[missionsminded07]

I am not a rider yet, but was wanting to get a bike soon. I am 6 foot and weigh about 300 lbs (so a 250 is pretty much out of the question for freeway riding). Any ideas on what kind of bike I should look at getting? I have never ridden before.

 

[Stealth]

I'm pretty sure I haven't recommended any bike that wasn't the 650. But I'd say (again) this would be a good place for you. You'll get a good amount of usage out of it and can grow your skills further because of it.

However, first stop is a Motorcycle Safety Course. They use 250s and will give you an idea of how they respond to your size.

 

[jkv45]

For a beginner that doesn't fit a Ninja 250 very well, I've always thought a GS500E would be a good choice.

They have been made for years (like the Ninja), are plentiful and cheap, and are easy to maintain and repair (no fairings). It's not a lightweight, but shouldn't be unmanageable for you.

GS500E -

An EX-500 (later models were Ninja 500s) is also a possibility, but they have a partial fairing and are slightly more complex to work on.

EX500 -

Get something inexpensive and simple to start with, then after a couple of seasons decide if there is something that would be better.

Buy and wear full gear all the time, and take some type of riding course before heading out on the streets.



Jay

 

[David]

+1 on the gear.
Be prepared to spend money, don't skimp, and buy the gear that feels as comfortable as a second skin so you will have no excuse not to wear it all the time. An expression used here a lot is ATGATT. (All The Gear All The Time).
Fairings can be replaced. Skin can't.
I have the same build as you, so I would suggest you're looking at about $1000 to get yourself from zero to ready-to-ride.
Figure $250 each for a good helmet and a good jacket. $150 each for pants and gloves that will protect you in a fall. (if you just can't manage both in the budget, spend what you can on gloves).
Footwear. Some will say that you can get away with workboots. I did it my first year back on the horse; but since my first ride at the end of last season wearing a proper set of riding boots, I'll never go back.

You're correct in thinking that a 250 would be a bit small to the point where you will likely feel uncomfortable and off balance. You'll get that sensation during your riding course.....that you are planning to take before you ride your own.....
JKV has it right, I would not recommend going any bigger than 600cc for your first (USED) bike. It will already be a lot of power on tap for a new rider. As your ability and experience matures, then you can look at something larger.

 

[Felix]

2 mains things I guess...

What do you want from a bike?

Do you have any self control?

Felix