My First Bike

Hey I just got my endorsement and now it's time to buy a bike.  I was thinking about a Honda 919 but i've heard that's not a good choice for a new rider, does anyone have some advice for me on whata better choice would be?  I'm looking for something that i can ride around town it's not really for road trips yet i'm about 6'3" and 225 lbs so the bike has to be fairly big.  thanks for any help  

When I got back on Bikes I found a used Radian (600cc) and honed my skills for 6 months. After that I sold it for something bigger and faster. Another thing to think about is what you think you want now might not be what you want 6 months from now. Good luck. The search for that perfect for you bike is half the fun.  

Kawasaki Eddy Lawson Replica. It's a larger bike and it is the old style where you sit up more than lean over. The bikes have the size and (watch out) the power for someone your size.  

Deekan...

Three bikes top my list for newer and larger riders...In order:
1.  Buell X-1 or Cyclone, 99-2002
2.  Kawasaki ZRX 1200, 2000-2005
3.  Suzuki Bandit 1200, 2000-2005

 Reasons:  these three bikes are just honest bikes... and still a ton of fun!  You can find them used all day for under five grand...  They will all carry you and a friend, around town...   The Buells are first on the list 'cause I'm a Buell guy!

Ride Fast, aim for the big ones!  

im in the same situation. but im 6'2" and 150(tall and skiny). have been riding dirt for 4 years and have gotten pretty good. i road my buddies ninja 250 05 for the first time. this was my first time on a street bike ever and it felt very natual for the first time. it was so much fun im now hooked. i was wondering what would be a good first bike for me too. :] (p.s. im sorry for stealing ur thread)  

For the bigger guy, I would agree with Rocket88. The Buell X-1 is a great choice. It is flickable around city streets, but still a blast in the twisties. Another thing that makes it a great beginner bike is the power is linear and torque heavy, which makes it fun, able to carry around a bigger guy, and still easy to utilize. Plus its unique and there is a ton of aftermarkey support. For the skinnier guy, an older ninja (2000-ish). Or a newer zzr-600. Plenty of power for fun, cheap, and lost of room to grow  

For a first bike:
Up to 200Lbs - SV650 (naked)
Over 200Lbs - Bandit 1200 or 1250

As a new rider you need:
*To be comfortable (no repli-racers/crotch-rockets)
*Decent handling and braking (many choppers cruisers are bad in these areas)
*Predictable power delivery, (no repli-racers)

This is why I suggest these two bikes. Ample but not crazy power, good handling and braking and they are comfortable.  

The Kawasaki 250R is a great bike this year. The 08 is all new, it looks good, handles great, great breakes, and it very affordable. I have one and love it.  

My brother started out on a Honda Rebel (250cc). But when I started out in motorcycling, I decided that I wanted to have more power for freeway riding. I decided to compromise by buying a Suzuki Intruder 800. It was reliable and fun. It had plenty of power for freeway riding, even when it was in 5th gear, but it wasn't too much to handle. I'm 6'0" and 200 lbs and the Intruder's seat was the perfect height - my feet rested flat on the ground which provided for stability when stopped at a light or a stop sign. The handle bars weren't too close to my chest and they weren't too far away so that I felt like I was leaning. They were the perfect distance, which provide for better control. Today, I own a Kawasaki Concours (1000cc) and it's the perfect bike for me right now. My main advise is to go to a dealership and sit on the bike for at least 10-15 minutes to get a good feel. If the salesperson is good, he/she will  be able to tell you if a bike is good for you or not, and why.  

I would say you should look at a Suzuki GS500 or a Kawasaki EX500 as a first bike.  Even with your size I think a ZRX (I have a '99 1100) or a 1200 Bandit is to big for a beginner.  My son is in his second year on the road and he's riding a Ninja 250.  

buy what you like, if you like something you already made some research for issues and pros, that's what I did and I ended buying a ktm supermoto 990 as my first bike. I had lots of negative advising comments before I get it....now I drive it well..I'm being the most careful rider I can think of. The weight is what I have to be most careful about when driving at very a slow speed.

I my opinion the first bike is the result of a mixture of budget, style, personality, knowledge  and some physical conditions (to small..small bike). I thought, read and save for a long time, so by the time I got the bike I knew a lot from it  

You definitely want something that is forgiving.
Fairings are expensive to replace.
GS500 is an excellent bike to learn on.
Even and Kawasaki Ninja 500  

Suzuki makes the DL650 V Strom, a very well balanced adventure tourer bike that is large framed. I have a 1000 but a friend who is 6'5" and 220# bought the 650. He lovs it.
Be careful though, if you buy 1 you will likely love it and not buy another bike.
The V Strom has a super website as well.  

Granted, I know due to your size you might want a large bike. However, a smaller bike will help you hone your skills, that way you don't kill yourself on the larger bike. For first time riders I recommend a bike that has under 100hp, that way you can get the skills you'll need such a leaning for the turns. Once you are ready, then move up to the larger bike.