I'm not sure I should be condoning this subterfuge. I think you should buy the bike for your wife and you get second dibs on it as and when she doesn't need it.
Re. the clutch, Ducati make adjustable clutch and brakes which solved the problem for me. I'm 5'6 and find the my Monster 620 a tad low, if I'm honest, but great fun and very suitable as a runaround/trackday bike, if you ever get a look in once you've got the clutch sorted out for her
