Maybe $1500 and a great forgiving learner. Larger wheels for safety. After 6 months, resell it for $1450.

[Hooter]

What Meathead said. Age would be a big consideration in bike choice. Girls or females in general have limited upper body strength.  A bad experience at a young age could quell her wanting to ride solo. Kinda like taking a youngster ice fishing and they get cold. Usually they never return to the ice.

[Willow]

Honda Shadow.  Can be had 600, 750, or 1100.  Used $800 - $2,500.  Low slung.  Good starter bike.  Forgiving and yet capable of going up to hiway speed if needed.

[Savago]

@all: thanks for the comments, I haven't thought about the small wheels x stability.

Definitely the Shadow is a serious option that she will try.

I was researching about good bikes for new riders, what about the CB300F?

[rocketray]

I think it is best to ride dirt bikes for a long long time before hitting the streets..especially crowded streets--the distracted driving in Dallas is just over the top anymore--so many people will not ride in town anymore--I won't---but this the #4 largest population center in the U.S.--San Fran can't be much better

[Dave Ritsema]

I have absolutely no reason to own a Honda Grom. But something about the ugly little rascals appeals to me. They actually have Grom Clubs around me and they are very active.

[Hook#3287]

@all: thanks for the comments, I haven't thought about the small wheels x stability.

Definitely the Shadow is a serious option that she will try.

I was researching about good bikes for new riders, what about the CB300F?

That looks like a great 1st bike

Single cylinder, two disk brakes, 78mpg, 17" wheels, nice upright riding position.

Looks nicer than the cb160 I learned on.

[Gryphon]

Honda Shadow.  Can be had 600, 750, or 1100.  Used $800 - $2,500.  Low slung.  Good starter bike.  Forgiving and yet capable of going up to hiway speed if needed.

I can attest to the reliability of the Shadow.  Wife rode her Aero 750 to Inzane this year with nary a hiccup.  2800 miles on that trip and the only issues we had were with a couple aftermarket/eBay accessories.  Low seat and good handling.

[3fan4life]

@all: thanks for the comments, I haven't thought about the small wheels x stability.

Definitely the Shadow is a serious option that she will try.

I was researching about good bikes for new riders, what about the CB300F?

If I were training a new rider that would be one that I would look at.

Also +1 on getting her some dirt experience.

That's a great way for a new rider to cut their teeth.

[98valk]

Suzuki DR200se is used by many M/C rider courses.