I have the pleasure of instructing a lot of motorcyclists each season.
One of the most common questions I get is "What bike should I buy?"
I can not really answer that question. I can tell people what bike I would like to buy, and how come, but we are all different--physically, riding styles, riding preferences, etc.
The only real advice I give newer riders is I recommend that their first bike be a used bike, and a standard bike.
A used bike because they will probably only keep it a couple of seasons, and as their riding skill improves, their comfort level improves, and they develop their tastes, they will replace it with something else.
A standard bike for a couple of reasons. 1) it has a good riding position that encourages proper riding posture for level control, eye lead, balance, breaking, etc., so that the rider does not lose the riding posture skills I have taught them, and they become habit that will transfer to their next bike. And 2), lack of body work/fairings/plastic/fiberglass, etc. New riders almost inevitably will drop their bike--in the garage, the driveway, wherever, pushing it around, as they adjust to the weight and balance of their motorcycle. Less things to break, less things to repair or replace.
I always enjoy reading the motorcycle buying guides that come out each season.. As I kids/young rider, I waited in anticipation each spring for it to be sent in the mail. Nowadays, there are a plethora of online buying guides.
Here is a link to one from Canada MotoGuide.com
Ride Safe,
-D
