# How much bike is too much for a beginner? Need answer fast. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 8, 2010, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-bike-is-too-much-for-a-beginner-need-answer-fast/538722 "2010-05-08T03:50:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-bike-is-too-much-for-a-beginner-need-answer-fast/538722/41 "2010-05-11T17:37:53Z")
The first bike I bought after taking the MSF course last year was a Yamaha V-Star 250. I had also heard people say don’t get a 250, you’ll be bored with it in no time, but I love it and plan on keeping it for at least the rest of this summer. One comment that I often get is that it looks bigger than a 250, and I think it has a little more power than the 250 Suzukis & Rebels we rode in the MSF class. The only drawbacks are that it really isn’t big enough to take a passenger along, and I wouldn’t want to take it on a long road trip anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-bike-is-too-much-for-a-beginner-need-answer-fast/538722/42 "2010-05-11T20:41:21Z")
I had a Yamaha XT225 that I was moving in the shop one day when I dropped it. I don’t even think I was on it or it was running. It just barely cleared my dad’s brand new $18k Harley, so I was glad it hit the ground instead. I also dropped the FZ6 the first month I had it. I was in a parking lot getting used to it and grabbed too much front brake as I was making a slow left hand turn. Down we went. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-bike-is-too-much-for-a-beginner-need-answer-fast/538722/43 "2010-05-11T20:47:22Z")
I took the safety course late last summer, and a few weeks later bought a used Honda Shadow 1100. I was a bit nervous about getting something that big as my first bike, but now I’m glad I did. I honestly can’t imagine riding on something smaller. One thing I found amusing, in a scary kind of way: in the training course, out of the twelve of us going through the course to get our licences,\* I was the only one who didn’t already own, and regularly ride, a motorcycle\*. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-bike-is-too-much-for-a-beginner-need-answer-fast/538722/44 "2010-05-11T21:06:27Z")
If you’re asking if the bike is physically too big that is a question for seasoned riders. If you’re asking if it’s too powerful I would say no assuming you’re not a kid. The reason fast bikes are discouraged is a function of age/maturity. I wouldn’t want a teenager riding a powerful bike anymore than I would want them driving a powerful sports car. It’s too much temptation with too little experience. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-bike-is-too-much-for-a-beginner-need-answer-fast/538722.md?page=2)