newbie soon-to-be-rider with ?'s

[fredintoon]

Smart move.

Hi Firekick3,
Congratulations on deciding to become a motorcycle rider.
Anyone using an 1100cc machine as a "starter bike" is liable to end up as a 50 foot smear of forensic evidence.
IMHO a beginner should start with a 250cc or smaller on/off dirt bike & work up in stages.
Your decision to buy the 500cc Honda Shadow is a good one, though even it could get a beginner into serious trouble.
Take the course and remember, 90% of car drivers cannot even see you and half the rest want you dead.
Fred Hill, S'toon

[Pat Kelly]

Too bad the US market dosen't support smaller displacement street bikes. 600cc is considered a small bike anymore. Gone are the days of 125 - 400cc roadbikes.
I have a co-worker (6'4") looking to get a bike to learn on. Local Yamaha dealer told him 750cc would be the smallest bike he'd be happy with. Ergonomically they may be right but practically they are wrong. I suggested that he find a 250cc + dual sport.
Personally I liked the 400 Honda Hawk I rode for years. Nimble around town and could still do 80-90 MPH for hours on the freeway.