First bike. Need something I can work on myself.

[msr942]

I bet there is a better place for this as I don't see any one else asking similar questions, if so I apologize, I didn't find it.

I'm going to buy my first bike, I've got my license and driven a few different styles of bike (during class and also with some friends).

My thoughts:

Number one criteria:  I have to be able to do most of my own work on it,  I’m not really interested in modding, rather if/when something breaks or needs to be replaced I would very much like to be able to order a part and sit in my garage and do it myself without breaking the bank – this is really one of the biggest incentives for me to buy a bike.  I’m by no means a mechanic but am mechanically inclined, if that helps as far as skill level.

I’m fairly certain I want a cruiser style bike (maybe standard… Not sport, not touring)

Size: 650-900, this is my first bike and I think this is about the range I would like to buy in.
When I asked a friend about this he got a little hung up on gas mileage, so I just want to say that I am not buying this bike for gas mileage,  if it happens to get really high mpg that will be an added bonus but not a selection criteria.

Are there any other glaring considerations I am missing?  I am really hoping for some input from people who have had bikes for a while and are like-minded as far a maintenance and repair goes.  

Open to any and all suggestions, thank you for your time.

[Fourstring]

Ease of work = last gen Concours, but it's weight will be a little off-putting for a new rider.

KLR?  How tall are you?

[msr942]

I'm going to buy my first bike, I've got my license and driven a few different styles of bike (during class and also with some friends).

My thoughts:

Number one criteria:  I have to be able to do most of my own work on it,  I’m not really interested in modding, rather if/when something breaks or needs to be replaced I would very much like to be able to order a part and sit in my garage and do it myself without breaking the bank – this is really one of the biggest incentives for me to buy a bike.  I really enjoy keeping my old truck running, fixing the lawnmower, fumbling around the garage, etc.  I’m by no means a mechanic but fairly mechanically inclined, if that helps as far as skill level.

I’m fairly certain I want a cruiser style bike (maybe standard… Not sport, not touring)

Size: 650-900, this is my first bike and I think this is about the range I would like to buy in.
When I asked a friend about this he got a little hung up on gas mileage, so I just want to say that I am not buying this bike for gas mileage,  if it happens to get really high mpg that will be an added bonus but not a selection criteria.

I plan to use the bike for fun.  Cruising around rural country roads (not far from where I live), maybe riding around town once I've gotten some more experience.  I don't need something I can take on the highway necessarily, and I do not plan to travel more than 100 miles in any one day with it.  An occasional trip to the beach, 40 miles shouldn't be out of the question.

Are there any other glaring considerations I am missing?  I am really hoping for some input from people who have had bikes for a while and are like-minded as far a maintenance and repair goes.  

Open to any and all suggestions, thank you for your time.

[KLRchickie]

How about a dual-sport?

Are your legs long enough for a KLR?

The KLR is uber-easy to work on & KLR owners are known for being extremely *cheap* .  

[Leanintree]

Your gonna get some grief for cross-posting, but it made me realize there's a new EOE (Experts On Everything) forum, so I'm not gonna narc you out.  

Ninja 500/EX500. Great bikes, simple (compared to most newer sport hardware), and enough to keep your interest for years. Not a firebreather, but you won't want to trade in 2 months into a learning curve like the Ninja250.

I'm in the minority here, but I DON'T typically endorse the Ninja250 for that reason. Even a new rider outgrows it SO quickly that they never hava  chance to learn the other pieces of being a rider... like buying tires, or chains, or brakes or ANY routine maintenance. Seems like most of the 250s I see for sale have the stock tires, and running gear on them because they don't eat them fast enough for new riders to have to change them. Which is GOOD, but also BAD from the perspective that there's a piece of the motorcycling education missing.

LT

[Blunder]

If I had any sense I'd have a KLR.  

Then there's Suzuki's GS400/425/450/500 series. They started building those in the late '70s, gradually makig them bigger over the years. Only discontinued a couple of years ago. Reliable as a stone fence and easy to work on, only a few specialized tools required. The tools are inexpensive.

Suzuki Bandit 600 is a good bike, too.

Kawasaki EX500 Ninja?

Are you looking to buy new or used?

[Specter]

Shop around for a good used Honda Nighthawk 750. It's a classic standard bike with a bulletproof motor. Can usually be found for $1-2k. No plastic fairings to break and replace. Freeway capable, city nimble, and good ergonomics. Ride one for a few months and you'll know what you want next.

[Brent099]

Shop around for a good used Honda Nighthawk 750. It's a classic standard bike with a bulletproof motor. Can usually be found for $1-2k. No plastic fairings to break and replace. Freeway capable, city nimble, and good ergonomics. Ride one for a few months and you'll know what you want next.

I agree.  I think the Honda Nighthawk is a perfect fit for what you're looking for.

[coho]

[kevin_stevens]

I agree with the Nighthawk, but would also throw in the Honda Shadow, a cruiser V-twin made for many years with equally high reliability.  

And, (let the hating commence), a Harley Sportster.  More wrenching, but everything is straightforward and parts are ubiquitous.

KeS

[OrangeSVS]

Sportster (naked)

Bandit 600 (naked)

GS500 (naked)

SV650 (naked)

Ducati Monster (naked)... you'll wrench more on it, I guess, but then you'll learn more.


Are you seeing a theme here?    


For a first bike, getting something without plastics can never really be a bad choice, most would say it's even a good choice.


As for hating on a Ninja 250, I guess it really depends on your perspective and what you want from riding. I've had a 650cc, a 400cc, and an 1140cc... and I kinda think it's be fun to have a Ninja 250. I don't think I'd be taking it on high speed trips, but I doubt I'd get bored with it around town. But maybe that's more a reflection on me having enough experience on bikes to appreciate it for what it is... it might take a beginner a few more bikes before they realize why it would be appealing to folks like me. And I guess at this point, it's all about your moto-education. So I can see the point about it maybe not being the best first bike.. but on the other hand, if you shop around you can probably buy it for cheap and turn a tiny profit off of it in 3 months.

[Sprintboy]

+1 for the Honda Shadow or a Honda Magna.  Although this is a sport touring website, exposed engines are much easier to work on and Hondas are near bulletproof (I've owned 4).

[Kneescrubber]

BMW airhead.

[Uncle Leo]

KLR 650. Cheap to buy, very easy to maintain and farkle when the mood strikes, and it will, fun to ride, and it doesn't limit you to street only. Parts are everywhere and are inexpensive. Its detractors are mostly folks who have never had one. It's a great do it all bike that makes getting into the game fun.

[rbwilliams2]

Sportster (naked)

Bandit 600 (naked)

GS500 (naked)

SV650 (naked)

Ducati Monster (naked)... you'll wrench more on it, I guess, but then you'll learn more.


Are you seeing a theme here?    

Agree completely.

A naked bike is a lot easier to work on.
You'll probably drop the first bike. A naked bike won't have all that expensive broken plastic.
A naked bike is just a lot more fun to ride.

[Papa Lazarou]

Ease of working usually means a twin or a single. Do you want new or old?

Moto Guzzi are dead easy to work on. Even I can do it.

Royal Enfield ditto.

HD Sportster-except the heads don't stick out either side, like a Guzzi.

The new Kawasaki w800 should be pretty easy.

Then, there's a whole range of Japanese singles and twins. Or old classics.

Remember, carbs are easier than fuel injectors. Twin shocks easier than mono shocks, etc. Having a garage helps too.

[scottzilla]

I bet there is a better place for this as I don't see any one else asking similar questions, if so I apologize, I didn't find it.

I'm going to buy my first bike, I've got my license and driven a few different styles of bike (during class and also with some friends).

My thoughts:

Number one criteria:  I have to be able to do most of my own work on it,  I’m not really interested in modding, rather if/when something breaks or needs to be replaced I would very much like to be able to order a part and sit in my garage and do it myself without breaking the bank – this is really one of the biggest incentives for me to buy a bike.  I’m by no means a mechanic but am mechanically inclined, if that helps as far as skill level.

I’m fairly certain I want a cruiser style bike (maybe standard… Not sport, not touring)

Size: 650-900, this is my first bike and I think this is about the range I would like to buy in.
When I asked a friend about this he got a little hung up on gas mileage, so I just want to say that I am not buying this bike for gas mileage,  if it happens to get really high mpg that will be an added bonus but not a selection criteria.

Are there any other glaring considerations I am missing?  I am really hoping for some input from people who have had bikes for a while and are like-minded as far a maintenance and repair goes.  

Open to any and all suggestions, thank you for your time.

Bikes are generally reliable and easy to work on.  It's not like you have to re sleeve the pistons every month, you know?  Oil changes, adjust the chain, tire changes, the occassional brake pad replacement and adjust the valves every now and then.  IMO, Every motorcycle owner should be able to do this stuff (Except adjust the valves-I don't touch 'em )
My bikes never go to the dealer-ever.  I'll fix it myself or drag it out to the curb for garbage pick up.

There are lots of entry level bikes to choose from.  I say pick up a used SV650.

[jbs80106]

I think you'll narrow down your choices further if you have a budget in mind?

Also, one criteria you left out is fairing/windscreen or no?

My first bike, an 82 Suzi GS650G....under $500 bucks.  New rubber.  new battery, cleaned the carbs and ran.  Standard bike, older so parts can be harder to find, but definately a DIY fixer.

2nd bike, 88 BMW K75S  (750) with smallish fairing.  A bit of a PITA as have to take off the lower fairing to change oil, clean the air filter, etc...but do appreciate being out of the full blast of the wind at 85 mph....

Weekend rider or commuter?

[1KPerDay]

I second the Nighthawk 750 or EX/Ninja 500.

Add the Harley 883 sporster... change the oil/filter once in a while and ride it forever. replace the belt every 80,000 miles whether it needs it or not.

[Justin]

Gen2 Hayabusa or ZX-14, preferably with Turbo, NOS or big bore kit, since you will grow into it eventually

Seriously though, I second the Honda Nighthawk and GS500/ninja500. I do not suggest an SV650 as someone did above for a beginner. Although it only has 650cc, I find it to have surprising torque, and the back end breaks free easily.

[wynterwolf]

I started on an Kawasaki Ninja 250r.  Put 22000 miles on it the first year, and it was awesome.  Light, easy to ride and a great bike to take a test on.  Get something pre 2008, and you have a bike that didn't change for pretty much 20 years.  The 2008+ models are sexy, and they run nice.  Very easy bikes to work on and use.

Best learner bike you can get.  Check out ninja250.org for a bunch of nuts who are very passionate about it.

[wynterwolf]

I started on an Kawasaki Ninja 250r.  Put 22000 miles on it the first year, and it was awesome.  Light, easy to ride and a great bike to take a test on.  Get something pre 2008, and you have a bike that didn't change for pretty much 20 years.  The 2008+ models are sexy, and they run nice.  Very easy bikes to work on and use.

Best learner bike you can get.  Check out ninja250.org for a bunch of nuts who are very passionate about it.

Just reread OP and saw the desire for a cruiser.  Sorry about the Ninja 250 suggestion (though i still stand by it.)

I know people who start their cruiser journeys on Honda Shadows and Suzuki Intruders.  I like the Hondas because they tend to be pretty low maintenance and bulletproof.  Get something with a shaft drive and self adjusting valves and you cut a lot of the maintenance out of a bike.  I would stay in the smaller displacements as a beginner bike, because it tends to be easier to handle and more forgiving of mistakes.

[owrstrich]

greetings msr942...

i would seriously consider a bmw k75 standard... or a bmw k75c...

these little motobricks are pretty much bullet proof... they can be had for not much...

i can wrench these motobricks... which means anybody can...

j o

[sammyseaman]

greetings msr942...

i would seriously consider a bmw k75 standard... or a bmw k75c...

these little motobricks are pretty much bullet proof... they can be had for not much...

i can wrench these motobricks... which means anybody can...

j o

  X a bunch

[OrangeSVS]

I addressed the maintenance issue, but didn't really touch upon the bike selection issue. I know nothing of your age, driving record, whether you've even taken a riding course or intend to learn on your own or from a friend (not recommended). However, I'd suggest something in the 250-500cc class for a first bike. Sure, we all want bigger bikes, but 250's and 500cc bikes exist, are produced, and offered for sale for a reason. Most beginners do NOT know more about what makes a better starter bike than the manufacturers do.

But for the rest of this post, I'll ignore the points that you might take exception with by assuming that you are safer than most, more responsible than most, more mature, have better reflexes, etc. For the sake of argument, I'll grant you ALL of those things. I will instead only focus on the flatly irrefutable reasons to buy a used 250cc to 500cc bike. In fact, by and large, these are the reasons I stepped DOWN to a 400cc bike after starting on an SV650S.

No, I didn't believe the SV650S was too much bike for me to start on. However, a few things happened and pretty soon, I was faced with some realities. And this is what I learned from my time on a smaller bike:

1) You won't lose money on it. whether you keep it 2 weeks before moving up to something larger or a full year, it'll be worth roughly the same amount when you sell it as it was when you bought it. And IF something bad happens, you won't lose as much. If times turn hard, it's much easier to justify keeping it, thereby keeping you in the saddle improving your skills for later in life when you CAN justify getting the bike you want. OTOH, if times turn better, you can sell it. Actually, for me, times got worse. I couldn't even afford to keep my bike running. It broke, I couldn't even afford to fix it. So I sold it broken... and only got $100 less than I paid for it... Between the time it was bought and sold, I put maybe 10K miles on it. Not bad for $100. That's a penny per mile in depreciation.

2) Insurance is cheaper. Cheap. Stupid cheap. In some cases, $16 a month for full coverage cheap. Motorcycling is a hobby for 98% of riders. What's more awesome than a hobby that only costs gas (which you'd buy anyway for your car), and $16 a month? I don't think you can even become a serious dart thrower with just 16 dollars in fancy darts. Maybe you could become a serious Bingo player though. how much do those marker things cost? No wait, Bingo usually charges at least a dollar per board. Cheap. Stupid cheap. Sell your car and pocket the cash and save a hundred bucks in insurance because who needs a cage anyway cheap. Car maintenance is totally not worth it cheap. I can by an entire motorcycle for less than getting a brake job done on my car cheap.

3) It's your first bike, not your last. It's not like you need to keep it forever. You can sell it in 3 months and by that time, I guarantee you will have MUCH greater knowledge and experience regarding what YOU want from a bike. Your next bike can be more of a stretch, and will wind up being a much better fit for you and what you actually do with it (as opposed to what you presently THINK you will do with it). Who knows, you might love it more than you think and decide to ride longer distances, or you might find you prefer sticking around town.

4) You are a newb. Just like a driver's license in the hands of a 16 year old, the M-endorsement isn't a license to ride like a pro, it's a license to be on public streets, starting to learn the ins and outs of riding. You may be a responsible and mature driver, but you're a total newb on a motorcycle. And no amount of cool bike will ever compensate for it. Face it. You are a newb. Accept it. Deal with it. And grow from it just like everyone else on STN has at one point in their riding career.

5) What you read about a bike, and what other people say about a bike is 80% meaningless bullshit until you actually get on a particular bike and experience it for yourself and evaluate how it works for you.

6) anything above 590cc's will scare the living shit out of you within the first few weeks. But so will anything smaller than that. So how fast do you want to be going when you get the shit scared out of you?    It happens to all of us, even when we aren't newbs, but it'll happen to you more frequently. That's what learning is all about.

7) Parts are cheaper and don't wear as quickly. Less time doing maintenance and waiting for mail ordered parts to come in on nice sunny days when you could be out riding.  Tires are going to be the big one. Some folks will only get around 3K miles out of a set. I think most people with Ninja 250's get at least 12K. Of course, YMMV.

8) Small bikes are easier to sell. The demand for well-cared-for starter bikes is and will remain robust, especially in the summers as gas prices rise. You may not care about gas mileage, but plenty of others do. This ensures that the market for selling your bike will remain strong even when bigger faster bikes are languishing unsold for month after month.

9) For any serious rider, accelerating is the second most untalented thing you can do on a bike (dropping it in a parking lot is the first, in case you were wondering). Your ability to brake and carry a tight and steady angle on a corner is what separates the squids from the serious rider. In that regard, engine size is counterproductive to all the skills that are hardest and most dangerous for a new rider to develop. With more power you will NEVER be going slower than you would be on a lower powered bike. This can only increase the danger to your body each and every time you work to develop the skills that are most important and unique to a motorcyclist. Only the rider who has absolutely zero interest in speed will be as safe on a faster bike as on a slower one. And, given that you are looking at faster bikes, you can't convince me that you fall anywhere close to the former category (that's ok though, I don't think anybody here does either).

10) NOT loving your bike won't stop you from riding. Actually, if you're really bit by the riding bug, you'll probably ride it more. You'll park it in mall parking lots, you'll take it out even though you know it's going to get rained on, you'll take it places where it could get stolen and not really give a damn, you'll think about it sliding across the pavement after a colossal riding f-up and not feel pangs of fear. The dude who bought my SV stepped down from a ZX6 after about 10K miles of riding street bikes, in addition to him growing up on dirt bikes. As of like 4 days ago, he's recovering from his crash on the SV (kid jumped out in the middle of the street while he was maybe going a little too fast). And I don't say that to scare you. I bring it up only to make the point that riding is all about learning. And incidentally, he confided in me days before the crash that the SV surprised him with its power and ability to pop massive wheelies. He said that with stock sprockets, it was a way better wheelie bike than his ZX6. You sure you want to think about 50% more engine displacement? Is that really the way you're planning on riding when you start out?

11) The first thing every rider discovers is that they are not the rider they thought they were. You think you have reasons why you are an exception to most of these rules. And the more experience you get, the more you will change your mind. The ones who don't are usually the ones who talk about the bike they used to own and how they scared themselves and so they quit riding. Yet, to this day, I've never heard a single person say that they wish they had started on a larger bike so they could have scared themselves more.


I started out on that SV650S at the age of 23. My first serious ah-ha! moments in cornering and braking came when the weather was so bad (wet or cold) that "interesting" things started happening at speeds low enough that I wasn't afraid of dying while pressing my luck. As a result, I learned to love riding that bike in the rain. Fast forward many years, I moved down to a 400CC CB-1 and beat the living hell out of it on every ride because it seemed kinda slow. It wasn't as thrilling of a machine by any stretch, but on a responsible ride at reasonable speeds, I'd say that when I wanted to, I was able to slide a tire or lock up a wheel comfortably at legal speeds 20 times for every 1 time I got to try it on the SV. And when I was riding safely and cautiously, the CB was always lower, more comfortable and easier to control. Those are nice things when you are riding, but don't really want to think about riding. By contrast, I can't ride the Blackbird without thinking about riding. It's a real hoot to ride, but it's big enough, heavy enough, and fast enough, that the price could be high if I let my attention slip, even in a parking lot.

I always felt more carefree and relaxed on the CB. Not that I'd trade, but I'd certainly love to have one of each... and if I did, I'd just keep the 'bird tucked away for the longer and faster trips where it shines brightest. Most of the time, you'd probably find me on the lighter, less challenging machine. But then, that's because I like actually riding, even at the times when I'm not just going out for a ride.

[OrangeSVS]

Of course, you may now dismiss everything I've said. It was really long and probably not worth reading.

I'm old enough now that I don't take things like that personally. People make their own choices and are going to do what they're going to do and act how they are going to act. I can't control them, nor should I feel like I have to. After all, they know themselves better than I do.

Anyway, it's just some friendly thoughts that came to mind and I thought maybe you or someone else would like to hear them. Coming up with the list was actually pretty easy. When you gain experience, the logic of a small bike is pretty apparent, whether you choose to ride one at some point or not.

Best of luck to you, however you choose to start out. Riding ANYTHING is fun.    

[Cheddarhead]

I'm going to buy my first bike, I've got my license and driven a few different styles of bike (during class and also with some friends).

My thoughts:

I’m fairly certain I want a cruiser style bike (maybe standard… Not sport, not touring)

Before you go any further...can you describe "why" you think a "cruiser-style" cycle is what you're most interested in?

Not looking to pick a fight...but you have opened the door by asking for inputs...and the folks here (most of them, anyway...) are both very knowledgeable and very willing to share their knowledge.  So if you don't mind a bit of give-and-take, you'll likely learn a lot about what / why / how etc...

Size: 650-900, this is my first bike and I think this is about the range I would like to buy in.

 Absolutely "no reason" to go larger than the size you've described.  You can do so...but that engine size will give you all the get-up-and-go you need...

I plan to use the bike for fun.  Cruising around rural country roads (not far from where I live), maybe riding around town once I've gotten some more experience.  I don't need something I can take on the highway necessarily, and I do not plan to travel more than 100 miles in any one day with it.  An occasional trip to the beach, 40 miles shouldn't be out of the question.

Are there any other glaring considerations I am missing?  I am really hoping for some input from people who have had bikes for a while and are like-minded as far a maintenance and repair goes.  

Open to any and all suggestions, thank you for your time.

We all ride for fun...and welcome new riders...especially those who express a desire to learn first...

[1KPerDay]

Of course, you may now dismiss everything I've said. It was really long and probably not worth reading.

And you didn't actually address his primary concern, which is whether the SV650 is easy to work on. From what I understand, they aren't.

Or maybe you did... I fell asleep 234 paragraphs in.

[Papa Lazarou]

They're not a beginner's choice.

Now, a Ural IS easy. And a hoot.

[ChrisZRX]

The very best FIRST bike you can have to learn on is a dual sport.  You can ride it on the road, and improve your skills in the dirt.

The very best roadracers tend to come up from flat track and motocross.  Some dirt riding will certainly improve an average rider's skills too, or accellerate a newbies learning curve.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/yamaha-xt225-16325.html

[msr942]

Before you go any further...can you describe "why" you think a "cruiser-style" cycle is what you're most interested in?

I think I'd like to go with the cruiser style for a couple of reasons.  I've been on a couple of cruiser-style bikes through dealerships (all of my buddies have sport bikes) and I've found I like the positioning best on cruisers, sitting up and able to take in my surroundings.   I plan to ride in the country-side (not offroad) and I feel like this will be most enjoyable for me on a cruiser.  Also I've taken quite a few sport bikes for a ride and I know that I am not going to buy a sport bike (although I do appreciate the ninja suggestions).  I also like the look of the cruiser bike, it looks classy to me.    

How about a dual-sport?

Ar your legs long enough for a KLR?

I think my legs probably would be long enough but I'm not really sure this is the style of bike I want.  I think it would be fun to have something that I could go off road with but I don't know how often I would do that.

I know people who start their cruiser journeys on Honda Shadows and Suzuki Intruders.  I like the Hondas because they tend to be pretty low maintenance and bulletproof.  Get something with a shaft drive and self adjusting valves and you cut a lot of the maintenance out of a bike.  I would stay in the smaller displacements as a beginner bike, because it tends to be easier to handle and more forgiving of mistakes.

I've been looking at Shadows, the Intruder interests me as well, what do you think about the Savage 650?   I'm 5'11 175lbs, I only mention that because I've heard reviews saying the Savage was too small for them or they looked small on it, others around my size have said they found it to be a good fit.   Is the Savage easy enough to work on? (one cylinder and carburator after all)   Would anyone recommend against getting a late 90s bike? Obviously the more recent the less likelihood of it having been neglected, but I've come across a couple '99 Savage 650 recently and wondered the general communities thoughts on them.

Thank you for all your input so far, I really do appreciate it.

[Infidel]

I owned a KLR. Loved the bike. Was great learning with it.

[Chuck 500]

Consider Suzuki GS500F.  Not a cruiser, I know.  More like a standard with clothes, seating quite upright.  Light handling.  Simple.  With the kind of mechanical skills you describe, you should be able to do all the work on it your self.  Simple carburetor engine.  Great for rides like you describe and will go longer as you develop.  I rode mine 15,000 miles in two years before moving up.  



Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[1KPerDay]

Didn't we just do this?  

[1KPerDay]

Ah...

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63735.0.html

[TriumphTiger1050]

This comes to mind!


Oh, you meant as an adult!!!  Just poking you.  I would say a used Bandit in the tune of the 800cc??? I believe they use to make one this size.

[nater]

I would say a used Bandit in the tune of the 800cc??? I believe they use to make one this size.

There was a 600, not an 800.

[TriumphTiger1050]

There was a 600, not an 800.

Well there you go, a 600cc Bandit would be great!

[Yippee757]

Hawk GT would be your best bet for a fun, cool, easy to repair bike.

[243Win]

I would echo the thoughts of not an SV650 for a starter, enough there to get one in trouble.  That back end does break loose easily, especially after a sloppy downshift.  And I would disqualify it on ease of maintenance too.

For ease of maintenance and just getting started, a dualsport thumper hands down.  Nice neutral, standard seating position.  Tip it over, pick it back up and continue.  650 sized is a gentle beast to deal with, plenty of power to do what you want and not so much to get one in trouble quickly.  I bought my DR650 after I'd only put a couple of hundred miles on my XT225 (first bike) and I thought the DR650 was so much easier to ride with the extra torque.

Neighbor behind me has a 650 sized cruiser.  He bought it as it was comfy in the show room.  He won't ride it more than 15-25 miles at a time tho'.  Seating position with all his weight on his tailbone and the slouched position kills his back in short order.  Riding buddy has a Shadow 750, yes it is a nice bike.  Another has a DL650.  The three of use do rides of around 300 miles a day on two or three day trips as we get the chance.  The guy on the DL650 is the least sore of the three of us.  My seat is a torture device, but my back is fine and so is the DL650 pilot's.  The Shadow rider takes more of a beating during the day due to the short suspension and seating position leaving him rubbing his lower back in camp at night.

Finally, it is your first bike, you'll drop it.  Dualsport thumper takes that in stride.  Watching a new rider on a shiny new cruiser constantly dropping it during a cone weave practice session was sickening.  

[Jimbo62]

Just my 2 cents here,
I started on an '82 Honda CB550 that I pulled out of a barn.  Put tires, chain and sprocket, rebuilt carbs, cleaned it up, and rode the piss out of it for the first year.  Taught myself to ride on an old bike.  Then upgraded to a '99 Kawasaki ZX-9R, like going from a golf cart to a dragster.  But... that's what I wanted.  So... I now ride a Connie 2011 and love it.  Have been through the dual sport thing during some years and don't argue that this could have been a great way for me to start, but in hind sight, the older bike and then a newer bike is for sure the way to go.  
I am now getting the wife into riding and have just picked up an '82 yamaha virago with 14,000 on it.  I test rode it, and though very old, it's whipped just enough to feel like that old 550 I started on.  Easy to work on, tons of parts on ebay, easy to resell next spring, crusier styling, and just big enough to not get bored on.  I'm 6'5" and 230lbs and it felt small, but for someone your size, an older virago might just be the way to go.  I am very mechaniclly inclined, so this was not a factor, but I have not heard of them having too many problems.  By the way, I picked it up for $1500 and plan on selling it for the same amount next year, no matter how many miles she decides to put on it.
Hope this helps,  Jim
PS kawasaki vulcan 750 is another choice in this class, and my brother started out on a Suzuki 800 that looked like a fatboy.  He loves it and has no reason to have started smaller and no desire to go bigger.  
PPS let us all know as soon as you buy something, we would like to know what direction you took.

[jsanford]

K75 BMWs are good bikes.  So are the pre-2001 BMW F650s (and lowered ones cost even less). Freeway-capable but with a good temperment.  I did some work on mine without knowing much about motorcycles, thanks to the highly-comprehensive FAQs on the Chain Gang and three-disk instructional video series available as a free torrent.

The only suggestion in this thread I disagree with is the Monster. Mine has a little too much "whee!" factor, the stock suspension is lacking if you're over 150 pounds and I've seen few on the used market that have been regularly ridden and well cared for.  States vary, but it's my smallest displacement bike (except for the 2-stroke Kaw) and after four years is STILL the most expensive one to insure.

[fossil]

FWIW, any inline twin (EX500) or 4 (Bandit, Nighthawk, GPz) are great bikes to learn the basics with. I started on an 85 GPz550 and wish I still had the pup...

[25knots]

+1 for the GS 500.  Take my advice, based on all of six months of motorcycling experience, with many grains of salt, but I've found this bike to be super simple to work on.  Take the gas tank off and the engine top end is right there for you to work on without much trouble.  

Aside from some bad congealed gas fouling the fuel system somewhere (fixed with a $4 carb/injector degunking solution from the gas station) I haven't had single problem with the bike.  The gas clog was likely my fault too, as I left the bike sitting for about a month without treating the gas beforehand.  

As for whether or not a 500 will keep you entertained, I'm a little less confident.  I'm already starting to want something more powerful, especially after riding my friend's liter bike this past weekend.  But overall a 500 will do anything you want it too.  I did a week long tour with my brother this past summer (Blueridge, Deals Gap, Cherahola, the works) and I never had a problem keeping up with his Tiger 800.  I had about 40 pounds of gear strapped to the passenger seat and the bike never had any problem in the twisties.    

Anyways, have fun bike hunting.  What you get won't be perfect, not much is, but you'll love it anyway.

[25knots]

I should also add the bike mechanic friend of mine recommended the Ninja 500 over the GS 500 for three reasons:

1) The Ninja's got more horsepower
2) The suspension is better
3) In his opinion, the Ninja looks cooler

He's probably right on all those points.  The GS 500's suspension seems a bit loose, but I don't have much to compare it too.  On the other hand, the Ninja's good looks come from the faring which is not always such a good think to have on a first bike.  The only other substantive difference is that the Ninja's engine is liquid cooled, which adds a bit more mechanical complexity, though probably not too much for a beginning mechanic to figure out.