What do you guy's think regarding a starter bike for 18 y/o?

[er.medic]

My son is turning 18 y/o in April and wants to buy a motorcycle. He has never ridden on the road. His only experience with motorcycles was a Yamaha TTR 90 he started riding when he was 8. I am looking at a Honda Shadow Aero. It has a low seat height and relatively low curb weight at 550 lbs. I will insist that he take the Beginner Rider Course, the Experienced Rider Course, and perhaps the Ride Like A Pro class in Tampa. Any sage advice from any of you that have been down this road with any of your kids would be welcome.

[jkelley]

Shadow is good, M-50 good, CTX-700 is a great bike as well.

[BobinMich]

KLR line is nice. Personally, for me, when my son just started on the road, I stuck with a thumper. Actually, a 30+ year old Yamaha exciter. It went 75 mph, got 70 mpg and was a great beginners bike for him. Bought it for 1000, sold it a year later and 5,000 miles later, for 1000. Can't go wrong with a cheap old scoot. They also get to learn a little about upkeep etc on the old bikes.... I understand a small thumper may be "too small" for some...but for my son, it was a great learners bike.

[motoman]

One word: Grom.

[bigbird]

It depends on where his riding location will take him.

Will he like exploring off the beaten path in addition to urban riding? If so, a Honda CRF250L would be my choice.
Street only? Honda CB300FA.
Cruiser? Get his sea legs first on a lighter, more nimble bike and deal with the cruiser thing later.

Did I mention I like Honda's?

[er.medic]

That is kinda what I was thinking. The one we are looking at is a 2004 Shadow Aero for $2500. Has 12,000 miles but needs some cosmetic work. I was thinking that he could learn some maintenance and detailing skills.

[er.medic]

I love Honda's as well, my very first bike was a little Honda 50 I rode in the back yard as a kid. I even got the tank painted metal flake as a Christmas gift. This was back in the 70's. Remember the metal flake craze? He won't be doing anything off road, all urban riding.

[er.medic]

One word: Grom.

What is a Grom?

[bigbird]

What is a Grom?

Google is your friend.

Much faster than me typing in a link for you.

[jaygollner]

That is kinda what I was thinking. The one we are looking at is a 2004 Shadow Aero for $2500. Has 12,000 miles but needs some cosmetic work. I was thinking that he could learn some maintenance and detailing skills.

That sounds like a good choice it's a good strong bike, and that sounds like a good price.