Motorcycle for a beginner?

First of all, in CA you have to take the safety course in order to get your M1 if you are under 21. I don't know what state you're in but I highly recommend this as it will give you everything you need to know. Plus, it's in lieu of taking the dmv road test so win-win!

I started riding at your age and am now 28. As a female beginner it is good to start out with lower cc. Stay AWAY from dirt bike/street bikes (or enduros) as they sit much higher up and are harder to control. At the safety course they gave us Honda Rebels 250s to learn on. It was a bit stiff riding around in the small area. But after I got my license I test drove a Ninja 500cc and LOVED it. It had a bigger engine but rode so much easier because it's a sport bike. The only negative is if you don't like being in the crouched position. I personally didn't mind.

I originally wanted to start off with a 250 as well. But after riding the 500 I realized it was worth it especially if you are going to ride on freeways. They just get up to speed a little faster and you don't want cars whizzing by you. I would say start out with a used 500. That way you can get used to it and feel comfortable until you get a bigger bike. And you don't spend top dollar on something you may want to trade up soon.

As far as models and brands, that's up to you. Honda Rebels are smaller and shorter if you aren't comfortable with height. I personally like Kawasaki Ninjas as they feel best to me. Yamaha's generally have wider seats so I'd stay away from those even though they have awesome bikes. I'd say go by a dealer and take a look at a few. Then go online, find one for sale used, take a test ride, and if you like it, get it.

Also, the less cc you have, the less insurance will be. Hope this helps!

A ninja 250 is a good starter bike. Dont worry too much about your height. ALL bikes can be lowered. As far as insurance if you finance a bike and need full coverage you are probably looking at, depending on grades and what state you live in, around 36-70 dollars a month. As far a the next bike up would probably be a ninja 500r but i would skip that. When you feel comfortable enough in your leaning and at highway speeds I would jump to a ninja zx6r. Will have MORE then enough power then 90% of all the riders out there need. If you want more power then you will ever need then you could go up to a liter bike but ive owned those. The difference between a liter bike and a 600 is little to nothing in the city. If you wanna go from like 115 mph to like 170 mph pretty quick get a liter bike.

The Ninja 250 is labeled an "Entry level sportbike" by the manufacturer. It is good for a beginner. However, it has a seat height of 30.5 inches. Which may be too tall for you. What ever bike you decide on you need to be able to plant both feet on the ground at a stop. Two bikes come to mind. Suzuki GZ250 and Yamaha 250cc v-star. Both have a seat height of 27inches. There is also the Honda Rebel with a seat height of 26 inches. However, the Honda Rebel has 16 hp where the suzuki Gz has 20.5 hp and the Yamaha has 18hp. If you plan on riding on the freeway you would really appreciate the extra 4.5 hp of the Suzuki. If you just plan on riding around town the Honda rebel gets the best gas mileage.

I advise against the Ninja, they are designed for more experienced riders, altho the 250 seems to attract beginners. Try a Cruiser or standard model, they are more user and insurance friendly.

The Honda Rebel and Yamaha V twin , I forget the name, Suzuki probably makes one also.

Take the class BEFORE you get your license, In some areas the class is both required and takes the place of the test.

You can pick the bike by putting both feet flat on the ground.

The Ninja is a sport bike.

You'd probably be better off on a 'standard' to begin with.

Check out the Honda 250. They hold resale value well if not mistreated.

Buy a good used one. Get your feet wet on it, and move on when you're ready.

By then you'll also have a better idea of what you want in a bike.

If you want a sport bike, I think a Ninja 250 would be a great bike for you. If not, check out the Honda Rebel 250.

Take a look at a 250cc Virago. They give exclent gas mileage, cruiser style. Handles great in town or on the road.