Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: which bike?, honda kawasaki, cc range

Question
Hi, I am 35 years old and only 5 foot tall and I am wanting to buy my first bike. I want a dirtbike I can ride on and off road. I've never driven one myself so would you have any suggestions as to what size would be good for me?

Answer
Please forgive me for the late reply. My wife and I just had our first baby so I'm a little outnumbered these days!

First, before you do anything else, go take the MSF BRC course. Call 800-446-9227 to find a course near you. Don't get on a bike before you've completed the course.

For a dual-sport bike and your size, your options are fairly limited--which is good. Too many people have too many choices when shopping for a motorcycle, and often they choose the wrong one.

I recommend you find a four-stroke dual-sport (a dirt bike with lights, horn, etc.) in the 100-225 cc range. That should make a great starter bike and fit your inseam okay. Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha all make suitable models.

For more information, I recommend you check out my book "How to Ride a Motorcycle; A Rider's Guide to Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development." I have quite a bit of info in there for selecting a first bike, and some examples of good dual-sports.

Pat