Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: First Bike, first, bike

Question
Hello,
My name is Jeremy and i've been looking into buying a motorcycle. I'm 19 and I've never ridden a motorcycle before but i really want to learn. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how many cc i should get. I realize that getting a bike that's too powerful is a recipe for disaster so i just wanted to know how many cc you think is appropriate for a first time bike owner.

Thanks,
Jeremy

Answer
My general recommendation for a first bike for a beginner is either a 4-cyl bike no larger than 500 cc or a 2-cyl bike no larger than 650 cc.

In my book "How to Ride a Motorcycle" I go through the ins and outs of the first bike and make several recommendations in various classes (cruiser, sport bike, etc.) for good bikes to start with.

Pat