Should I buy the motorcycle I want or the motorcycle I should learn on?

This is probably one of the most controversial questions in motorcycling.

Should I buy the bike I want or should I buy a cheap, smaller motorcycle to learn on? This is a highly debatable topic and if you ask a hundred people you might just get a hundred different answers.

The reason for the diversity is probably due to the fact that everyone is different with different capabilities, mindsets and physical characteristics. To best answer this question you should first determine where you are at in your motorcycle training.

First you can always start small but you can't always start big. A smaller motorcycle is lighter, more maneuverable and more forgiving to mistakes than a bigger motorcycle is. If you make a mistake on a big motorcycle it's usually worse than the same mistake on a smaller one. Confidence is a big part of motorcycling and a mistake on a bigger motorcycle could kill your confidence very quickly. A lot of people don't want to start off with a smaller motorcycle because they feel they will get bored with it quickly and will only have to buy another, bigger motorcycle. There is some truth to that but always keep your safety and learning abilities in mind when deciding, also a smaller, cheaper motorcycle is cheaper to repair or replace in the event of a mishap.

For those who wish to start out with a bigger motorcycle you should already have a good basic understanding of motorcycling, the functions of your motorcycle and the physical abilities to handle the extra weight and size. The advantage to this is you may end up keeping this motorcycle longer and if you are planning on riding passengers the more powerful engine will help you pull the additional weight. Also the added horsepower is needed if you plan on riding on the highways or in hilly areas.

Now neither one of these scenarios probably answered your question, which one should I start out with? This is probably a question that is best answered by you. Keep your expectations low and give yourself all the time you need to be able to competently control your motorcycle.

Another point worth mentioning is no matter which route you decide to take always make sure your motorcycle is sound mechanical condition. Buying a used cheaper motorcycle may mean it needs mechanical care. A motorcycle that isn't running properly can hurt you and kill your confidence.