My girlfriend just took the course and passed her test, and we went bike shopping the other day. We went to a Honda dealer and test rode a 2015 Harley XG500, a 2012 VStar 250, and a new Rebel 300. She bought the Harley.

The VStar was fun, sounded great for such a little bike, was very comfortable, and very smooth. It just didn't have the torque or power that we were both used to from my S40. The Rebel felt stiff and not particularly comfortable, and wasn't much more powerful than the VStar. The Harley felt great, but this is what I rode for my course and test, so I was already comfortable on one. People say these aren't particularly powerful, but they have about the same torque and a little more horsepower than our bikes, and I find the vtwin a lot smoother. All in all, I think she got a great bike.

I find it interesting that the only difference in the Harley 500 and 750 is the piston size .    I'd choose the 500 also ... if everything in the crank-case is built to hold the 750 power , then the 500 version should last forever !    I'm sure both models have more HP than anybody really needs to do anything legal , and a lot above legal  .

congratulations to the both of ya , does she pull away from ya when she wants too ?  (while ridding the bikes that is   )