Starter street bike recommendations?

[cuda]

My first bike was a '86 Night Hawk 450.  If you find one it will be cheap and it was cool.  The SV is much better, but more money of course.  

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

If your girlfriend is a cruser type, there are a multitude of great used choices.  The 250 Rebel is a classic starter bike.  Over the last few years, Japan inc. has knocked out a slew of gorgous crusers in the 550-650 range that you'd never guess were starter bikes from the curbside appeal they posess.

If she's a sporty type, the EX500 is a real option.  Get one of the later ones with 17" wheel, so you can put good tires on it.  The bonus there is that when she grows out of it, you get her a 600 and turn the EX into her track day bike!

Or you could just let her learn on your SV between races! ;)

[Mark Bernard]

Buell Blast.... 500cc and reasonable $.

[dwilson]

I think light and cheap is the best first bike.  Cheap because it's going to go down and light so it's not intimidating.  

My first street bike was a 72 Harley XLCH1000, the only thing I learned from riding it was how to be a good mechanic...

[Mark Bernard]

I think light and cheap is the best first bike.  Cheap because it's going to go down and light so it's not intimidating.  

My first street bike was a 72 Harley XLCH1000, the only thing I learned from riding it was how to be a good mechanic...

Same here Don... 91 H/D 883. Lots of work!