Cheers gents - and thanks for the offer Gurgie. I'll look into that Suzuki and run it by her.
The Monkey would definitely be a stepping stone, and bought with that in mind. If used prices are any indication, she won't lose money selling it in a year.
I actually did float the Rebel 300 as an option, but she says she doesn't want to buy a Rebel until she's ready for the 500, which would be the bike she rides for the forseeable future therafter.