What is the best starter bike in your opinion?

my dad wants to start me out on a 250 cruiser he says i cant handle anything bigger but i've ridden 250's before and they are really no big deal. in your opinion what bike would be best for a 17 year old weighing 150 and is 5,9 with a little bit O' experience.

Listen to your Dad. I agree i started on a 250 Rebel . Thats what i took my road test on. I saw some people trying the test on bigger bikes ,some that have ridden for years, and failed. I personally went from a 250 to a 750 and now on a 1600 i think i'll stay there.

That is a tough one to answer. Basically, since your Dad has experience and suggests a 250 cc, then I would tend to err towards his judgment. He has seen you drive after all.

You don't mention what experience you have or what you want to do with the bike. There is little point in getting a bike with a big engine just for the sake of it. For most instances a 250 cc would be more than suitable. Experience wise, I don't know if you have driven in bad weather, or alone or for long distances or in the dark.

For a beginner I would always move slowly up the power as you get more experience. We have a different system here in the Uk and it forces you for 2 years after your test to ride a bike restricted to 33 bhp. I have found this suitable for all the riding I do (I commute to work which is around 13 miles in an urban environment). I was tempted not to buy a mid ranged bike and instead ride my old 125cc, save up the money for 2 years and buy something huge, but I know I would kill myself. Looking back, getting the 400cc was the right think to do.

The best course of action is perhaps talking to a few other bikers and seeing what thye think of your riding. If you think your father is being over protective, then getting a second opinion from someone else may be a good idea as at least you will have someone you can refer to to counter his argument.

I would suggest a Honda Rebel or an something in the 250cc to 500CC range. You are a smaller guy, you need a smaller bike. Cut your teeth on one of those and then if you want something else in a year or two trade up.

I started on a Honda VTX 1300, but that is because I am 6'4 275.

That depends on street (Cruiser) only use or both. I would say to be safe, a 500 to 650 cruiser woild be best. dont want to get blown off the road on something to lite.

if your dad is buying you a bike, say "thank you dad"

learn to ride well, and buy the bike you want later...

Ninja 250,500 if you want a sports bike, Any cruiser that is under 600cc. Or have fun with the super scooters.

Ducati DESMOSIEDICI!