I'm a newbie as of 3 months ago at the age of 52.  I  learned to ride on a V Star 650 Classic; great starter bike (I'm 5' 9", 165 lbs).  The only problem was that it was underpowered for my freeway commute to work.  After passing the MSF Beginners course I made the somewhat unusual decision to upgrade to a V Star 1300 Tourer (2008) about a month ago.  I now find that my level of enjoyment has increased significantly with the more powerful bike.  Making the decision to upgrade so soon after learning to ride was not done lightly; with my level of inexperience (probably 2000 miles under my belt), I knew I was taking a risk of getting in over my head.  I'm very happy I made the decision.  My only advice to another new rider that would make a similar choice is to always remain cognizant of your level of experience and to not take risks that are beyond your skill level and you will ultimately become a more confident rider.  Just my 2 cents.  

I am a large guy like you 6'3" 260lbs. Do yourself a favor and stick with a larger framed bike that you will be comfortable on. My current ride is a 2007 Kawasaki Nomad. The 1500 classic would be an excellent choice and you can pick up a quality used one at a reasonable price. I have owned one myself and loved it. My suggestion is that you stick w/ a fuel injected model for better fuel delivery and better cold starts. I'm partial to the Kawi's, they are dependable, look good, and ride even better. Good luck.  

Don't be afraid to check out the Kawasaki's. A really nice ride is the vulcan classic 1500. I now has fuel injection standard and is easily customized. I had a 1998 classic a few years back and now ride an 07' Nomad 1600. I have never read a bad review of these bikes and I can attest to their reliability, looks and comfort. Good luck in your search....  

Like you, I'm a big guy 6' 2" and 260. I started riding 9 years ago with a Kawasaki vulcan 500. I then upgraded to a 750 which wasn't much of an upgrade size wise. The problem is this: Those bikes were excellent beginner bikes but the frame sizes were too small to accomodate my size. I then went with a vulcan classic 1500 and that was heaven on wheels. You only notice it's heft in slow rolls and manuevering it around in the garage. On the open road it's a dream and handles extremely well. Kawi now offers a 900cc which would be a good beginner bike. It comes as a bare bones cruiser or for a few extra bucks a LT model (light touring). Good luck and stay safe.  

Check out the vulcan 2000 awsome bike  

Mark, You need a big motorcycle !! As long as you can touch the ground with both feet while seated,you'll be OK. Just be prudent with the power until you and your new bike (learn each other).Don't even think about any thing less than 1000cc's.Try for a comfortable handlebar and footpeg fit.You will just be cramped on a small bike and tire of it soon. Used *** bikes are the most inexpensive,and are pretty reliable. Don't buy any thing over 5 or 6 years old;you may have trouble getting parts and service...Have Fun, that's what it's all about.  

I'm 58, 6'4 and 245lbs.  Returned to riding about a year ago after a 14 year layoff.  I purchased an 06 Stratoliner S and after 11,000 miles I still love it.  My advice, if you've ridden before, is to go as big as you want, ride carefully, and spend lots of time practicing in a big, empty parking lot.  It only goes as fast as you turn the grip.  Don't buy anything without a test drive. How the bike fits you is probably more important than how fast it goes, but sooner or later everyone wants to go fast.  My suggestion is later, after you've ridden a few thousand miles.  Big cruisers require repetitive parking lot practice, not just enough to get your license.  I've never had a bad Honda, and I've had several.  This is my first experience with a Yamaha, but the Stratoliner is comfortable, has plenty of power, and handles like a considerably smaller bike, but remember the parking lot practice.