Right size bike for someone smaller?

I am saving up to get my first bike in the spring or maybe late fall if i get a job. I plan on taking riding safety course and wont really have much street experience when i get this bike. I have dirt biked for 8 years so it will be a bit of a transition.

I am smaller, 5'7 160 pounds. Planning on spending around 3,500-4,200. Just seeing if there was anyone out there my size, or knew some bikes that might be better for someone smaller.

Thanks

Go to your local motorcycle dealers and sit on some of the bikes. Figure out which seat height and riding position you prefer. When you take the MSF course you will have the opportunity to ride several types of bikes. You might find the smaller cruisers to be a bit cramped -- I know I'm a bit cramped on my GZ250 and I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam.

Seriously consider buying used for your first bike. You can easily get into motorcycling for under $3000 (including bike, insurance, gear, and price of the MSF course).

Most bikes can be lowered. Find what you like - then check into what it takes to lower that bike if needed.

Thanks for the responses. A 250 seems kind of small though. I rode a yz250 while dirt biking. Thinking about a 500-600 something i can learn on but will need to hold back a bit.

Are you more interested in sport bikes, cruisers, or standards?

A Ninja 250 will easily go interstate speeds and I believe the new model tops out around 110 MPH (faster than my car can go, that's for sure).

I am ~5'8" 130lbs and am VERY comfortable on my 08 Ninja 250r. It is also my first bike and I had zero experience prior to buying it.

I know I can only speak for myself, but I find it to be virtually a perfect beginner bike (or small CC bike, since some people are satisfied with it and don't feel the need to upgrade to ridiculous amounts of power & torque). I sat on the bike you mentioned, but it wasn't comfortable to me because I felt like I had to reach too far and didn't like my feet our in front of me (actually felt more vulnerable).... but this is a matter of personal preference. I didn't start out considering a sport bike because of their reputation (to a non-rider), but was surprised to find how upright the Ninja 250 actually rides. Because of the sports-style gearing, it is MUCH more capable on the freeway, and I am usually in the fast lane. The dealer tried to stear me away from the cruiser style with a 250, said it really wasn't enough to get out of the way on the freeway. Although a little more power in the Ninja would be nice, I can say that the ninja 250 out performs any car I have ever owned (2 accords and an SUV), and will go 100mph (my lawyers say I should insert a disclaimer here: Don't break the law or do anything dangerous, blah blah blah...).

What others said about lowering is true. I have seen kits for the Ninja 250 (no reason to look for parts on other bikes), but I can put both feet completely on the ground, and suspect you could too. I have also seen risers for the Ninja bars, in case you want them even higher!

In conclusion: I am in love with my Ninja 250 and love to see others love it too, but recognize it is a personal choice. I second the advise from others to sit on as many bikes as you can and find what you are comfortable with. If you have your heart set on a cruiser-style bike, you may want to look in the 500-600cc range (for your budget this will put you in the the used catagory.... which may be smarter anyways). Also, when you buy a bike from a dealer, you get SCREWED in fees! I paid sticker ($3500) for my new Ninja, but out the door had spent $4800! I did add $400 for the longest warranty, so subtracting that would still be around $4400 OTD! From what I hear, that is status quo..... just something to be aware of. Those extra little fees really add up.

OK, I think I am talking too much....

EDIT: On more careful re-read, I realize it wasn't you who mentioned the GZ250, sorry about that.

Thanks for the responses. A 250 seems kind of small though. I rode a yz250 while dirt biking. Thinking about a 500-600 something i can learn on but will need to hold back a bit.

Now I have never been on a dirt bike, but my understanding is they are apples & oranges (not to mention the differences in their gearing).

The GZ250 is actually more of a standard bike than a cruiser posture-wise. One interesting note is that I discovered that I am way more comfortable taking turns at speed when I lean over the tank. Perhaps its my experience riding a bicycle, which has much the same posture as the Ninja 250... and certainly more hunched over than my GZ250. Looks like I'll be in the market for a sport bike next year. :)

I will talk to some of the people at school that ride and see if i can check out their bikes. Yeah, i know dirt biking and street bikes are different but i just want something with enough power to keep me on the same bike for a few years. Ill check out a few 250's and see what i think though.

Thanks

FYI - I'm a bit smaller than you :)