My wife got her temps and took the msf before she ever owned a bike. Shortly after that she started on an 800 Intruder, which isnt a good first bike for a petite lady but I'd haul her to the mall and jump off so she could work the controls at slow speeds and practice shifting. The bike didnt have good balance or low enough cg until it was into 2nd gear or better. Even with a low seat height and laid back riding position, she didnt enjoy riding much and wasnt comfy with the weight of the bike. Plus the controls had zero adjustment to help her out. We traded it on her '09 Ninja 250 after 1 season, and she has LOVED riding ever since. Light, nimble, low, not overpowering, fairly highway friendly, and great on gas. An empty parking lot is a good training place to keep clear of traffic/obstacles, but the MSF is most valuable to begin with.