What bike would be recommended for a beginner?

[Struckdown]

Here's a question posed to me.... I wasn't sure how to answer. Maybe someone else can help.
What bike would be recommended for a beginner? Actually, a BIG beginner
"I haven't had a motorcycle of my own since I was a kid.
Now I'm really out of touch with what's out there in terms of CCs. The newer bikes are much more powerful than the old bikes I tried out as a kid.
That's where I need guidance. I'm not a big guy so it wouldn't take much power to carry me up a hill. I'd want to buy a used bike and cost is definitely a factor."

Well, can anyone help me out answering that question?
Thanks in advance.

[Sandblaster]

Hi Struckdown.
Well that is a hard question to answer.
A lot depends on previous experience and what type of riding interests you.
Can you tell us what bikes you have rode and where you rode them at?
What kind of riding can you see yourself doing? Desert, Single track trail riding, sand dunes, back yard devastator, Motocross?
Approximate weight and height would also help.
Thanks!
SB

[Struckdown]

The previous bikes were the Honda Big Wheel 200 and a little Honda 90.
These bikes were mostly for trails, though the Honda 200 was used on jumps. It didn't have a very high top speed and it was heavy so there was nothing too exciting about the jumps.
Keep in mind the user was a kid at the time so these bikes were just right for their intended purpose.
The weight of the user is currently probably around 160lbs.
The Honda 200 was ridden out in the country on hills, trails, mud and in fields.
I rode the Honda 200 out there myself and it was a blast but the bike is so wide it feels like you're riding a horse.

Struckdown

[Sandblaster]

Well......
If your going to trail ride it and not in the sand I think you should get a four stroke in the 200-250 range.
I like the Honda CRF230R as it is fairly light, handles very well, has electric start and they are affordable.
Here is one I found on C/L in your area:
http://roseburg.craigslist.org/mcy/3122609719.html
Another great bike is the Yamaha TTR230.
Here is a link to it:
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/mcy/3155815976.html

Let's say that you wanted to ride it in the sand or wanted to ride it on a MX track.
Then I would say get a 250 2 stroke.
It will take a little more riding experience but they will offer a lot more performance.
One of my employees had only rode bicycles before he came to work here.
I picked up a Husqvarna CR250 2002 that I thought was a little much for him.
We went out to the sand dunes and much to my surprise he did great.
He rode it for 3 years and loves that bike to this day.
Here is some good examples of a few 250's in your local area:
http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/3141781784.html
http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/3139894651.html

There are many others as well but I would look for 95 and newer KX250, CR250, YZ250, or RM250.
In the end, you have to decide what's right for you.
I would stay with as new of a bike as you can afford.
Anything past 10-15 years old starts getting dicey when trying to find parts.
It use to be that the manufactures had parts for decades.
Now, after 10 years they loose interest in supporting them.
If you want to take some test rides I'm sure I can find a few things around here to put a smile on your face.
Thanks!
SB

[Struckdown]

Thanks!
He'll like this info. He's back living up in the hills again and will appreciate the advice.

As for me..... I don't have the space right now and the family would just about strangle me if I brought home a motorcycle.
Thanks again for all the info and your time.
~Struckdown