I think if I was looking for a bike for my wife (which I am not), I would be looking at something newer like a Yamaha FZ-07 or an FZ-09. The Suzuki SV 650 is supposed to be a great handling bike. There are many bikes on the used bike market that you should be able to find something in the $5,000 range with relatively few miles, maybe something not brand-new, that she wouldn't get tired of. I forget from reading, if she isn't 5' 3" that opens a lot of used bikes to her consideration, being able to get both feet on the ground, flat, makes it much easier to have control, especially at intersections where there are usually oil slicks. Combine the oil drippings with a rain-slicked pavement, and even the most-experienced of us have probably had some embarassing moments. A highly-crowned road is another problem, the down-side of the bike, your leg needs to be another couple of inches longer, it seems, to maintain control of your bike.
Always riding in boots will give anyone a more-sure footing, especially when you find yourself due to heavy traffic, sitting on-top of an accumulation of oil, ATF, and water while you come to a halt at the intersection, and no room to maneuver out of the oil slick. How many of us have had the bike immediately jump sideways even though you gently engaged the clutch, because of all the crap that has accumulated at the intersection? If you ever rode on ice, you know exactly about what I am speaking. And, without tungsten studs in your "ice racing tires."
I know that if I spent any time on my local craigslist (CL) I would find dozens of likely candidates for a second bike, reasonably-priced, and without lots of miles.
As to H-D's and especially Sportsters, if you can get one without a lot of miles and reasonably-priced, nothing the matter there. I think a 400 lb bike is probably a better choice for a female than a 600-800 lb bike like a 1200 cc + V-twin from whomever. In Florida now there are a lot of lightly-used H-D's of all types selling for reasonable money, and usually H-D's are easily disposed-of in the marketplace.
Here's an example of something that seems to be priced right (not mine, no one I know):
I'm selling my 2002 Yamaha FZ1 Fazer. The bike has a R1 front conversion with custom streetfighter headlight (done by previous owner). It comes with a Two Brothers exhaust. Bike is really fast. Second owner. Engine is in great condition always maintained. Clean title. Bike has recently received an oil & coolant change. Tires are practically new along with the chain and both sprockets and battery. Garage kept never dropped. $2500 OBO. Test drive with cash in hand. Text to (786) 608-0547 ext. 786
https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/mcy/6149487392.html
