I am thinking about buying a 2005 XL883. I'm a woman, 5'6", 120 pounds. I sat on it and am a little intimidated by the size. But the owner, a 5'4", weighs more than I do, has bought a bigger bike. I don't want to make the wrong decision but the bike s gorgeous. I'd appreciate anyone's opinion. I've only ridden dirt bikes when I was younger.

 

if your feet reach the ground, you'll be good at stops.

if you have not done it yet, take a motorcycle safety class. you will learn a lot and be a better rider.

 

This is tough to answer because every is different. For some, a Honda 250 rebel or Suzuki tu 250 is a good starter bike, others are fine on a bike like that. Take the class first. See how comfortable you are on those class bikes.

Dirt is a great place to start, but riding street is a whole other ballgame.

 

I agree that the 250 cc bikes are great starter bikes except that after 2 months your riding skills and confidence have usually developed to the point that it's just not enough motorcycle any longer. Personally I think the 883 would give someone of your size years of enjoyment. You control how much of the bikes power you're using with your own right hand. Whatever you choose best of luck to ya and see you in the wind!

 

A couple of good suggestions from kngpn , buying a Honda Rebel, supposed to be ergonomically close to a small Harley like the Sportster and take a rider safety course.

 

It's not the power of the 883, it's the weight of the bike, a lot of it up high.

 

Agree about the weight. I think a 250 though has so little power you can get in trouble from that. I'd go a Honda Shadow 600 or 750

 

If you like it buy it especially if the price is right. A inexpensive shock lowering kit will more than likely put your feet on the ground at 5-6". Take MSF course by all means and enjoy. If you bought it right you should have no trouble selling it right if it doesn't work out for you.

 

Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best and buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford. Good luck.

 

True that. That was just sort of a base example of the start of the spectrum of beginner bikes. I see a Honda and others have started going with a 300cc base model now. Still too much of a dog for me, but a woman I work with and a newish rider is happy with the power of her cb300f. Definitely not a highway bike.