I am a guy only 5'6" myself with a 29" inseam and rode a 94 XR200 for 5 years before trading up to a new 2002 KLX300 . I absolutely loved the 200 and was able to upgrade things as my riding skills progressed. Stock it was great for someone around 135 lbs or so but I had to eventually go with heavier springs (I'm 165 lbs.). Power was good whether I was just putting around or riding all out. There was no narrow power band like a two stroke. Over time I added a Supertrapp muffler, rejetted the carb and opened up the air box, but these are things that you may never need. My son-in-law was really upset when I passed him on his new XR250 going all out. In 5 years of heavy riding I changed the oil every 6 mo. with Hondaline Synthetic and put two spark plugs in it. My 35 yr. old son bought it from me and is very happy. The most dependable bike I have ever owned hands down. I think she would be disappointed with anything less than a 200 in a very short period of time.