Hey all,

I'm a fairly big guy(5'11" 275 lbs), and I'm about to buy my first bike.

I have some people telling me to start on a midsize bike, and some telling me to go ahead and get the bigger bike.  

I'm thinking of going with the Honda VTX1300 for my first bike, is this too big?  Everything I've heard about the bike is positive, and it's in my price range.  

I would say it depends on what kind of riding you plan on doing. If you are just riding around town, I would start with the 750 Shadow (if you're going Japanese). If you think you will be touring, then you may need the bigger bike. If this is a first bike, I think you might be better of going with the 750, not because it has a smaller engine, but just because it offers a quality ride and is cheaper. I would not be comfortable putting $10,000 down on a hobby that I may or may not end up enjoying. If you love riding, then you can always trade up.
Your size shouldn't be a real big issue unless you're buying a Harley. You may be a little big to comfortably ride a Sporty and would need at least a Dyna.  

This probably isn't the answer you're hoping for but if this is your first bike I would go out and find an inexpensive, used, 650-750CC bike and ride it like you stole it for at least your first year. Take the MSF beginners course and spend the year applying what you learned. Buying a used bike means no great loss if you decide you don't like riding and end up reselling it. Also there is a good chance you will drop the bike at some point (don't ask me how I know), hopefully in a parking lot (slow speed riding is much more challenging than flying down a freeway) and no big deal if the bike is already a little scratched up. Hopefully you will learn from those adventures THEN move up to the bike of your dreams the second year if you feel you're ready and sell your old one to another newbie to learn on. There's just way too many people getting racked up on bikes these days and many are first year riders.

Regardless of your decision, I wish you many happy and safe miles!!

Bob  

HI first timer.. I have been riding sence 1964 on everything from 90cc-1000+cc. I currently own and enjoy a suzuki C50T 2005. It is 805cc twin. The bike is easy to get in and out of traffic also parking lots.
I think that you should consider 650-800cc bike. They are lite 4-550 lbs you should be able to handle. The smaller bikes have to work to keep up with traffic..The guy I ride with started to ride two years ago. I told him to get a 650 he did. He is 350lbs 5'9-5'10 big boy..He took the MSC. Then we started to ride. He got better after a year or so. Then bought a bigger bike.The 750 shadow was to small for the weight. He learned to ride and handle the bike. He droped the thing 4 times. Twice at a gas station and twice at my place.Just when he thought he had it down and could ride good. Now he is a good rider. We ride all over the North West W.A.  Find some one that has some saddle time and run with them. You will learn . RIDE like the cagers (CARS) are trying to KILL YOU This will keep you safe and happy
The VTX 1300 is alot of bike. It is a very good bike. You need to know how to handle the brakes and power .Try to figuer out what kind of riding you want.cruzin, sport,turing,just in town.Find the one that fits YOU. I can think of lots of stuff to say but now I,m ramblin so get your bike and ride   ..safe  ..scruffy...