Recommend a good beginner motorcycle for a petite female?

While you are thinking about which bike to get, sign up for the MSF Basic Rider Course -- they'll get you started so you will not kill yourself immediately. They supply bikes and helmet so all you need is boots, gloves, wrap-around sunglasses, and covering over legs and arms. As the Shortie of the class you will be given their shortest bike -- likely a Rebel so you will have a little riding experience on one.

Any of the three 250cc cruisers would be a good start for you: Honda's parallel twin Rebel, Yamaha's V-twin (virago/v-star) 250, and Suzuki's little single GZ250.

All close enough in performance and longivity that how it fits you is the primary concern. Luckily, all are still in production, basically unchanged, so you can go to the dealer and sit on new bikes to see how each feels. Saddles can be made thinner or replaced, handlebars can be moved or swapped out.

While looking, check out the Suzuki S40 -- it's only 50 pounds heavier than the 250's, but that big 652cc single will keep up with anyone at legal speeds (and a bit beyond -- 85 mph is about top speed.) It is both a starter and a keeper, I've had mine over 4 years/23,000 miles. I think Susan is about your size: http://savage.andruschak.net/susan6.jpg http://savage.andruschak.net/susan5.jpg

Once you have decided which model you want it is simply a matter of watching craigslist.org and cycletrader.com and eBay for a bike to be offered near enough to you and your price.

the Honda Rebel 250 has a low seat height which a friend of mine just bought and she is only 4'11" and 95 lbs. She keeps up to me on the highway quite easily and I ride a Honda cb750.

But like the others have suggested go to the dealers and sit on the bikes there and see which fits you better, then go buy a used bike.

Both the Honda Rebel and the Kawasaki Ninja 250 would be good they both have low seat heights and also a low displacement. There are not many motorcycles that will get much smaller than those.

Have Fun. Be Safe. Wear your helmet. :)

The 250 Rebel isn't that big...I was going to suggest the Suzuki 650 Savage. Cruisers are built low, so you'll be able to reach the ground just fine. A 250 is a bit small, unless you're going to stick to riding around town.

the best has been the Honda Rebel 250cc then the Kawaski Ninja 250cc ,and as far as the handle bars go on the Rebel you can always replace them with a set of drag bars same with the Yamaha Virago 250cc

The seat heights of dirt bikes are much taller than any street bike, so any of those bikes mentioned will be fine.

Shop around.

Go to different manufacturers and sit on the bikes to see what fits.

Then buy a used model.