As a soon-to-be rider, I've been reading a lot about what bikes I should consider for my starter ride. But here's something I haven't seen: What are the bikes that, as a new, mechanically challenged rider, I should absolutely avoid? Are there certain bikes out there that those in the know would tell someone to absolutely avoid?

I'm not referring to the obvious, like the $100,000 custom chopped job or some half-ton monstrosity (no offense intended). Instead, I'm wondering about those bikes that a person of modest means with minimal experience might consider as a first ride. For example, I've been told that, if you don't like to turn a wrench, you should never consider a HD from the 70s.

Thoughts?