Yes, I have to agree. 500 is definitely the best choice. As long as your pulling off and cornering are fine you don't need to be worried about the power and there is still enough of it to go over 100mph. If you get bored of that, the engine can be tuned giving it the power of a 600. Just make sure you have complete control of the clutch before buying one. If you don't have clutch control and just let go the bike will SHOOT and you may well find yourself with several broken bones.

If you live in the suburbs or a small town I highly recommend you spend several hours practising before going into traffic. If you can ride a 500 you are set for life!

 

If a rider is comfy with the ride they are riding, it does not matter what cc's.

 

In theory, I started out on a 250 Rebel in MSF class for 3 days. Upon completion and passing of the class, I bought an EX500. I had 0 riding experience, only drove a manual transmission vehicle for 4 days before the engine blew (1979 Mercury Capri / Mustang wannabe)in 1991. All of my experience primarily came from me learning my EX500. I suggest one of those 2 sizes for beginner bikes.

 

My first bike was a 86 kawi 305 ltd. Wrecked it twice, rode it till the carbs gave out. Got rid of it when the carb repair was about 100 dollars each and I bought the thing for 600. 4 years later I bought my 10r. Never have regreted it. Of course like BB and lemac said its all in your head too. It took me a good year and a half to rub all of my sissy strips off. Now I ride wanting more curves to hit up.

 

Hey now, I like my "sissy strips" on the streets.

 

....sissy strips?

 

chicken strips..mmm with BBq sauce please

 

What about dirt?
God made dirt and the dirt don't hurt.... much. I started on a XR650L and fell every time I went riding. Tought me a lot in a short amount of time. Just my two cents.

 

good point nemo. i started riding dirt bikes when i was five and the dirt ridingdoes help with building skills.

 

+1 on the dirt bike skills helping you on the street bikes.