Another site for bike reviews (reviewed by website, and then commented on by actual owners)
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.c...er-motorcycles
I agree with your dad about making sure you get something you can pick up. If it starts to tip on you at a stop, you're less likely to actually fall if you're strong enough to pick it back up. My girls have had dirt bikes since a young age. The bike weight is the one thing I will pay more attention to, when our youngest is old enough.