I know there are some ladies on the board, but this is directed more to the men in the crowd...

How do you guys feel about it? Especially if the woman is your girlfriend, wife, etc...?

I personally have always found it kind of a "turn on" when I see an attractive lady on a bike, but now my current girlfriend is hell bent on getting her license and a bike and I really don't know how I feel about it. I have ridden for almost 10 years now and have logged a decent amount of miles so I have seen/experienced the goods and the bads of riding. To me, it is a great experience, but I also am well aware of the dangers associated with it. Knock on wood, the majority of my riding experiences have been enjoyable ones, but I know how quickly that could all change.

My girlfriend is an athletic girl so there is no doubt in my mind that she will be able to do, I just don't know if I want her to do it.

I also don't know what kind of bike to look for her either. She would love to have a Sportster, but I hate to see it dropped early on in the beginning stages, plus even thought its Harley's smallest bike, they are still a pretty heavy machine. Initially I suggessted a Buell Blast (as they have a great repuation for a ladies/beginners) bike but I don't want to go through the hassle of trying to sell it if/when she decides she wants to upgrade.

I've also made it clear to her that I don't want her driving until she has taken the safety course even if she understand the principles behind it and has her permit. I also asked that for atleast this first summer, that she only ride with me? I hate the thoughts of her out and about riding the countryside by herself especially at first. Am I being ridiculous with by asking that? I just want to make sure she is confident and can handle the obstacles faced while riding...