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I probably will go with a used. I initially wanted new because I buy new cars, but I found a mechanic than can check out a used bike. So now a used makes better sense.
Get one of the usual culprits, 250 dual sport, standard 250-500 cc, small cruiser, preferably used. Ride it for six months (or end up liking at keep it, had my starter bike for almost ten years now). Even now I'd only lose about $2,000 if on it. It was bought with 600 miles on it from someone that bought new and ended back at the dealership however it did after getting dropped. Minor cosmetic damage, 2-3 years old, 600 miles, about 60% of the price of a new one. Cheap enough I just kept it when I moved up to a larger bike. It's better around town. Only place it really struggles is trying to go up a mountain.
Get a Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 or Indian Scout Sixty.
Not actually beginner bikes, despite what the salesmen like to tell women. The Sportster is notoriously bad for beginners, thanks to its weight and high center of gravity. And the Scout 60 is a pretty good size engine for a beginner.
I would recommend no more engine than a 650 for a 61 year old absolute beginner. I know this from my experience as a 49 year old absolute beginner. If you like the cruiser style, consider a Kawasaki Vulcan, Yamaha VStar, or a Honda Shadow. All perfectly legit entry level cruisers for a big dude.
Someone else hit on it earlier, sit on and try out as many different models as you can. Every model is slightly different and if you go used it may have aftermarket equipment that changes the feel of it over a "factory" model. If your not completely comfortable sitting on it chances are you'll hate riding it.
Have fun, it's an amazing journey when you get one.
due to your height, I would think you'd be more comfortable on a kawasaki versys compared to a honda rebel, but the look and style is quite different and may not be of interest to you. Otherwise, perhaps a slightly larger but still beginner friendly suzuki savage.
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If you like the cruiser style, consider a Kawasaki Vulcan, Yamaha VStar, or a Honda Shadow. All perfectly legit entry level cruisers for a big dude.
