[Rockhead]

How about a small dual sport. Easy to ride , durable .

You can learn the fundamentals of riding on the dirt then progress to the street. If you drop it damage is usually minimal . Not great on the highway but super fun around town and very maneuverable for learning. Most people I know who ride started on dirt or dual sport.

[Sp00ner]

Definitely a great value/starter. I hadn't been on a bike since I was 15, and hopped right on and down the street like it was yesterday. After a year it started to feel a bit slow, but that's ok, still great fun.

[cornerspeed92]

Originally Posted by SSeric

2nd that.

The Ninja 250 is universally known as the ideal starter bike. Used ones go for about $2500 or so. I'd recommend not shopping new. Save that purchase for after a few riding seasons, giving yourself time to determine what your preferences/needs are while you experience the learning process on something that's pre-owned. It was a lot easier to accept the first time I laid my bike down (a week after I got it...in my driveway of all places) knowing that it had already come with a few "experience marks" when I purchased it. Here's a pic of mine...it was two years old with less than 3k miles at the time.

If the sporty look really doesn't suit you, I'd also suggest the Honda Shadow that was previously mentioned. Both have low ride heights, comfortable upright positions, are easy to maintain, and relatively lightweight.

Edit: Also another great starter bike is a Buell Blast. Buell bikes are made by Harley. The Blast isn't made anymore but you can find them for cheap and they're really great. No matter which way you go, best of luck and ride safe!

I 3rd this!!! being that i used to race superbikes at the professional level,i kind know something about this.
You defiantly don't want something big and heavy,you want something just like this little Ninja.You also mentioned taking a class,there are a lot of organizations like http://www.fastrackriders.com/ that will teach you.Believe it or not the race track is the safest place to learn.You will be put in the beginner class,and will only move forward at your own pace,NO ONE WILL PUSH YOU!!!! The streets are very dangerous,and you need to know what your doing before you ever get on them.

[punkindave]

Suzuki SV650. Easy to maintain, massive aftermarket, enough power to grow with you but forgiving. Excellent starter bike! I was a MSF RiderCoach for years, taught hundreds to ride!

[2012-1822]

Originally Posted by cornerspeed92

You also mentioned taking a class,there are a lot of organizations like http://www.fastrackriders.com/ that will teach you.Believe it or not the race track is the safest place to learn.You will be put in the beginner class,and will only move forward at your own pace,NO ONE WILL PUSH YOU!!!! The streets are very dangerous,and you need to know what your doing before you ever get on them.

It wouldn't have occurred to me that a class would be anywhere but a closed course. Then again, I don't know.

The one I took had an arrangement with the local Harley Dealer, yes even though we were on Hondas, to have their parking lot closed off for the class the whole time. No other automobile or motorcycle traffic allowed. So it was nice, in the beginning we weren't so much working cone courses, but by the end of the weekend they had nice cone courses and an emergency braking lane set up.

They offer a second and third level, thinking of going back.

But I can tell you this, part of the reason this guy impressed me so much was that he had done the MSF class as a just because at one point and was able to point out what was so much better about his class. But really it's that he had been to so many courses specifically for law enforcement,(including University of North Florida, which is a big one) on a motorcycle, that he had developed the training program for the city of Hoover, Al and most of the departments in Alabama send their motor officers to Hoover to go through training.

I learned more about fundamentals in those two days. Let me explain it like this, people that I have ridden with who have been riding for 20 years don't have a clue how to actually control a motorcycle compared to what a professional can teach you. It's not hop on and go, I mean that's one way, but there is so much more to it.

[itsnotacrisis]

Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Classic or Custom.

[Mr Twisty]

Look for a course that has rental bikes, it will give you a good idea if you want to go bigger or not.....

How old are you?
How tall are you?
What do you weigh?
Are you active & strong?

For a 6' + 200lb + in good physical shape go with a 650cc or so that feels comfortably balanced.

You'll grow out of a 250 a lot quicker than a bigger bike. Bigger bike is an easier sell too if you decide you don't like riding.

[Redemption]

Found a great course, includes all the gear/bike. Also counts for the dmv road test.

I'm 37, 6'0, 185. Skinny guy in decent shape.

I do plan on getting a bike that I can enjoy for a few years until I "get good" and then upgrade to something new and nicer, with more power. Yeah, no 250 for me. Just too dangerous getting onto the freeway.

[rebelyell22]

I would recommend a supermoto. TONS of fun and not fast enough to get you in too much trouble. Check out Jake thegardensnake on YouTube

[ModBargains]

Originally Posted by rebelyell22

I would recommend a supermoto. TONS of fun and not fast enough to get you in too much trouble. Check out Jake thegardensnake on YouTube

First thing I ever rode on the street was a KTM 530 EXC supermoto. Really fun, easy to ride and its light compared to a normal cruiser so if you get in a tight spot or get off balance its easy to recover.

[Sp00ner]

Originally Posted by Mr Twisty

Bigger bike is an easier sell too if you decide you don't like riding.

Around here, you can sell a 300 Ninja in a matter of days, hell, it took me 4 weeks to find one, new or used. The two year old ones were selling for $3500-4k, MSRP on the new ones were $4700.

Depends on your area, of course.

[Sp00ner]

Originally Posted by Redemption

Just too dangerous getting onto the freeway.

Eh? They're 0-60 in just under 7 seconds, a 69 Camao SS was a 6.8 0-60.

Unless you're talking about getting sideswiped, but then it really doesnt matter what bike you're on.

[Mr Twisty]

Originally Posted by Sp00ner

Around here, you can sell a 300 Ninja in a matter of days, hell, it took me 4 weeks to find one, new or used. The two year old ones were selling for $3500-4k, MSRP on the new ones were $4700.

Depends on your area, of course.

But it's a small crotch rocket seating position... he wants a cruiser seating position.

OP, Considering your size, I'm going to recommend a heavier, Harley Sportster type bike, like the Vstar Bolt or similar. Good rake and tire size, so it's responsive, good seating position for around town and day trips, not too heavy considering your size, and you may never outgrow it.

Great review as a beginner bike...
http://www.yamahastarbolt.com/genera...beginner-bike/

[SSeric]

^^^ That VStar looks good...me likey!! Yamaha puts out some decent bikes. I always loved the R6 but never had the inseam for it.

OP - If you're looking for something bigger than a 250, you might consider a 500cc or 650cc bike. Most people that shy away from a 250 do so on account of ego ("size matters" group) or misinformation. Truth be told, the 250 is perfectly capable on the highway. It'll out accelerate and out maneuver virtually any car you come across on the road. I get 70mpg on a bike that can do 104mph if need be, has a respectable 0-60, costs $11-12 to fill up, and costs me a whopping $78/year to insure. With that said, I definitely get how the 250 might not be a proportionate fit for your size. I'm on the other side of that dilemma so that wasn't an issue for me. lol hell, I'd kill to be 5'5".

No matter what we ride, we all have similar reasons...the love of the outdoors, the exhilaration, and the freedom of the open road. The important thing is getting a solid foundation, practicing, and most importantly...enjoying the ride.