I am 5'4" would a Yamaha Virago 250 cruiser be a good first motorbike if I want to ride a Harley?

People didn't notice the Aussie Learners restriction....

Yeah, the Virago 250 is a good little bike. Not quite as little as the other 250 cruisers due to the V-Twin design versus the parallel twin/single designs. It will manage highway speeds and the eventual transistion to the much heavier Harley will be painless.

A motorcycle is a motorcycle--that said, there are 3 main types of motorcycles. The first is a standard. You basically sit upright and you body is more perpendicular to the ground. Second is a sportbike. You will most likely lean forward more towards the tank to lower your center of balance. Last is a cruiser. It is likened to the cowboys riding in the old west of the US. You will be more laid back with your feet forward.

A Virago is a cruiser--just as most Harleys are. If this is the kind of riding style that suits you, then it is a fine bike. Also, most cruisers have a low seat height, which will also be more beneficial for "flat footing" when you are stopped if you are worried about height.

I like the idea of a smaller cced bike to start. The more ccs, the heavier the bike when it comes to having to pick it up. Also it is easier to manuver and better to learn on.

Don't be swayed by people saying that a Harley is different, better or another type of motorcycle. It has two wheels. You use countersteering to turn it. You need to learn the dynamics of emergency stops. You need to look 12 seconds ahead in traffic. All this is something you will need to learn to do if you ride on two wheels--whether it is a Harley or a Yamaha.

If you have little or no previous experience then yes it will be a good place to start. My wife is 5'4 and started on a Rebel 250 which is nearly identical in seat height to the Virago. She was quite comfortable with it's size and weight. Please get a used one. No point in wasting extra money if you happen to drop it. You'll grow out of it in maybe 6 months and will be ready to move on (another good reason to go used) so at that time take a look at the weight difference a Harley has and decide if you're ready to go that route. Make sure you're comfortable with your ride, whatever you choose. If it sits in the garage for months at a time because you're unhappy with it, that's a tragedy for you both.

Good luck and ride safe!

What is the point of getting a 250cc anything? If you need to re-up your skill level to get comfortable with riding, get a bike that is bigger to begin with- such as a 650cc anything. When you are comfortable riding, get the HD tthat fits your frame and personality. I would not recommend getting a Sporty for any reason- they are top heavy and not real friendly for shorter people. My Softail Deuce sits lower than a Sporty and has a lower center of gravity. Yes, it's a few hundred pounds heavier, but the center of balance is more an issue than the actual weight.

When you do go get your bike- whatever it is- make sure that it has engine guards and that the handlebars provide you with appropriate reach. You want to be able to reach the bars without Speed Racer arms (straight out from your shoulder without a comfortable bend at the elbows).

NO. If you ride a Virago first you will never be satisfied with a Harley.

The 250cc Virago is an excellent bike, much better than a 883 Sportster.

If you want to ride a Harley, just get a Harley.

You can start out on a 883 Sporty and trade up after a year or so of saddle time.

Er... No, you'd be as well to get a sportster. If you want a Harley - get a Harley!

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