Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: new rider,,, first bike, kawasaki eliminator 250, suzuki savage 650

Question
I am a 36 year old "newbie" rider currently attending the rider safety course. I do not yet own a bike nor have I ever driven a motorcycle prior to the class. Seeings how I am only 4'11" in height I know my options are limited. I am considering either purchasing a Honda Rebel (234cc) or a Honda Shadow VLX (583cc) because of the low seat height. What are your thoughts and recomendations?

Answer
Either bike would be okay, you'd learn a lot faster and develop confidence quicker with the Rebel, which is very light and easy to manage. The Shadow is rather long and heavy and would be harder to learn on. You should also take a look at the Yamaha Virago 250 or 535 or the Kawasaki Eliminator 250. My sister Celia is about your size and her first bike was a Suzuki Savage 650--she managed it pretty well.

If you're physically strong/in shape, you are probably okay to go with a bigger bike like the Shadow or the Savage. If you're not very strong you need to stick with a 250 to learn the ropes, then move up to a bigger bike after a couple years of riding.

Pat