I still like the Triumph Bonnie.

Yamaha Virago or V-Star (or similar from another brand).

Harley Sportster

GS500

CB750 (flame suit for the OMGurgonnadieitsover250cc! crowd)

Why not pick up a used Honda 599 or something? They're pretty comfortable and fairly peppy.

If I had the cash and storage for a 2nd bike it'd be cruiser all day. Probly a 1200 Sportster.

SV650. End of story.

To all those who recommend BMW GS and KTM Adventures, which part of "cheap" do you not understand?

I didn't recommend the SV because he already has an unreliable v-twin with an uncomfortable seat.

Why would he want another?

really? I have yet to have issues with the motor in my "S" model and the gel seat I got for it was relatively inexpensive and is pretty comfortable. The naked model has a decent riding position and the passenger position ain't all that bad according to anyone who's ever ridden on the back of mine, even for semi-long (150+ miles) distances.

Where is this information about unreliability coming from?

i understand those are terrible at 2up with stock suspenders

depends on how much they weigh and what kind of riding you're doing.

Is it primarily a 2-up bike, or do you really want her to learn on it? If you seriously want her to have the best chance of sticking with riding, get something small and used that's gonna suck for 2-up riding. Worst-case, if she decides riding isn't for her, sell it for what you paid, and get something better for 2-up.

If cruisers aren't out of the question, check out the Suzuki S40/Savage. It's a 650 thumper, and only weighs a little more than the 250 cruisers. It's also super-low, which is reassuring for a newbie.

The first gen sitting in my garage.

I actually really like the SV but having had both bikes, it is not different enough from the Buell to warrant having both at the same time, imo.