[UAStokie]

I am looking to purchase my first motorcycle within the next couple of months but I’m not sure on what bike is the best fit for me. I am 5″11 235 lbs and I have very little riding experience, just a small honda 75 bike and once on a dirt bike. I am leaning more towards a cruiser style compared to a sport bike. I’ve read all the articles on this site about starting off with a 250, but is that really enough for me? I’ve been looking at some Honda Shadows that I really like, is that too much of a bike for me?

[Ben]

I would recommend a 250 or a 500cc bike tops, they have more than enough power to get you where you are going. Check out the vulcan 500.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[UAStokie]

How do you think the 08 Ninja 250 would do for me? I have to admit, I’ve never really liked sports bikes but the ninja is definitely growing on me.

[Ben]

The Ninja is a great bike, if I was just getting into motorcycles today I would choose the 08 ninja as my first bike.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[UAStokie]

I just went to the dealership today to check out some bikes and I really like that 08 Ninja. They had one that was lime green with a Monster Energy Decal kit which looked really awesome. It was much more comfortable than what I had anticipated.

[Krevlorne]

Would you still recommend nothing more than a 500cc bike, even for a 280 lb rider? Every dealership I have been to has recommended at least a 600cc or a 650cc for me (Honda Shadow or Suzuki SV650 respectively). I understand that means more $ for them, which is why I am asking someone who really has nothing to gain from me getting (or not) a larger bike.

[Ben]

Yes, a 500cc or even a 250cc could carry you around fine. The honda shadow and the sv650 also make good beginner bikes though.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Matt]

I find it really interesting that your choices are between a cruiser and a sport bike.

The Shadow 600 really isn’t that much more powerful than the Vulcan 500. It may be a bit bigger and harder to wield though, I’ve never sat on either. But it and the S40 (a 650 single cylinder cruiser) are all fine beginer bikes too.

I recently saw an experienced rider on an SV650 in a controlled environment, and to be honest, I think I’d much rather learn on something lighter. The guys on lighter bikes, with far less experience, were having an easier time with bike handling. If you want ot learn how to ride a sport bike really well, start with something light that you can really toss around. It’ll make you a much better rider in the end. And going by the smiles on people’s faces, it wasn’t any less fun.

[Author]

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