Need opinions on a starter bike.

[SheriL]

Ok, I am new here, my husband(Scottyfizz) posts here all the time. I am hopefully taking the motorcycle course this Spring. I want to get your opinions on a starter bike. There are a couple of options, I think the Ninja 250 would be sufficient for me, but Scott thinks I will outgrow it. Please keep in mind I am only 5' 4", so I don't think I would outgrow it. But the bike that really catches my eye is the Yamaha FZ6. Thanks All!!!

[ninegear]

the ninja 250 is great. if you do eventually outgrow it just use it as a comuter. or sell it. most of the tiem you can get pretty close to the same amount you paid for a 250 when you sell it.

[Ack535]

Hi Sheri:

First of all, welcome to the family of fellow motorcyclists. We are indeed a special breed!

Here are some basic rules that I have followed throughout my 28 years of motorcycle riding, that have basically kept me out of trouble...

1. Never drink (alcohol) and ride.
2. Avoid cities and heavy traffic at all costs.
3. Never ride at night if you can avoid it. Too many deer and drunks...
4. Don't feel pressured to ride above your skill level. This most often occurs during group rides in which the leader or leaders decide to really push the envelope. Ride at your pace!
5. ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). Trust me when I say "skin grafts really hurt" from my own personal knowledge.
6. High Vis gear, albeit not as cool looking as black, does get you noticed by the cage drivers, and well worth the investment. A good product is the Military Spec Hi Res vests if you already have a coat that is non-hi vis.

An FZ 600 would be a good starter bike as long as you feel comfortable on the bike. An SV 650 is an excellent choice as well. Go with what you like, and are comfortable with. Lastly, have fun! This is really what riding is all about. I have often joked "riding motorcycles is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on"! And I mean it...

Again, welcome to the fellowship!

Pete Ackerly
"Ack535"

[SheriL]

We currently have a Yamaha FJR, we always ride completely geared up, so I have all the gear I need to ride my own bike. I just want more enjoyment when we ride and I feel I will enjoy myself more with my own bike, just not sure what bike I should get. I know which one I like, but is it the best suited for me.

[Snapping Twig]

All good planning and advice so far, hopefully I can add something of value here.

Personal opinion for your first bike...

While the 250 is excellent, I'd avoid buying new and opt for used. Like they said earlier, you can then resell it for what you paid if/when you outgrow it.

A good first bike for me is an 85 Virago 700. Low seat height, powerful but controllable, inexpensive to buy and operate, upright seating.

Something older, pre 2000 with good brakes and suspension and a low seat height.

[Squareman357]

The Ninja 250 is definitely an awesome choice.  There is also the Suzuki GS500F, the Ninja 500 (they still making that one?), and the Ninja 650.  Personally, starting on the 250, riding it a season or two, or 10K, then trading up, is the best plan.  Will allow you to get into riding and get used to riding on something that won't scare you, will be small enough and light enough for you to push it around, and, if you get a new one, looks pretty darn snazzy to boot.  Unless you've ridden before, I wouldn't recommend the FZ6 to start, but that's just me.  YMMV.

[falconati]

I think the FZ6 would be a great starting bike.  My recommendation would be to pick up a used one (you should be able to find one in the QC or IC areas), and then after 2 years go out and buy a new one if you like

[SheriL]

Yes, I definitely would buy used to start, especially being my first bike and all. The Ninja 250 is a great looking bike and most likely the one I will start with, I think that is the bike I will be most comfortable with to start as well. And, yes it can always be sold to buy what I want in time.

[Squareman357]

Yes, I definitely would buy used to start, especially being my first bike and all. The Ninja 250 is a great looking bike and most likely the one I will start with, I think that is the bike I will be most comfortable with to start as well. And, yes it can always be sold to buy what I want in time.

Yup. It's your first bike, definitely not your last...it'll take a few bikes before you figure out what you really like, want, or need in your ride.

[Tony T]

Hi Sheri, welcome to STN.

Keep in mind the cost of dropping it. A cruiser is going to be less expensive to repair than a bike with a flaring. I know you will only ride it a season or two but scratched or cracked fairings will affect resale. I always recommend the rebel 250 or a older cheap metric cruiser for a starter bike.

[GoGreen]

Hey Sheri- I started on a used Ninja 500ex (someone asked on this thread if they are making the 500 anymore, the answer is no) But still a great bike to start on. Then once you have been riding you can decide what your comfort level is (how heavy of a bike you want to handle, riding position, etc.) Also, do you just want it for some fun day trips and around town or do you want to tour? Keep in mind that many bikes, fitted with luggage are capable for long trips, if you find something you love.

[Ves]

Having taught my wife to ride two years ago, and her being your height, I would suggest you start on a 250, at most a 500.  Any 600 or 650 is not really a starter bike.  The additional weight and horsepower will hinder your learning process.  In that two years she has had a Rebel 250, 650 V-star (bad idea), and now a GS500 she's very comfortable with (after installing some barbacks to get the bars closer for her reach).  Also, stay away from the cruisers, that riding position is just wrong.  You don't need that hindering your learning.  Yes, you will outgrow the 250, fast... the 500 will take much longer to outgrow, yet it's still relatively docile.  

The FZ6 is somewhere around 85-90 horsepower.  That's NOT a starter bike.  It's too much.  

[pops66]

Hi Sheri:

First of all, welcome to the family of fellow motorcyclists. We are indeed a special breed!

Here are some basic rules that I have followed throughout my 28 years of motorcycle riding, that have basically kept me out of trouble...

1. Never drink (alcohol) and ride.
2. Avoid cities and heavy traffic at all costs.
3. Never ride at night if you can avoid it. Too many deer and drunks...
4. Don't feel pressured to ride above your skill level. This most often occurs during group rides in which the leader or leaders decide to really push the envelope. Ride at your pace!
5. ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). Trust me when I say "skin grafts really hurt" from my own personal knowledge.
6. High Vis gear, albeit not as cool looking as black, does get you noticed by the cage drivers, and well worth the investment. A good product is the Military Spec Hi Res vests if you already have a coat that is non-hi vis.

An FZ 600 would be a good starter bike as long as you feel comfortable on the bike. An SV 650 is an excellent choice as well. Go with what you like, and are comfortable with. Lastly, have fun! This is really what riding is all about. I have often joked "riding motorcycles is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on"! And I mean it...

Again, welcome to the fellowship!

Pete Ackerly
"Ack535"

What he said  
and welcome to the club.

[Mr.Black]

Welcome.

Shop. Take your time. Find what is comfortable for you. Test ride as many as you can. Take what you hear here and believe less than 75% of it and all will be well.

Oh and Dont talk to Ti.

[Ves]

... Take what you hear here and believe less than 75% of it and all will be well.

...

What he says is true... except in the case of my post above... believe that one 100%...  

[Mr.Black]

What he says is true... except in the case of my post above... believe that one 100%...  

Yes. In that case I would concur.


Don't talk to anyone named county either.

[nater]

I would advise getting a used 250 or 500.  Ride that for a year and then get an FZ6 next year.

[bluemax]

I can't advise strongly enough about a starter bike and the used 250 is PERFECT.  

You need to gain confidence and that comes from experience and the knowledge that you're not riding a bike you can't handle. Confidence and experience are critical should something go wrong, as it occasionally does.

I've taught numbers of women to ride (before and after) the MSF course and the drill is the same; small starter bike, i.e. Rebel and after a season move up a little larger bike and after that point you'll have enough personal experience to decide what the right bike is.

Usually, but not always, women opt for a cruiser because of seat height.

While this is a sport-touring web site and cruisers get bashed unfairly, your safety is way more important, than the look or style.
Please don't let the guys tell you a 650 is a great starter bike, it's too much bike for a new ider.

My wife toured all over the Great Lakes on her 250 Rebel for two years and then moved up to a Shadow 500. She's comfortable,
confident and she's owned it for 5 years and will probably keep it until she's done riding. It's the right bike for her.

Good luck and be safe.

[jadziadax8]

Yeah Sheri!  I found out rather quickly that riding on the back of my husband's bike was booooring.  I love riding with him, piloting my own ride.

The FZ6 is somewhere around 85-90 horsepower.  That's NOT a starter bike.  It's too much.  

I agree with that.  The motor on the FZ6 is a de-tuned R6 (their 600 cc race replica bike).  Check out the FZ6R, which is a similar bike, but with less power.  Downside?  Not many used.

You may even want to start with one of the maxiscooters, like a Burgman 400.  That's what I started riding on, and really enjoyed it.  I got to learn about balance, countersteering and predicting what other drivers would do on the road before having to also learn to deal with the clutch.  Plus, scooters tend to have low seat heights and it's hella fun to wring them out on a Region 4 ride.  Whatever you decide on, remember that it's your first bike, not your last.

Also, once you get comfortable riding and want to move up in the moto world, don't let seat height be a deterrent to buying a bike you want.  You will feel just fine on any bike you can get a foot down on at stoplights.

Oh, and finally, the International Motorcycle Show is in Chicago next weekend.  Evey major manufacturer, with the exception of Triumph, will be there.  You can sit on bikes to your heart's content, and you may even be able to find some deals on gear, if there's anything you need.

[vmeldrew]

Sheri
We have a beginner in our household too, like you my wife wanted to get out riding instead of sitting on the back of the "old guy".

My wife took the MSF course, then rode a vstar 650 but soon outgrew that. Last summer she purchased a FZ6R, and my does she like that bike, great bike for beginners, soft controls, great power output, but not at all harsh, looks quite cool, nice colors and graphics, her words not mine !.

Like you my wife is vertically challenged, so getting bike to fit is hard. The FZ fits OK but we are in the process of fitting a lowering link to drop it down another 1.5" just so that she can flat foot the bike, just for that extra bit of confidence at stop lights and such.

Have fun in your choice,
Stay safe, take LOT's of training.
VM

[OU812]

ED(MXVET57) has a EX 500 that he may be ready to part with soon........

[phoenix]

Yes, I definitely would buy used to start, especially being my first bike and all. The Ninja 250 is a great looking bike and most likely the one I will start with, I think that is the bike I will be most comfortable with to start as well. And, yes it can always be sold to buy what I want in time.

In my opinion, one of the biggest obstacles to proficient motorcycle riding involves confidence.
With what you have said here, the Ninja 250 is the bike you have a lot of confidence in. With your comfort level established, I just don't see how you can't get off to a good start.

And me, I just don't pay much attention to comments about needing a bike with more displacement. Among sportbikes and standards, I haven't owned a bike greater than a 750 and I just don't see the need. After about 8 years of riding, I still search through classified ads for a good deal on an SV650. I could ride it around town, tour on it, or take it to the track. Probably will go that route within a year or two. I also look through the classifieds for a Ninja 250 with some of the same thoughts. It can do it, I'm sure. And you can get a good nearly new one for cheap.

I agree with that.  The motor on the FZ6 is a de-tuned R6 (their 600 cc race replica bike).  Check out the FZ6R, which is a similar bike, but with less power.  Downside?  Not many used.

I'm not 100% positive, but to me, the FZ6R is just an FZ6 + more plastics. If it is lower on power, its not by much.

[schoon]

My daughter just started riding last year. She got a 250 Ninja and loves it! When she rode my DR it was a little to much for her. The 250 seems like the the perfect bike and they got it for under a grand with 4000 miles.

[Yankee Dog]

Look for a good deal on a used Ninja 250 and who cares if you out grow it.  You are a biginner and WILL drop it so dont be afraid of getting something that has been predropped for you and is priced accordingly.  Ride it for a year or two and then decide if you want to move up.  You will not regret the light weight and easy handling of the 250.  

Yankee Dog

[jadziadax8]

I'm not 100% positive, but to me, the FZ6R is just an FZ6 + more plastics. If it is lower on power, its not by much.

78 hp down from 90 in the FZ6.  Not much of a difference, but the peak comes at 11,500 rpm.  I highly doubt an new rider will be hitting those sorts of rpms.  Hell, I'm hard pressed to get my Ninja up to 7k on any given day.

[Mr. Whippy]

If you're still thinking Ninja 250, I have a used one, prerashed, that runs fine, but needs a new home.  I'm in Maryland and have taught 4 new riders on it.  It has the dings to prove it too.  Great starter bike which I prefer to Rebel 250's because it has disc brakes (older Rebels still had a drum brake).

Currently I use it as a commuter for yucks sake.  But it's my 3rd bike and doesn't get run as much as it should.

[SheriL]

I appreciate everyones input, and I think I am leaning towards the 250 ninja. I can always sell it and move up to the FZ6 once I have built up my confidence and experience. I know for sure I definitely want a sport bike. I like the FZ6 because it doesn't have a lot of plastic and love the exhaust up under the seat.  Now to take the riders course, get my license, and find a half way decent bike. Can hardly wait for spring!!!

[MadOzodi]

Ninja 250 and then get a brand new FZ8!  

[mxvet57]

ED(MXVET57) has a EX 500 that he may be ready to part with soon........

actually the answer is yes. it's an 1988 with 88,000 and some change on the ODO.  rite now i have the forks apart. (waiting for parts)

[Oddball]

As a starter bike I'd recommend something along the line of a Yamaha XT225.  That way you can ride it in the dirt and if you drop it who cares.  

Then when you are ready for something bigger just for the road you'll still have a dual purpose bike.

[Squijummonkey]

I think you'll grow out of a ninja 250 rather quickly. I started riding 3 years ago and am 5'2" and my starter bike was a Ninja 500. It took me one riding season to get tired of it before I wanted something higher than a 600. The 500 is much like the 250, it just looks uglier. It's extremely light, and very forgivable in anything you do.

If money is in the back of your mind, you're going to pay just as much for a used 250 as you are for a new or used 500. Maybe a grand less when new? Not much of a difference.

What I would recommend doing is going to a shop and sitting on the bikes you have in mind, then some other ones in between. It is always easier to ride in something you feel comfortable in (confidence booster), then the speed and experience come soon after.

[Squareman357]

The coolest thing about buying a used Ninja 250 is that even if you DO outgrow it quickly, you can sell it just as quickly, often for what you paid for it, as long as you didn't bust it up to badly.  Turnaround on those is fast...especially in the spring when people are looking to get into riding.  It's honestly your best bet to get into riding on a sport(y) bike.  You can't go wrong with one of those.

[bmwrider79]

My wife learned in 2009 to ride.  

Please consider the bike you may want may not be the best to strart with.  
Please consider fit first, you must fit the bike.  Bad fit equals inabilty to ride and or handle.  
Form you must be able to handle the bike, especially at low speed.  
looks and style of the bike is very UN important.  your dont look good on the ground on any thing.

She saw at moto show the guzzi V7 wow loved the looks. then after class we went to buy. only to realize the bike did not fit.  then she wanted a BMW R1200C.  well that id not fit or work well either.  low  center of gravity only 530 pounds but the function of the steering was very unlike a standard motor cycle.    
now she has a used BMW f650GS lowered with lowseat.  fit is perfect, function is perfect, and shed rides with confidence. she realized that the style is pointless if you cannot ride the bike properly.

Not recomending the F560gs due to i do not know any thing about your wife and he riding abilty.

My wife is 5'10" thin build, strong, but does not weight lift etc... and can hadle picking up the F650gs by her self.  yes beginners may do that

The msf classes they use basic 250cc bikes very easy to ride.

what may feel good in show room will feel differently after 1hour in the saddle
PM me if you want to talk to my wife on the phone she will gladly discuss her experience.

[HankB]

Lots of good advice here - I'll add my $0.02.

SWMBO took the MSF course a couple years ago and we got lucky finding a lightly used (120 miles) Suzuki GZ250 that same weekend. She had a blast with it and didn't tire of it for a couple years. Of course, YMMV. We rode all over and she even had it up to one of the meets in Boscobel a couple years ago.

A couple years down the road she upgraded to a BMW F650CS. We started out with it lowered front and rear and after a couple years of riding it, we returned it to standard height. Lowering resulted in clearance difficulties with the side stand at full lean. At 5' tall, she has to plan carefully where she stops and usually tripods. I think she can touch the ground with her toes but I don't think she is stable like that.

Plan on learning on a bike you will outgrow. You will learn much that will help you pick your next bike by actually having some miles under your belt. And a 250 can still be a hoot. I was riding her GZ one day and pulled up to a light next to some guys in a pickup truck. They were laughing - probably at the sight of me on such a small bike. Nevertheless I had no trouble leaving them in the dust when the light changed.  

Key points are:

MSF course
Starter bike (preferably used)
Think
Have Fun!

[jamesgino]

As a starter bike I'd recommend something along the line of a Yamaha XT225.  That way you can ride it in the dirt and if you drop it who cares.  

Then when you are ready for something bigger just for the road you'll still have a dual purpose bike.

+2

I like starting people out on dirt bikes. You can find street legal dirt bikes for under $1000, drop it a hundred times and never feel bad. Start on the dirt then move onto the street. Once you have the basics for riding then go ahead and move on up to a 600-800cc bike.

[Scottyfizz]

As a starter bike I'd recommend something along the line of a Yamaha XT225.  That way you can ride it in the dirt and if you drop it who cares.  

Then when you are ready for something bigger just for the road you'll still have a dual purpose bike.

I want one of those just for me to ride!

[bmwrider79]

I see your in Iowa.  My wife had a bad encounter with her first attempt a MSF school with a instructor that well was out of touch with the agenda of the MSF.  4 drop out by Saturday and 2 or 3 more by Sunday Noon.  My wife was #6 or 7.

Spoke with director and they said his classes do have a lot of drop outs.  Hmmmm

My personal MSF experience was very good.  I was a some what experinced rider before MSF but still learned a lot.  

My point is get some feed back from some women who have taken the course your wife is going to take. Not all instructors are not equally gifted in the art of instruction.

My wife actually took a semi private MSF course and had a female instructor that was great.   http://www.lrn2ryd.com/

The recommendation is not much good to you since your 4 hours away and in a different state etc...  

Best of luck.

[Tyler]

I think the Ninja 250 would be sufficient for me, but Scott thinks I will outgrow it. Please keep in mind I am only 5' 4", so I don't think I would outgrow it. But the bike that really catches my eye is the Yamaha FZ6. Thanks All!!!

Sheri, get what you think is best for YOU for your first bike. I also agree that the Ninja 250 is a wonderful "starter" bike. If you outgrow it, you outgrow it and move up with confidence when  you are ready to do so. This is the first lesson in riding... don't try to keep up or choose to what others think you should do (with all due respect to your hubby of course!). It's not the bike, it's the pilot. I started out on a GZ250 and absolutely had a blast for 1-1/2 years on it. When I knew I was ready, I moved onto the next bike. The Ninjas have a great resale value so buying one, riding it for six months, and selling it won't be a huge out-of-pocket expense. Good luck!!  

[denisep]

You may be a better beginner rider than I was..   I'm 5 foot 2, bought a Honda Shadow 750 for my first bike and dropped it *several* times in the first couple months..   Very discouraging for a new rider..  

Buy a bike that you can hold up fairly well, and isn't new-- that way, when you drop it, you won't feel sick on your stomach.

After you've ridden the heck out of it..  then you'll have a better idea of what you want as a "keeper" bike..  

Good luck!!  

(I think either a 250 Ninja or 500 would be perfect..  )

[CosmicCowboy]

A year later and my wife (6'1") still loves her 250 Ninja.

[Scottyfizz]

Great advice everyone. You should hear some of our conversations on this matter. At the very least Sheri has all the riding gear and the right mindset. Practical know how is nil,but that's why she will be taking the MSF course.

Thanks all.

[jfurf]

Here are some basic rules that I have followed throughout my 28 years of motorcycle riding, that have basically kept me out of trouble...

2. Avoid cities and heavy traffic at all costs.

I guess all those riders in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles are complete fools.  

Honestly, I think it's downright dangerous for newbies to start riding from a mindset of fear or of certain road situations being "off limits" or too dangerous. They need to build confidence, and riding in city traffic is really good for that. I built my skills up commuting here in Atlanta and I learn more on a typical day fighting through heavy traffic than I do in a weekend of dicking around in the mountains.

[Squareman357]

I guess all those riders in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles are complete fools.  

Honestly, I think it's downright dangerous for newbies to start riding from a mindset of fear or of certain road situations being "off limits" or too dangerous. They need to build confidence, and riding in city traffic is really good for that. I built my skills up commuting here in Atlanta and I learn more on a typical day fighting through heavy traffic than I do in a weekend of dicking around in the mountains.

+1.  After all the initial riding learning was done, commuting to work in downtown Chicago taught me a lot about watching cars and what they're going to do, when they are going to do it, and how to either avoid it or not put myself in the position to have to avoid it.  Not to mention buses, trucks, cabs, and crazy ass jay walking pedestrians LOL!  After you're riding sufficiently to the point of no longer looking for, or feeling for, the controls, and using the controls is second nature, some city traffic is good exercise.

[omnivore]

I have recently become enamoured with a great starter bike. I a actualy cnsidering selling the Gixxer 1000 for one.



I went to Wolf BMW and looke dne over and sat onit etc. Too snowy for a test ride, but I sure like it, And I am very short. I can tippy toe both feet, which is better than I can do on most bikes.

It weighs 330 lbs (ish) and makes over 50 hp. Ver comfy, light, seems that it would be nimble and an absolute riot.. And it looks like  Ducati Monster on crack!

[Squareman357]

I have recently become enamoured with a great starter bike. I a actualy cnsidering selling the Gixxer 1000 for one.



I went to Wolf BMW and looke dne over and sat onit etc. Too snowy for a test ride, but I sure like it, And I am very short. I can tippy toe both feet, which is better than I can do on most bikes.

It weighs 330 lbs (ish) and makes over 50 hp. Ver comfy, light, seems that it would be nimble and an absolute riot.. And it looks like  Ducati Monster on crack!

What is that??  Is that Canadian only?

[MadOzodi]

What is that??  Is that Canadian only?

Nope, it's a BMW G650 Xcountry.  Single cylinder and one BEEFY fork.

[jfurf]

I have recently become enamoured with a great starter bike. I a actualy cnsidering selling the Gixxer 1000 for one.



I went to Wolf BMW and looke dne over and sat onit etc. Too snowy for a test ride, but I sure like it, And I am very short. I can tippy toe both feet, which is better than I can do on most bikes.

It weighs 330 lbs (ish) and makes over 50 hp. Ver comfy, light, seems that it would be nimble and an absolute riot.. And it looks like  Ducati Monster on crack!

I took a test ride of one a few months ago. MAD fun! Would be a GREAT starter bike, especially a used one. Very light and low. Fun bike to toss around and probably a decent dirt/gravel road bike too.

[burnergold2B]

Go with a Ninja 500 twin, or even the Kawi Versys 650 if you fit. You can grow into either of these bikes and will respectfully keep up with hubby on day-rides.

Being 5'4" what have you sat on that fits you so far?  

[Kootenanny]

I have recently become enamoured with a great starter bike. I a actualy cnsidering selling the Gixxer 1000 for one.



I went to Wolf BMW and looke dne over and sat onit etc. Too snowy for a test ride, but I sure like it, And I am very short. I can tippy toe both feet, which is better than I can do on most bikes.

It weighs 330 lbs (ish) and makes over 50 hp. Ver comfy, light, seems that it would be nimble and an absolute riot.. And it looks like  Ducati Monster on crack!

Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes that bike!  Saw it at the bike show a few years ago, when it was first introduced, and the closest dealer (only 4 hours away!) has one on the floor, but...ya don't hear much about the XCountry much these days.  Seems like a great, just-do-anything kind of bike.

[jfurf]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes that bike!  Saw it at the bike show a few years ago, when it was first introduced, and the closest dealer (only 4 hours away!) has one on the floor, but...ya don't hear much about the XCountry much these days.  Seems like a great, just-do-anything kind of bike.

I liked it, but one thing it didn't do well was highway travel. The riding position was just brutal above 65 mph or so. Maybe there's a windscreen you add to it. Don't know.

Other than that, though, it was great.  

[vulcanbill]

I guess all those riders in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles are complete fools.  

Honestly, I think it's downright dangerous for newbies to start riding from a mindset of fear or of certain road situations being "off limits" or too dangerous. They need to build confidence, and riding in city traffic is really good for that. I built my skills up commuting here in Atlanta and I learn more on a typical day fighting through heavy traffic than I do in a weekend of dicking around in the mountains.

Mixed emotions on this one...  When I moved away to college in DC, Kim would come down most weekends.  She was 19 w/ 1 or 2 seasons on her Shadow 500.  This meant taking 270 to 495 to 66 into Falls Church where I was living on a Friday night.  It also meant leaving at zero dark on Monday morning and doing it backwards in the dark.  It was amazing experience for her and since I lived and attended school down there, that's just where we rode.  Not ideal but that's where I lived.  In hindsight, I don't think it was the best idea given the experience level but at the time, we thought nothing of it.  She had a very steep learning curve and rode extremely well very early on.

[Kootenanny]

I guess all those riders in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles are complete fools.  

Well, I for one hate riding in the city.  In fact, I doubt I'd even have a bike if I lived in a major urban centre.  On the other hand...I moved out of the city almost 2 decades ago, and I ain't never going back!  I'd rather chance deer than traffic.

[Papa Lazarou]

Probably the best city bike in the world is this:



200mpg, giving 80 miles from one tank and another 30 miles from the electric motor.
Specs:
http://www.blacknroll.com/mopelex_fiche_technique.htm

In the US, buy from here:
http://www.velosolexamerica.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

You may laugh but....

[jsanford]

I liked it, but one thing it didn't do well was highway travel. The riding position was just brutal above 65 mph or so. Maybe there's a windscreen you add to it. Don't know.

Other than that, though, it was great.  

It's a BMW, so there are goodies galore for fixing it up from Wunderlich, Touratech, etc.  I've seen them around and the owners all love them.

On that note, I'd check out anything and everything 50 horses and under.  Besides the options already mentioned, there is the Moto Guzzi Breva 750 (very confidence-inspiring), other variants of BMW F650s in lowered versions, and the Suzuki 500e series.

One friend of mine learned on a 1989 Honda 900...with a rev limiter installed by her brother. As she grew more confident, he told her how to snip off the connections to increase the limit.  She was about your height, and this older sport bike wasn't as tall as newer ones.  My boyfriend Grant started off on a 1977 Kawasaki two-stroke that made 38 horses, which cost less than $200 for full coverage insurance.  Kickstart-only ignition is great theft deterrence and the looks you get at the gas station are priceless.

[Skidmark]

I didn't read all 3 pages before typing this, so if it is a repeat, i apologize.

Take the MSF course first.  Near the end, if there are different bikes there to try out, ask the instructor if they will be kind enough to let you take each for a spin around the parking lot.  At my MSF, we had rebel250s, WR200s, etc.  Nothing over 300cc.  If you feel that you are very comfortable with these smaller bikes, get your M class lisc, and head to a dealer.  I've test ridden a few bikes and the larger dealers just hand over the keys.  Figure out which one you want before spending the money.  And, as usual, unless you're in love with your dealer , buy from craigslist.  Massive savings.

[custodian]

For my starter bike, I picked the Buell Blast. It was produced by Buell for use in HD Riders Edge programs. The bike is a 500cc single, w/ hydraulic tappets, belt drive, & Surlyn body panels. Buell's design gives it light weight & a low center of gravity. I was lucky enough to pay cash for a new 08 model... promising my wife & myself to ride it for 2 seasons before considering trading up. I purchased in November... & rode on private property until my MSF the next April. I have been EXTREMELY lucky... & the bike has never been down. I am now starting my 3rd season on the street... & have found the Buell to be bulletproof with only oil/filter changes, trans oil change & primary adjustment performed myself... with a rear tire from motorcycle-superstore installed by one of their preferred installers. My experience with Buell has been nothing but good... the only downside of ownership has been  the manner I have been treated as a customer in various HD dealerships & the discontinuation of the Buell line by HD.

I will ride the Buell through this season... & look at the NT700V or F800ST next spring when the loan on my Colorado is paid off.

[Frankienuckles]

A smaller bike is the way to go. All of the different types of bikes have +'s and -'s that are intrinsic in their design. Examples; cruisers have a low seat height and center of gravity also a mild state of tune but, their handling, ground clearance and brakes often kinda suck. Sport bikes tend to handle and brake well but, have high seat heights and can have comfort issues and can less tolerant of the ham fisted. A small dual sport can have higher seats and may not handle as well as sporty bikes but, when they fall down they are tough and cheap to fix and if you don't have the basic's down to memory there is alot ( a whole lot ) to be said for praticing in a grass field or an open trail where there are no Buicks and guard rails to hit. Once your doing good at that then take it to the street. Lastly, when you move on to a larger bike a dual sport is a great second bike to have around.

[jdgretz]

My step-son started on a Ninja 250 and loved it.  When his 250 got totaled (not his fault at all) he moved to an older Ninja 500.  Although he likes the additional power, he actually prefers his old 250 and would actually trade his 500 for another 250 if one stumbled into his path.

jdg