Buying my first Bike

G'day everyone

I'm in the process of acquiring my license and motorcycle. I was originally looking at the 250cc because I wanted to drive on motorways but after talking to a salesmen he recommended a 650cc due to my size. I'm 191cm( 6ft 3 inches) tall and 146kg so yeah pretty damn big. Is he right or just trying to make me spend more?

I'm looking for any advice experienced riders could give a guy starting out.

Ways to save money would also be appreciated!

Cheers

I would keep what the salesman said in the back of your mind but actually go and ride the 250 and experience for yourself how you feel on it. At 6'3 it sounds like you might be a little big for the 250 but you'll know whence you test ride the deal.

Rare is the salesman who is truly watching out for you. Its difficult at best to guess which one is watching out for you and which one is watching out for himself.

146kg? 2.2lbs to a kg, a 250 is likely a wee bit too small for you to really enjoy driving it once you develop your balance and skills on a motorcycle. I'd say a 500cc street and trail bike would be a good place to start and will help you decide which riding style appeals to you later. I'd buy used for a first bike, and price up mirrors and levers and signal lights first before you buy as they are the little things that seem to break when learning your limits. Once you have developed a riding skillset, you can pick your dream bike. Good luck with whatever you choose!

My first bike was a 350 Honda and I quickly regretted not going with a bigger bike, and I am about half your size. Next one was a 450 and still too small. Third bike was a 1000 cc Sportster - big improvement! I would have saved a lot of money if I'd bought the Sporty to begin with. Might be a good idea to buy a used bike to start out, that way you'll be spending less. A 250 is too small for you.

Ditto on what Roadster guy said about the used bike for a first bike...You will save $$...

Think like people in Texas Do. Think Bigger.

'Glad my first bike was a 450 Honda back in '70 even though I was 6'4". If it was much more bike I probably wouldn't be here today. It had no problem flowing with traffic, even with the wife on back. 'kept it about a year then went to a 750 Honda
(the bike witch started the phrase " Super Bike")..Now the bikes that are 650cc are way faster than back in the day. Safety course is your first step.

I never took a rider's course. I learned on the highway. I'm still here and riding. Just saying.

Some of us are fortunate survivors but if somebody is asking I won't take the responsibility of telling them just do it. Just saying

JoshBob, they didnt have safety courses or rider education back then, just say'n. I didnt take my fitst riders ed class until i was in my mid-50's, i sure learned alot. Go to know stuff in those classes. Fit the bike to you, bigger bikes usually balance better with a big guy on them. Used is a good way to go. Lots of good advise offered so far.

I suppose. If somebody wants to ride and feels uneasy about it, then by all means, I'd encourage them to take a course. Or at least give them tips on how to survive today's highways. I never had any qualms about getting on a bike and riding and still don't. I wouldn't ride if I did. A riding course may help with self confidence, but it isn't going to improve anybody's eyesight or reflexes. And if they have a really close call, it would immediately improve peeing or crapping, though!

I never had the course, learned by falling off. But your words on courses are very true.

Sometimes I wonder . . . today in shop class I asked my wingnut junior class to cut me a piece of wood 3 1/2" wide x 21 7/16" long. They tried four, count 'em, four times and still didn't get it right. Two of the pieces were a half inch short. I had a moment - several moments, actually. Finally, I cut the dang thing out myself while they watched.

Some people are not shop class material. Some people should not even entertain the idea of getting on a motorcycle. The world is full of wingnuts.

highway riding is easy, it's the city stuff that gets you in trouble...from my experience as one who didn't take the course..learned the hard way and got the x-rays to prove it.