Hi! I'm 36 and just now getting around to learning how to ride. I'm registered for the MSF BRC on July 11th-meaning I'll be drowning in a pool of my own sweat, but hey, we have year-round riding here-I can't complain too much!
I've already been out shopping for bikes

First I though "Self, you need to start out on a 250". So I went and sat on some 250s. The Rebel was too small and the Virago was too small. For comparison, I sat on a VStar 650-it felt too heavy. So then I remembered I had an old friend who opened up a shop a little ways from home. He had 4 GZ250s in stock. I thought "great, it's settled, I can grab a GZ!" So I drove out there. I sat on the GZ-too small. And by too small for all the 250s, I felt like I was sitting on a circus bike-my knees were pushed up into my chest

It was actually really hard for me to turn my foot enough to shift and brake because I was so cramped.
But I said "Self, you need to start on a smaller bike". The friend had one Suzuki S40 on the floor (650). So, for comparison, I sat on the S40. And, lo and behold, it fit perfectly. And only 50 pounds heavier than the GZ. I felt like I could balance myself on it well at a complete stop. The foot pegs were in a good position for me. The handlebars are in a good position for me. I think I'm in love...
Now, if only he can find that in the color I want instead of black...
