thanks for the replies everyone...Virago seems likely to me, or posssible a suzuki savage. I started on a GS500F but he prefers a ninja 250...but he also stares at pics of 883's ! To many choices! Thanks again!

 

The Ninja 250 is a keeper, if that's your thing. It can be a good starter bike, but it is so much more than that. The Ninja 250 is a good first-sport-bike. It red-lines at, what, 13,000, has a 6-speed, and can really rip up the track. Engine displacement alone isn't a reason that a bike will be better for beginners.

Viragos are popular for a reason. Excellent bike to learn on and will remain fun around town. Or find an old Magna or something like that. Or, how about an old dirt bike/enduro? (you'll learn more about traction, balance, weight distribution, slow-speed handling, etc. on a dirt bike in 3 hrs. than on a road bike in three years)

But if you want to buy him a new bike to start out on...an 883 will be a lot of fun. Not too large for a learner, and plenty to grown into. But if your son wants to get into sport bikes, as opposed to cruisers, than the Ninja is your ticket. But have him sit on it; taller riders will feel cramped.

 

Kski - I echo your comments on the '06 1200C.
I picked mine up in January - first bike in 25 years.
I have put only about 50 miles on it - the weather sucks.
It looks like we are heading for warmer weather this week, and I'm heading out for a loooooong ride !

 

I took theMSF course last August in Richmond, Va.and they furnished the bike, a metallic redSuzuki GN 250, my new 1200C waited for me at home in my shop.

 

he is torn between the ninja and a cruiser..in the best world he could have both..then again so would I..maybe a hayabusa to match my dyna? But i am going to see how he does with the weight of a bike. I am amazed on how heavy a sportster is. thanks all for suggestions.

 

I would encourage a cruiser of some sort. You will have a great time riding together.

 

I would not recommend a 900 as a first motorcycle. It constantly amazes me how nowadays that's considered small [8D]
Pick him up a 600 or 750 Shadow. Decent looking with nota lot ofpower. A good thing to learn on

 

My first bike is my 2008 1200 Custom. I was a little concerned when I bought it that it might end up being to much bike, but I was completely wrong. Yeah the first couple of days were a little interesting if I accidentally popped the throttle a little hard, but I learned not to do that REAL quick.

 

One more for Virago, any Virago is a great bike; I have had several. Also the current yamaha Vtwin 650, very nice little bike. NO Rebel however, I have had one of those, and ridden several Honda cruisers. 750, and 1100. No hondas...NO, NO, NO.
The Hondas have a different front end geometry, they want to flop to either side at slow speeds, bad for low speed turns....a beginner is already somewhat timid on cornering, a HondaWILL be dropped in the parking lots several times, whereas the Yamaha will probably stay up. Not theory...I have actualy seen it in person.

 

pepe, do you mean flop over like a chopper front end flopping over? I really like the low weight ans seat height for him...but i am listening to what you say..any other shortcoming of this bike ?