Hi,
Well... I've done it. I've made up my mind about purchasing a motorcycle.
I have never ridden before, but I really have had the urge to do this for over a year now. I finally signed up for the basic Rider course at my local community college - it starts in about 2 weeks.
So if all goes well I should be licensed in a few short weeks and ready to purchase a bike.

I've gotten some advice and done my research, but I'm still looking to get more knowledge/advice on which way to go when purchasing.

One thought (at least the original thought a year or so ago) was to buy a samll used bike (like a honda rebel) just so i could practice and learn on without having to worry about too much. thier cheap, small and from what i read perfect for beginners like me; but there are some drawbacks - I'm 6'3 and 250lbs.. I literally look like a gorilla on a tricycle on those things... not to mention that handling would be an issue since my knees are hit by the handlebars....
but, i could learn on it, and turn around and sell it in a year when I'm ready to move up..

Second thought, go for something like a 650 (honda Shadow or Yamaha V start... Ok the V star looks great, and there is a great condition used one at the local dealer that i have my eye on... but the sales person said that I may even be too big for this bike and might be more comfortable on a 900.. I don't want to kill myself !! and I think that a 900 for me would be like purchasing a ticket to my own funeral...

most people tell me i will be fine on a 650 as a starter bike.. and I think they may be right.. what do you think ?

Also, Im trying to decide between a honda shadow 650 and the v star.. any thoughts on which might be better suited for beginners ? all the info and reviews both say they are great bikes for beginners - easy to handle, forgiving, etc...

Just trying to make the right purchase, and keep my self out of the hospital.

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks  

I got my first bike about 6 months ago.  I was torn between the 900 and the Honda Shadow 750.  I am 5'8' 170lbs.  I decided on the 750.  It is a great bike to learn on.  Easy to handle and a joy to ride.  I have only ridden the Shadow 750 so I am not sure about the 900.  I have about 4500 miles since the first of September, and will probably step up to an 1100 or a 1300 this year.  If you can find a 750 used I would go for it.  

HI; Your on the right track. I would get a 750- 800 any bike you like. I have a C50T. I am 190 an 5'11" It fit me great. Easy to get around town and through traffic. There are lots of good used bikes out there with low miles.  
It will be better if you get some experience on a medium size bike. That way you won't feel that your going to tip  over or that the bike is too top heavy. After you get some time riding get the bigger bike.
You might find that a 650 may be a tad small.  A buddy of mine had one when he started to ride. He is 5'10" 300+. That poor bike was working all the time. Going up steep grades he could not keep up. He bought a bigger bike after 6 months.. .. Good luck..scruffy..  

Hey Newbie1969,
I'm about the same age, size, wieght, as you and started on a Kawasaki 650. That was a good one to learn on for me. A small bike for my stature but considering I didn't really know how to ride it, at first, it was challenging enough. It had enough power for me to use as my summertime transportation though I know I know I probably looked silly, a guy my size riding such a relatively little bike. I loved that thing though, and rode it for five years then finally broke  down and got a Harley Touring bike more suited to my size. If I were you I would not screw around with anything smaller than a 650 or 750, for a guy your size to learn on. A Honda Rebel would be ridiculously too small for you. And you would get bored with it real quick. Though that is what you will probably be riding in the course. Pay attention during the course and pratice a lot on whatever bike you choose to start with. Once you get the hang of it, save up your cash and get the right sized bike for you.
You'll be fine on a 650 to start. I think.
Brian  

what most riders forget is that the bike, no matter the size, responds to the inputs you(as the rider) give it. Twist the throtle and you will go fast. Small bike or larger one, ride what you feel comfortable on. A larger bike will be seen more than a small one.."keep the rubber side down"  

I took basically the same actions as you. Completed basic rider course and bought a bike. I'm 6' and 210lbs. I debated the same thing. I definitely think I'd have regretted a smaller 250 Honda/Yamaha for myself. Decided if I was going to buy something bigger, was going to get something I wanted and would keep for a while. Bought an 07 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom. I'd pay attention to the feel of that 250 in the course, as it should be fairly typical of what you find. Anything will seem a little over whelming at first, but the size of the bike really shouldn't matter a lot once you start rolling - your balance is what keeps you up - momentum takes over so don't think you'll be able to hold up the little bike if it starts to tip. I've ridden a 750 Shadow and the stretch on that seemed a little short - felt quite a bit more cramped than the Vulcan I have. After just over 1100 miles of riding, I could see myself moving up already, but am content with the 900 for quite a while longer. Sit on a few different bikes with the stand down, you'll be able to feel the difference and feel what's comfortable. This is some of the "advice" I got when I was where you're at. Good Luck - ENJOY!