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I'd recommend a standard for you. If you like the sporty look, but don't want to be uncomfortable.

Specifically, go check out the Suzuki GS500F, the kawasaki Ninja 250 or 500. If you end up with a cruiser, check the kawasaki vulcan 500 (same engine as the ninja 500), the yamaha V-star 650, Honda Shadow VLX 600, Shadow Spirit 750.

For the sporty side, I'd personally look at the GS500F. You can embarrass a lot of bigger bikes on that thing in the twisties if you get good enough.



Actually, you might like the Shadow Spirit.. It has more of a "drag bike" type look with the drag bars, it makes about 45hp, so it should be good to start with, and there are a lot of performance upgrades to make it faster when you feel comfortable doing so. I was looking at them for a while, but I ended up getting a cheaper older bike




As for your question, I weigh around 220lbs, am 6'0, and I started on a 250cc bike. It hauled me around just fine, but I did want to trade up after my first riding season. It was great to get the confidence and experience though, but I think the same can be done on the bikes I mentioned, the horsepower output isnt too much different.

I liked the advice of the MSF RiderCoach I asked on "Range Day #1"...

"Japanese, 10-15 years old, 750cc, cruiser or standard.... you can pick them up all day long for $3000, they are reliable and fun, and are cheap to repair."

Note that a 15 year old 750cc wouldn't be a 750cc by today's standards. Probably around a 500 or 600.


Also note that it's a cruiser. They require more power to get moving since they're bulkier. So a 750cc cruiser wouldn't be too bad for a starter bike compared to a 750 sportsbike...which would be a bad idea.

Thanks a lot guys, this info has been most helpful.

I just bought "Proficient Motorcycling" and it's a GREAT book. A lot of useful info and a lot of advanced stuff that will come with time and I would say any new rider should read this book or one like it. I'll have to go over it again when I start riding and I'm sure I'll keep it for a long time. A good $40 investment.

Push 540i wrote:Thanks a lot guys, this info has been most helpful.

I just bought "Proficient Motorcycling" and it's a GREAT book. A lot of useful info and a lot of advanced stuff that will come with time and I would say any new rider should read this book or one like it. I'll have to go over it again when I start riding and I'm sure I'll keep it for a long time. A good $40 investment.

hough's book is ok.

but what i really enjoyed reading is Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch. it's mostly about street riding but he explains it how those skills can transfer in the tracks.

Your choice should be comfort, not engine size. Is the 250 too 'small' engine-wise? No...how much horsepower does the 250 Virago produce...25-30?

You are only 180 lbs. You being on the bike might reduce its fuel efficiency by 1mpg at best.

I am about 200lbs. my 500 which has about 50hp hauls me around just fine, it will do 80mph all day long and is downright quick riding around town.

with a 30 inch inseam you wont find a lot of sportbikes that will accomodate you very well. I have a 32 inch inseam and I find a lot of the sportbikes to be too tall for me. Most standards fit me very well and that is what i prefer to ride. I fit pretty well on most cruisers but I cant stand riding with my feet out in front of me.