I've had two bikes for years now. Well my lady had a real bad accident on a Honda CB450 back in the 1970s. Skin grafts, reconstruction surgery, etc. Never rode since.
One day she agreed to let me take her on my Harley Ultra out for ice cream... "Only four easy, slow miles."
We had several little discussions over the years about proper riding/safety gear, role of a passenger, etc. We went fairly slow and that ride went well.
After a year of once or twice a month out-and-backs up to 50 miles or so she signed up for the MSF Basic Rider course. Passed that just fine except her bad knee "went out" on her several times. She really can't shift safely and reliably with an undependable knee.
So a month ago we bought her a 2007 Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter. Yeah, I know its not a "true" motorcycle but we ride together, she can get that Blue Bomb up over 75mph and she is no longer afraid to ride out on her own.
Key thing here? Slow and easy, let her approach it at her own speed and most important - we're riding TOGETHER! Might not be cool. Might not be elegant, but its fine with me.
