[trimbled]

Hey I am taking the MSF course this weekend. Looking forward to it. Next need to get a bike. Just looking to cruise the foothills and maybe take a overnighter to the coast once in a while. My buddies got me going on this (all of us newly empty nesters). I am a 5’9 225 pound rider. Wondering if a 250 is enough or if I should go bigger. Actually intrigued with an automatic bike – CF Moto V5.

[eternal05]

Smart move starting with the MSF! I’m sure you’ll be cruising the foothills in no time. Good luck!

[WeaponZero]

Even if you do one day choose to get an automatic bike, I would say start out with a normal one just to get the fundamentals of riding down. A 250 will be fine engine-wise but the suspension of 250s may not be adequate for your weight in comfort. I would say get a 500 such as the Ninja 500R or Suzuki GS500F. Even a Ninja 650R would do you fine.

[trimbled]

good point on the automatic. It seems that the 500 is the right size

[eon]

I could have the opposite argument about the automatic. There is so much to learn when starting out that it’s not necessarily a bad thing to postpone one part of it. As someone who started on an automatic I know I will have to go back to absolute beginner for that part when I get a manual next year. In short I don’t think it makes much difference whether you learn that skill now or later. If an automatic bike appeals to you then by all means go for it.

And are you saying the suspension on a 250 cannot cope with a 225lb rider? Surely that cannot be right? It also seems a bit of a stretch for someone interested in a 250cc automatic cruiser style bike to go for a Ninja 650R. Quite a big difference in style, performance and price there.

[SantaCruzRider]

Lots of folks worry about mastering shifting, but most of us figure it own on our first bike. But I’d argue that simple route and ride benefit the learning process. If you’re planning to buy an automatic as your first ride, you might as well learn on it — my 2 cents.

[Author]

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