Best bike for female beginner?

I've been looking into getting a motorcycle. I still have to take classes to learn to ride but I'm wanting to get a jump on my options. I've looked at Yamaha Star bikes, Ridley Auto Glide Choppers, and of course, Harleys. Anyone have any experience in this matter? I'm leaning towards the Ridley Auto Glide but I'm thinking it's important to learn to ride manual anyhow.

I suggest you stay away from the automatics, as a beginner it is too easy to get into trouble with them during acceleration. The motorcycle will shift by itself and your speed will keep increasing until you let off the throttle. With a manual transmission you will only go as fast as the gear you are in will allow which can be pretty fast on some motorcycles.

Seat height is important, make sure you can place both feet flat on the ground when you come to a stop, not one foot or just your toes, both feet flat on the ground.

Don't get a motorcycle that has a such a small displacement that it will "buzz" at 65MPH, very uncomfortable for the hands and butt.

Be sure you know where the "kill" switch is located on whatever motorcycle you purchase.

I can't stress enough the importance of watching out for the cars and trucks, they will run over you so quick and say "I didn't see the motorcycle.", even though your headlight was shining in their eyes, they look for large objects on the roadway. They will pass you and not even get fully into the passing lane. I could go on and on about cars and trucks, but I won't.

I like Hondas myself, my wife and I have V-65 water cooled V-4's from the early '80's both 100 plus horsepower, shaft drive, smooth riding machines.

Whatever you buy, be wise, be careful, and enjoy the experience.

Just get something you can flat foot on and be comfortable with. You didn't say how tall you are, but something in the 250-500cc range would be good. The Yamaha's look nice, but I'm more familiar with Honda and Kawasaki. For a first bike you might want to get a cheaper one and then if you fall in love with the Harley's buy one after a year or two. Chances are your first bike will get some kind of ding or scrape. I like cruisers, but go with whatever you like and feel comfortable with.

Do not buy a bike that is too big, too heavy,or too powerful. You can do that once you get some miles and experience under your belt. Look for something around the 250 cc range. For a beginner, they are light, easily handled and have enough power for a beginner. A Yamaha Star, or a Harley is too much bike and too much power for a beginner.

Get a used 250-500cc dual-sport bike to learn on. Any brand will suffice.

1) light weight, easy to ride
2)cheap to buy and insure
3)easy and cheap to repair when you lay it down
4)great gas mileage
5) you can practice on and off road getting used to handling it in a variety of situations
6) won't kill you if it falls on you

It's pretty simple really. I raced for 12 years off and on so I know the score. Your most affordable bikes would be either Redline or Free Agent. With redline you want to look at the Redline Pro Line if your over 5'9 you'll need an XL. On Free Agent try either the Raceway or the Limo. Basically you want an aluminum frame, hollow 3 piece cranks, and a chromoly fork. You can find them for about 400.00 if you look hard enough. Also it's the end of the year right now alot will be on sale. I sell Free Agent at my shop and they just reduced the prices on all '05 bikes.

Good Luck!!!