looking for my first bike....

[Ninja Geoff]

The F4i is most definately NOT slow, though it is a little pricey for what you get.

of the choices on your list I would recommend the ninja 650 for a first bike. Geoff650R rides a ninja 650 and hes bigger than you, it will still power wheelie with all 250lbs of him on it.

He speaks the truth. I am 250 lbs and it WILL power wheelie with me on it in 1st gear. I'll make a vid sometime, I'll call it squids gone wild.

[Yngvai X]

Well, im still a newb and awhile ago i asked for advice about this to. I am smaller than you.. but I was told to go with a 250 because its perfect for starting out but then i talked to other people and they said it would get boaring after the first 2 months and you would want to sell it.. so i went with a 1989 ninja600. I absolutly love it.. ive only been riding 3 days and i dont even have tags on it yet. Soo once i get tags on it i will be riding much longer, but i have put 90 miles on it today

[Social Distortion]

hey there Misfits
where in the city are ya at?
I am in Naperville, but work in the loop!
be careful on the stealerships in the city, so many of my buddies have purchased new and used MC's there and the "additional fees" add up like crazy!

[Indred]

Your doing the right thing and doing your reasearch. Don't impulse purchase some thing of a big ticket price it will haunt ya. I my self 26 yo male with one speeding ticket have a 06 honda shadow VLX (cruser not sport like what your looking at) and pay $133 per/mo for a $5600 bike. Keep looking and Good LUCK!!!

[Live To Ride]

Usually it is better to start on the smaller bikes
(dont go under 500 or you will be bored in couple of month)

the CBR 600 RR or the F5 gives you the most rush you need as a newbie but still will keep you alive.

dont go over them on the start or be ready to meet the road , it is hard to control heavier bikes without experience.

Ride saftly and enjoy

[roscowgo]

Usually it is better to start on the smaller bikes
(dont go under 500 or you will be bored in couple of month)

the CBR 600 RR or the F5 gives you the most rush you need as a newbie but still will keep you alive.

dont go over them on the start or be ready to meet the road , it is hard to control heavier bikes without experience.

Ride saftly and enjoy

I want to comment on this post. But i find myself actually having an anuerism everytime I try to formulate a reply.

Someone bring me a valium please.

[Dragonhawk]

"poo poo" i didnt know i had to have insurance year round. i figured only while i was riding the bike, but it makes sense its just like a car loan. i never thought htey would jack up the price after a year that seems obsurd! i might just check out a used bike or something. it sucks not knowning much about bikes i have no clue where to start with things argg.

Then you should start here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

I built that page specifically for people like you.

It has a detailed explaination of all the steps of how to start. Even has a lot of useful links (including links back to this fine website!)

[totalmotorcycle]

Back to reality...

Small bikes are more than just beginner bikes, they are light, manuverable and A LOT of fun. They don't have a lot of power to get new riders into trouble but have enough to keep skilled riders interested for a long time. Starting on a small bike is a GREAT thing as it will not only BOOST your confidence but also allow you as a rider to gain skills faster. You can ALWAYS sell a small motorcycle easily as new and seasoned riders want them. In most cases you get close to what you paid for the bike too.

Bigger isn't always better, try using a sledge hammer to bang in a picture nail.

Before you go big, go small or you'll miss a whole great world of motorcycling.

At 6' 250lbs a Ninja 250R won't fit you, but the Ninja 500R or GS500E will, or a whole BUNCH of older motorcycles under 500cc.

My advice is DON'T go over 500cc (for a sport bike) or get a new bike for your first bike (as you'll most likely drop it). If you want a cruiser a 650cc Crusier max.

Mike.

[NJ-Pinay]

I hv read threads in other forums and a large percentage of people (including the experts) suggest not to get a bike that's too powerful for you, being that you are a new rider. You don't hv enough experience to handle it. Follow the advice abt starting easy and then upgrading.