I bought 2 00' Trail Blazers. 1 for my wife and another for my 12 year old. They have been great bikes. I was looking for the same things you are. Easy to ride, stable, something she would feel secure on, and future upgrades. Right now she is at the point where she is talking about more power but, not as much as my Scrambler. Looks like I'll be adding a pipe and clutch real soon. I have not found another bike to date she would enjoy more. I was out the door for $5000, that was for both trail Blazers.

 

I bought my Trail Blazer in November for $2900. The price went up a bit now. But you can still get one for just over $3100 out the door.

It is an excellent machine. Faily simple, mine has been very reliable. And the amount of machine you get for the price is great.