Recommended entry level bike for a bigger guy?

I am new to riding and am looking for a good entry level bike for a bigger guy (I'm 6'3" and about 230lbs). I prefer the standard/cruiser style bikes as opposed to the aggressive sportbikes. Any recommendations with about a $3,000 budget?

For a bigger guy with 3,000 bucks that likes standard/cruisers......I would highly recommend a used metric cruiser between 650 and 1100 cc's. First one that comes to mind is the Yamaha V-star classic. Actually, that was MY first motorcycle and I loved it because it was not a physically small bike, yet it was'nt overpowered either. It was also light and easy to handle.

My first bike was a Honda CB750. I am only 170lbs, but my room mate learned to ride on it and he said he was comfortable for a beginner bike and he was in the low 300's.
It was an older bike. A 79' and i got it for 800 bucks. Was a great beginner bike to learn the road and take/pass the M liscence exam.

for 3 grand you could get a crotch rocket, but for exams those are not easy. Leaning vs. turning!

Good luck

Look for a clean used Honda Shadow 1100 or a Yamaha V-star in that same CC. Cant go wrong.

I agree with the others. A used Honda Shadow can be had for around $3K (I just bought a SUPER clean 1997 Shadow ACE for $3300 last weekend - and I LOVE IT, even though I ride a Kawasaki Z1000 naked sport bike)

You can find a Suzuki Volusia 800cc with low miles or a Honda SHadow 1100 also with low miles (like, below 15K) for around that price. For your size, bigger is better.

I agree with most of the others... Any used cruiser style bike in the 600-1100 cc range would be a good first bike. Don't spend all your money on the bike and then scrimp on quality safety gear (Helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, etc.)

Also, I strongly recommend that BEFORE you buy ANYTHING... Sign up and take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic rider's course... This short weekend class could be the most important two days you will ever spend.

Http://www.msf-usa.org

At 6'3" and 230 pounds you need a physically large bike. In the price range you're looking t I feel there is only one choice...A Suzuki Volusia. It's 800cc's so it will run down the road easy enough and it's bigger than a H-D Electra Glide physically. ((( it really is...wheelbase is longer and it's overall longer too )))