New to Forum and motorcycles looking for information

Hi All

New to the forum and to motorcycles in general. I am looking for some advice in picking a first bike. I took my MSC late last fall( first time ever on a bike) and decided to wait till spring to get a bike. I know there are multiple post asking the same question "Which Bike is right for me" The differance is I'm a big guy 44 years young and 6' 285 lbs. I want a street bike and understand that whatever I get I will want to move up in a year or two.

Thanks for all your help in advance  

iT804,285lbs. is pretty big to be riding a 750cc but that might be a good starter bike.you want to get a bike youll enjoy riding so that its going to be FUN for you to be on 2 wheels.i have a friend who taught motorcycle safety for 20 years who says any bike you buy you should be able to pick up off the ground after it has tipped over.which is a good idea.in youre case you want to consider a bike which will fit youre height and weight.do you have any friends who ride whose bikes you could test drive?how far are you planning on riding?just weekends?to and from work?on the expressway in heavy traffic?the average motorcyclist puts on 1200 miles a year.  

It804, You might look at a used Yamaha Virago 1100. I am 6' 250 and my 1998 Virago 1100 fits pretty good. Power enough for the freeway, but not so much that it's a handful to handle. I picked mine up about 3 years ago for less than 4 grand.  

I sold the perfect bike for you.Its a HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100cc's.I'm just an inch shorter & 40lbs lighter than you but I stepped up to a HARLEY SOFTAIL.Its just a fine bike for guys our size.If you buy a used bike,go for a ride EVEN if you gotta ride in the back.That'll prove to ya the pick-up speeds,torque is better with a single rider- W/less weight.The leg height can always be adjusted,place handlebars where they fit you also. But make sure you look at ALL bikes and don't listen to one guy who is SOLD on either American or just metric either.KEEP AN OPEN MIND!!!  

HI I would think a 650-800cc would be fine for your first bike. They have enought power and weight so you won't get blown around while passing or being passed. When you drop it you will be able to pick it up. I know ,don't ask. .  Ride it for year or so then upgrade to a 1100 or bigger. In the year that you ride the smaller bike you will gain some insites as to what it is to ride. Find a group to ride with. This will help you learn faster. The MSC is good but no subtitute for experiance. My friend took this advice he is glad now. He just bought a 1100cc Honda bagger. now he feels comfortable on it.. good luck and good riding...scruffy...  

I am about the same height and build.  recently I purchased a honda 750 shadow.  A very nice bike, its about 500 pounds and low to the ground which is good to me because my legs are short.  I find it a good first bike , speed will come later.  I figure i'll get used to riding as i am also 45 and getting into this new experience.  It was new and not to expensive.  experience is the key., I practice with the bike every chance I get.  I hope to get comfortable with the bike and then graduate to a 1200 harley.  I all ready have nicks and scratcheson the bike which all the more reason to start out with a moderate bike.  All that I can assure you is that the effort is worth it..