I started on a Suzuki TC90. I rode for a few years, then switched to 4 wheels. Now, 25+ years later, I find myself riding a 1500 Drifter as my first bike since way back when.

Like others have said, I think it's where your heads at and also your physical abilities.

 

i believe it doesnt matter what you start on as long as you are careful, but the ideal bike for a start would be a 500-600.

 

(Yawn) yep; I agree with the "abilities" and "self-discipline" items. I also would suggest it depends on your size. If you're over 6'1"-6'3" and 200+ pounds, starting on a 250 might be more hazardous than helpful. How many of us have ridden our own or neighbor kid's Honda 50 or a pocket bike? Beginners learn and develop skills based on the input and feedback loop from what they ride. I do things (much) differently on a Honda 50 than I do on my ZX9. Beginners need to "fit the bike" as well as to have some measure of self-control.

 

My first ride was on a brand new Honda CBR1000. It was nuts, but i fell in love with riding at that moment. I currently own an 07 650r, seems to be middle of the road with power, comfort and forgiving to noobs.

 

Wow who dug this up?

 

I'm 30 now but have been wanting to ride bikes for as long as I can remember. Probably since the first day I saw one. I finally got serious last year and got my licence and took the riding course. It was great and I highly recommend doing it before you buy your first bike. Once you take the course you will know without a doubt whether you were cut out to be on two wheels or not. You might be surprised. I know a few people in my class that were.

I finally got my first bike last week (09 Ninja 250) and so far I love it. I was a little nervous for the first 5 minutes that I had it on the road and in traffic but that's about it. I highly recommend it for beginners. It may not look or sound as nice & beefy as the 600s or the 1000s (especially the rear tire) but other than that it's fine. Remember that your first bike probably won't be your last.

I think it's a great starter bike because it allows the new rider to make the small mistakes and not scare the crap out of you since it has relatively low power and it's so light and nimble. You can mess up with the throttle, drop the clutch too fast, gear down too early, brake too hard and all that other fun stuff you do while people are watching and it's no big deal.

Oh and if you're wondering, I'm 5'11" and 195 lbs and the bike fits me just fine.

 

Rutt, welcome to the forums. Glad to hear you're a new rider and owner!

 

represent for the 250r Special edition bro

 

I have a 2004 ninja 250 right now. and i dont know how long to wait until i upgrade to a 600. i wanna get a zx-6r 2008 or 2009. Not sure how long to wait.

 

Just my 2 cents. I'm 40 yrs old, 5'10", 240 and I comfortably ride a 07 Ninja 250. Yes, it will ride on the highway just fine (I cruise easily at 80 mph). I got my license last August and have put almost 4K miles on the bike. I bought it with 3K on it. I love it and it has provided me many fun miles and allowed me increase my riding and handling skills. I will trade in next year but have nothing but good things to say about the ninjette. I commute to work on it when the weather cooperates and enjoy a ride or two on weekends.