I think it is important that if this is your wife's bike ....that is just that, "your wife's bike". If she is comfortable with the height and the weight of the bike then let her go for it. From a woman's persceptive there is nothing worse than being forced into riding a bike that you are uncomfortable on. If it is especially important for her to be able to put both feet on the ground with a stop then a lower bike is important for self confidence. As she gains experience and comfort she may then want to move up to a taller and more cc powered bike. Or she may never change. Again her choice.
As for cc's, as one of my riding instructor coaches stated it does not real matter about the cc, it is how you learn to shift and ride to get the most out of your bike whether you are on hiway or twisties. Again, as her skill progresses the more she will get out of that bike.
As for hiway riding and "keeping up" my daughter rode her 250 cc Ninja from Calgary to Las Vegas chasing her dad on his K1200S and me following on my F800ST, and she did just fine. It was her very first big ride and she had only been riding for a year. I have also ridden a G650GS and although a very different riding style then my F800ST that bike will definately be staying. A great little bike on the hiway and the twisties. I have ridden this bike both in Canada and Austraila and was glad to have this bike. I hope this helps!
As for cc's, as one of my riding instructor coaches stated it does not real matter about the cc, it is how you learn to shift and ride to get the most out of your bike whether you are on hiway or twisties. Again, as her skill progresses the more she will get out of that bike.
As for hiway riding and "keeping up" my daughter rode her 250 cc Ninja from Calgary to Las Vegas chasing her dad on his K1200S and me following on my F800ST, and she did just fine. It was her very first big ride and she had only been riding for a year. I have also ridden a G650GS and although a very different riding style then my F800ST that bike will definately be staying. A great little bike on the hiway and the twisties. I have ridden this bike both in Canada and Austraila and was glad to have this bike. I hope this helps!