[chaiya]

Hi there! I’m in the bay area and I just passed the MSF class this weekend. I’m looking to get my first bike now. I’m thinking about a rebel ( i’m on the short side…i can only tip toe on the ninja 250)… do you think the rebel might be too big for a little gal to start on? Do you think a 125cc would be a better place to start?

[Andrew]

The Rebel is a good beginner bike. I wouldn’t go with a 125cc unless the Rebel, or whatever you rode in class, freaked you out. The tip toe thing does work for some people but it’s a preference thing. You also have less leverage if you need to walk the bike anywhere.

[chaiya]

I rode a 125cc Kawasaki eliminator in class. It didn’t freak me out, but it defiantly felt heavy (there were parts of class where we had to push them around a bit.) I really wish the class was longer. I feel like I need a lot more practice. The class ends just when your having fun and starting to feel more comfortable.

[Andrew]

Weight is a funny thing. My Ninja is 305 lbs and the Nighthawk in class was 280 lbs yet the Ninja feels a lot lighter to walk and to ride. You will need to go and sit on a lot bikes to see what is comfortable. If you like cruisers then the Suzuki GZ 250 and the Yamaha VStar 250 (Used to be called Virago) are good starter bikes also.

[Jim]

Welcome, any of the 250’s would be great bikes to get started on. Just depends on what style floats your boat. Go look and sit on a few of the different 250’s, I’m sure one of them will feel “right”. Make sure you get riding gear too!

[SueZ]

Totally agree, class too short, so I did it twice! I LOVED the Suzuki gz250 the second time around, was not comfortable at all on the Buell blast 500 in the first class even though I thought if ‘felt’ smaller than the Suzuki, had to be shorter! I think it was the sport style I did not like. I also scored better second time around, I guess I should though! NOW my issue is what to buy…..hubby rides an Ultra Classic, so he thinks I’d be quite bored quite quickly with a 250. I rode my daughters Sporter 883—NO WAY! – don’t know how she does it! (Although she’s already complaining about seat and handle bars!-her back is killing her) I definitely like the cruise fit. Sat on a Rebel today, didn’t feel as nice as the Suzuki. Sat on a 750, which just feels crazy big. Going to check out the Kawaski Vulcan 500 tomorrow. My post too long? I’m really hyped about riding again, it was so sad walking away from the bike when the test was over. I have nothing to ride till I buy one!

[Author]

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