Ladies, I need some help.

I'm starting to get my girlfriend involved in this sport. I've taken her out and taught her to ride a few times on my old XR250 and I think it's time to get a bike just for her. I need something large/powerful enough she won't outgrow too quickly as well as well as small enough she'll be able to handle it and not become discouraged and give up.

She is 5'3 and about 130-140ish (don't tell ANYONE I said that). I was thinking along the lines of the Honda CRF 150, DRZ125, TTR125 and the KLX 140.

If you have any thoughts I'd greatly appreciate a little input. Thanks everyone
-Luke

I would like to see her on a 230, we don't need the 'L' though. We are strictly dirt folk. The problem is that the maximum seat height she can really handle is about 32", which means we'd have to put a lowering link on it. The lowering link isn't really the problem, it's finding a bike with one that already has one to try out.

We don’t have a store, just an office where we do Ride Oklahoma and our new venture, Adventure Rider Magazine.  One mile west of I-35 on Waterloo.  You could probably see one at one of the Honda dealers around also.

 

The L model is pretty well a straight on dirt bike with a tag and lights.  It has dual disc brakes where the 230R has a drum rear brake.  I think you will find the seat height works pretty well for most gals.

Lady rider here...
I vote 230 also only because its an electric start.  My real vote would be CRF 150R (not F) if she's willing to kick start.  That bike rips and will keep up fine in most trail riding situations.  It has a great suspension and real brakes (I hate drums). 
Being that short is really a bummer in the dirtbike world.  I'm 5'6" and ride a 250 xcfw and started dirtbiking on CRF 250X, but shaved the seat on both bikes to get my feet a little closer to the ground.  Having ridden streetbikes for a while (and being a little competitive), I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with a 230.  You can take a lot of height off of a dirtbike by shaving the seat and lowering the suspension.
I think something like a KLX110 would be way to small.  She'll be limited in where she can go, and the ride will be uncomfortable since its really too small to stand up.

hey there,