i am one that believes in starting with a smaller bike to learn the basics of starting, stopping, cornering, etc - but lets face it, you're an adult and can make your own decision as to what bike you want to buy. like all riders there are those who have wrecked and those who will, so think about that when you're looking to buy your first bike. The GS500 and EX500 make nice starter bikes as well as the Bandit 600 (Suzuki). After 6months to a year you'll be ready for the bigger cc bikes...