I would not recommend a sportbike with a fairing. High chance the bike will get dropped, and that plastic isn't cheap.

a dirt bike is so tall.

the hardest thing i had to overcome was getting balance. two solid feet on the ground was crucial. i would think a lower bike was the better idea for me.

^^^
How tall is the lad?
I have a "new" '10 Suzuki DRZ400 sitting in my living room...596 miles. Lowered 1" front/back.
I'll be putting it on Craigslist soon.

I really enjoy my Kawasaki KLR250 Enduro, street legal with lights signals, and mirrors, but off road ready. It will only do about 80 MPH, and is cheap to operate. I have had street bikes, and like the option of being off road, farm lanes, trails, and around the farm.

A Ninja will soon be tested at it's limits by any kid that age.

My son is now 19 years old, and in diesel school. He started on a minibike at 8 years old, and then went to an Honda XR75, then an XR100, and now an XR 200 (we ride together with my KLR 250, and his XR200). We have outlawed him from getting a street bike while he lives in our house, but are rest assured that he knows how to handle a bike if he does get one in the future.

It's not his abilities that scare me, it other people's inattention.

...and we all had our first ride end in the side of a barn, ditch or hedge ;)

Fourthed.

He needs seat time. I road dirt bikes for years before I was allowed on the street. My first street bike was a Honda XL 250. Pleanty of bike.

Oh yeah. And my first wheelie was accidental when my hand slipped off of the clutch. Gotta say the bike looked great screaming down the street on one wheel... from where it left me flat on my back!

+3 or are we at 4 or 5?

250 - 500cc

I actually though of getting a used little Ninja for commuting but it didn't happen.

I would vote for a 250 enduro that's street legal. The dirt really teaches you things.

Absolutely the MSF Course. I have a kid in the same spot.

I was quite impressed with a little CBR250 when one of my sons riding friends came over with one and asked me to check it out for him. Enough power to be fun without stupid power. Compared favourably to my son's older air could GS500.

Don't go by displacement. There are vast differences in power between bikes at various CC levels

I actually wonder if a Royal Enfield might be a good bike for him

KRAP!! how much? :D

$5,000/offer
.
It lives in my living room. Original owner.
Hundreds of $$$ of new extras available...never installed.
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1522347249.jpg
~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1522347369.jpg

I should add a high power 500cc is not good idea for a beginner, or a thumper. Drop the clutch on a 500cc single and the bike won't stall it will walk away from you, not a good thing if you are siting at an intersection. Ask me how I know (Honda XL500).

Yeah, people tend to focus on displacement but the real issues are power delivery, ride height and, weight. A slip of the wrist or losing your grip on the clutch is very different between a 1200cc Sportster and a 600cc sport bike. I also agree about the fairing. Some good starter bikes are:

Suzuki TU250x
Honda CB300F
Yamaha SR400
Honda CB500X/F

The new Honda Rebel has been redesigned as a cruiser, low seat, comfortable seating position, 300cc fuel injected twin (I looked at the 500 but talked myself out of it)

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/2017-honda-rebel-300-cruiser-of-the-year

Dang, a lot to respond to.. He's a very responsible kid. That said, I'm not a huge fan of the idea, but he's hard -headed like his parents and has his own money. Budget is ~$5300 for the bike and gear. He's an electrical eng student and is putting in the research.... Riding would be around Waco & College Station, mostly. Wish we'd had the land and money to put into dirt bikes but didn't at the time. That is definately the way to start.

He just went through the safety course and got the endorsement (I think that added some fuel to the fire).

He's about 5'8" so, would likely be able to manage most any of those mentioned.

Still hoping common sense will win out but, if not, I may borrow it a lot. Ha.

Thanks for all the feedback!

Clearlake David PM me your number, if you get a chance. You know this guy from Scouts...

Dave Taylor
'63 Beetle

That DRZ is nice. Kind of a long way to go though...

I agree with all those riders from the Pelican BMW R1100S motorcycle board that chimed in about getting a dirt bike first. Learn to ride and learn to fall. (Although my first fall was off a homemade mini-bike in the street. It was a bloody mess...)

Houston, first bike, tons of traffic and crazys. Pure street bike is not a good plan in the beginning. Riders are not equal in the beginning, or even through life. It's a continuous learning experience. Best to start learning in relative safety. Motorcycle accidents are very unforgiving.