This was my first motorcycle. I am 5ยด8 140 lbs. This is a good starter bike, upright riding posture, fairly lightweight, and forgiving. More importantly practice everyday. This is imperative for any rider no matter what type of bike. Take a riding course and apply and reapply those fundamentals. Work on a strategy for riding. Watch others make mistakes and work to avoid those. You never stop learning or developing riding skills.